Taco Salad with Baja Cilantro Lime Dressing

Taco Salad with Baja Cilantro Lime Dressing

Ok a taco salad can sound so blah or childish but if you load it up with lots of delicious toppings, well seasoned meat, and a drinkable dressing, it’s a HUGE weeknight win. This is also a great dish for BBQs or summer pot lucks.

serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken

• 2-3 teaspoons chipotle chili powder

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (or 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• kosher salt and pepper

• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 6 cups mixed leafy greens

• 1 can cooked black beans

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup corn (can use frozen, canned or fresh)

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• crushed tortilla chips or strips (optional)

Baja Cilantro Lime Dressing

• 1 cup plain unsweetened cashew yogurt (or greek yogurt)

• juice of 2 limes

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons raw organic honey

• 1 jalapeño, seeded if desired (optional)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

• kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.

2. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients except the chives in a blender and pulse until mostly smooth. Stir in the chives. Dressing will keep for 1 week in the fridge.

3. In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, black beans, tomatoes, corn, avocado, and cheese (if using). Top the salad with the turkey taco meat and then drizzle with the dressing. Toss to combine and then top with tortilla chips. Enjoy! 

most of my recipes are inspired by what I find online and are modified to fit my dietary preferences. I often use the picture from the originating website and do not claim ownership of these photos or recipes.