Nacho Salad is the perfect way to bring excitement to your salad game! It’s crunchy, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. This salad combines nutritious veggies, lean ground turkey, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips, all topped off with a creamy salsa dressing.
It’s a non-boring, satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this Nacho Salad will be a hit with the whole family.
This salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily prep it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
The combination of textures—from the juicy cherry tomatoes to the crunchy tortilla chips—along with the savory seasoned turkey and zesty dressing, ensures that every bite is full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still enjoying a tasty, satisfying meal.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 package (24 g) of low-sodium taco seasoning (see notes for substitution)
- 1 can (540 mL) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1.5 cups corn kernels
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pint (681 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 batch of creamy salsa dressing
Instructions:
- In a pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and season with salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the veggies are coated.
- To assemble the salad, start by adding the chopped romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl. Top with the black bean and veggie mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
- Drizzle the salad with creamy salsa dressing and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful Nacho Salad!
Notes:
- For a meal prep version of this salad, store the cooked ground turkey and black bean mixture separately from the lettuce and dressing. When ready to serve, combine the lettuce with the black bean mix, top with dressing, and sprinkle with cheese and tortilla chips for a fresh, crunchy texture.
- You can replace the taco seasoning with a homemade version by mixing together ½ tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of dried oregano.
- While nutritional information can be helpful, remember that enjoying your food and nourishing your body and soul is just as important. This recipe is about more than just numbers—it’s about savoring a delicious meal that brings joy to your table.
