Lean and Green Taco Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh and zesty, this Lean and Green Taco Salad is your go-to.

I love how this recipe packs in flavor without piling on the calories.

Start by gathering all your ingredients for a smooth cooking process.

One tip: make sure to use fresh lime juice for the dressing—it makes a world of difference.

I always enjoy the crunch from the lettuce paired with the savory ground turkey.

This salad is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch.

Feel free to add your favorite veggies to customize it to your taste.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

How to Make Lean and Green Taco Salad

Ingredients List

To make a delicious Lean and Green Taco Salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet of taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning (see note below)
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheese
• 1/4 cup diced avocado
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Olive oil spray

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil spray.

Add the lean ground beef or ground turkey and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.

Drain any excess grease once it is cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 2

Add the packet of taco seasoning or the homemade taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef.

Follow the seasoning instructions, typically adding 1/4 cup of water to the meat.

Stir well to coat, and then let it simmer over medium heat until it has thickened slightly about 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

On your cutting board, chop and dice all of the vegetables.

Begin layering your salad by adding the shredded lettuce to a large salad bowl or individual serving plates.

Step 4

Arrange the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos (if using) on top of the lettuce.

Then, sprinkle the shredded low-fat cheese over the entire salad.

Step 5

Distribute the cooked taco meat evenly over the ingredients, then drizzle the lime juice over the entire taco salad.

You can also serve this dish with salsa or low-fat dressing on the side if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Lean and Green Taco Salad as part of your meal plan for a delicious and complete meal experience!

Side Dishes for Lean and Green Taco Salad

When enjoying a delicious and healthy Lean and Green Taco Salad, you might be looking for some equally appetizing side dishes to complement your meal.

Here are a few excellent options that pair well with the taco salad and are nutritious and flavorful.

Spicy Guacamole

A side of spicy guacamole is the perfect addition to your taco salad.

Creamy, spicy, and packed with healthy fats, guacamole is a delicious dip that goes well with tortilla chips or can be added directly onto your salad for an extra kick of flavor.

Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)

Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will take your taco salad to a whole new level.

The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, creamy mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of cheese is delightful.

Elotes are easy to prepare and serve as a great side dish for many of your favorite meals.

Fresh Fruit Salsa

For a sweet, refreshing, and healthy twist, try serving a fresh fruit salsa alongside your Lean and Green Taco Salad.

This can include fruits like pineapple, mango, and blueberries mixed with a bit of jalapeno for heat.

Fruit salsa adds a light, zesty touch to your meal – perfect for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

Tortilla Chips with Homemade Salsa

One of the most popular side dishes for a taco salad is none other than tortilla chips and homemade salsa.

Pairing your taco salad with a side of crunchy, salty tortilla chips and fresh, zesty salsa can enhance the flavors and textures of your meal, making it one of your favorite recipes for years to come.

In conclusion, these side dishes offer variety and add enticing flavors and textures to your Lean and Green Taco Salad experience.

From spicy guacamole to fresh fruit salsa, these sides make your meal even more satisfying and enjoyable.

Ingredients Substitutes

Taco Seasoning

Instead of store-bought taco seasoning, you can make your own by combining chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a teaspoon of salt.

This way, you can control the sodium content and avoid any artificial additives.

Ground Turkey

Try swapping out ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option.

It’s a healthier choice and still packs a flavorful punch in your taco salad.

These substitutes can help you create a nutritious and delicious lean and green taco salad that is perfect for a satisfying meal.

How to Store Lean and Green Taco Salad

Properly storing your lean and green taco salad is essential to maintain its freshness and taste.

Here are some suggestions on how to store your taco salad effectively:

Use an Airtight Container

Place your taco salad in an airtight container to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from affecting the salad.

Make sure the container is large enough to hold the salad without squishing it, as this can cause the ingredients to become mushy.

Also, avoid packing the container too tightly as this can damage the more delicate ingredients, like avocado or lettuce.

Use Meal Prep Containers

Meal prep containers are an excellent option for portioning your taco salad into individual servings.

Divide the salad into separate containers, taking care to distribute the ingredients evenly.

This makes it easy to grab a pre-portioned serving for a quick meal on the go.

Remember to store your lean and green taco salad in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

By following these storage methods, you’ll ensure your salad stays tasty and enjoyable throughout the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Lean and Green Taco Salad:

Using Unhealthy Ingredients

When preparing a lean and green Optavia Taco Salad, it’s essential to focus on using healthy and nutritious ingredients.

Avoid using high-calorie, high-fat dressings and cheese.

Instead, opt for low-fat cheese alternatives and use fresh salsa and lime juice for extra flavor without the added calories.

Overloading on Toppings

It’s easy to get carried away with adding toppings to your healthy taco salad recipe.

Stick with moderate toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, and olives.

Too many toppings can overwhelm the taste of the salad and add unnecessary calories to your meal.

Skipping the Greens

The “green” aspect of a lean and green taco salad is crucial for nutritional value and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t skimp on fresh lettuce, spinach, or other leafy greens.

They provide essential vitamins and nutrients, as well as fiber, for a satisfying and filling meal.

Ignoring Portion Sizes

Even a healthy taco salad can become less diet-friendly when you don’t watch your portion sizes.

Be mindful of the amount of ground meat, rice, beans, or other ingredients that can quickly add up in calories.

Use a handy worksheet, or just use your plate as a reference to ensure you’re not overeating.