Are you searching for a healthy yet flavorful alternative to traditional tacos? Look no further than the Optavia Taco Salad. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a burst of zesty flavors, this dish is a perfect choice for those following the Optavia program or anyone looking for a nutritious meal.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of Optavia Taco Salad, including its ingredients, preparation method, storage tips, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in!

What is Optavia Taco Salad?

Optavia Taco Salad is a satisfying and low-calorie dish that combines the goodness of lean ground turkey with a refreshing mix of vegetables.

This salad is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of traditional tacos without the extra calories and carbohydrates found in taco shells or tortillas.

It is specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of the Optavia program, which focuses on healthy weight loss and long-term maintenance.

The Ingredients:

To prepare an Optavia Taco Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

Lean ground turkey: Serves as a lean protein source for the taco salad, providing essential nutrients while keeping the dish light and healthy.

Zesty taco seasoning: Infuses the ground turkey with flavorful spices, enhancing its taste and giving it a zesty and aromatic profile reminiscent of traditional taco seasoning.

Fresh chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and herbaceous flavor to the taco salad, enhancing its overall taste profile with a burst of brightness.

Canola oil: Used for cooking the ground turkey, providing a neutral flavor and helping to prevent sticking to the pan.

Spicy jalapeno: Adds heat and a spicy kick to the taco salad, enhancing its flavor profile and providing a contrasting element to the other ingredients.

Chopped lettuce: Serves as the base of the salad, providing crispness, freshness, and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Diced tomatoes: Add juiciness, sweetness, and acidity to the taco salad, providing a burst of flavor and refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.

Chobani Plain yogurt: Used as a creamy and tangy dressing for the taco salad, providing a rich and satisfying texture while adding a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.

Scallion: Adds a mild onion flavor and crisp texture to the taco salad, enhancing its overall taste profile with a hint of freshness and pungency.

Creamy avocado: Provides richness, creaminess, and healthy fats to the taco salad, adding a luscious texture and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

How to Make Optavia Taco Salad?

To prepare the Optavia Taco Salad, follow the step-by-step directions below.

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Turkey

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of canola oil.
Crumble in 1/2 pound of lean ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through.
Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of zesty taco seasoning over the turkey, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and set aside.
Dice 1/4 of a spicy jalapeno and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, layer 2 cups of chopped lettuce as the base of the salad.
Top the lettuce with the cooked ground turkey, spreading it evenly over the lettuce.
Sprinkle 3/8 cup of diced tomatoes over the turkey.
Add 1/4 of a creamy avocado, diced, on top of the salad.
Scatter the chopped cilantro and diced jalapeno over the salad for added flavor and heat.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of Chobani Plain yogurt over the salad for a creamy finish.
Slice 1/2 stick of scallion and sprinkle it over the top of the salad as a garnish.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Optavia Taco Salad.
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

Notes:

1. Optavia Taco Salad is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers.

2. To add some extra crunch, you can sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or toasted pumpkin seeds on top.

3. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on your salad.

4. Be mindful of the portion sizes to stay within your Optavia program guidelines.

5. Consider doubling the recipe to have leftovers for a quick and healthy lunch option the next day.

Storage Tips:

– Optavia Taco Salad is best enjoyed fresh.

– If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

– Keep in mind that the texture of the salad may change slightly due to the presence of tomatoes and avocado.

Nutrition Information:

– The exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

– As a general guideline, one serving of Optavia Taco Salad (using the given quantities) typically provides the following approximate nutritional information:

– Calories: 250

– Protein: 24g

– Carbohydrates: 8g

– Fat: 14g

– Fiber: 4g

– Sugar: 2g

– Sodium: 280mg

Serving Suggestions:

1. Power-Up Taco Bowl: Serve the Optavia Taco Salad on a bed of cauliflower rice or quinoa for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.

2. Mediterranean Twist: Add a dollop of tangy tzatziki sauce and a few Kalamata olives to infuse the salad with Mediterranean flavors.

3. Tex-Mex Fiesta: Serve the salad with a side of baked corn tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole for a complete Tex-Mex experience.

4. Protein-Packed Boost: Add a hard-boiled egg or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for additional protein and flavor.

5. Colorful Summer Delight: Incorporate grilled corn kernels and finely diced red bell peppers for a vibrant and fresh summer salad.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Optavia Taco Salad?

1. Protein Options:

– Lean ground chicken or beef can be used as alternatives to turkey.

– For vegetarian or vegan variations, swap the poultry with cooked quinoa, black beans, or tofu crumbles.

2. Seasoning Alternatives:

– If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can create your own blend using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

– Experiment with different spice combinations to suit your taste preferences.

3. Vegetable Variations:

– Feel free to replace or add vegetables according to your preference. Some options include diced bell peppers, cucumber, shredded carrot, or thinly sliced red onion.

4. Alternative Toppings:

– Non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream or cashew-based sour cream can replace Greek yogurt.

– Instead of avocado, you can use guacamole or sliced olives for a unique twist.

5. Lettuce Substitutes:

– Iceberg lettuce can be swapped with romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, or mixed salad greens for added variety and nutrition.

Optavia Taco Salad Recipe

Mary Lee RD

Are you searching for a healthy yet flavorful alternative to traditional tacos? Look no further than the Optavia Taco Salad.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 590 kcal

Equipment

1 non-stick skillet
1 Measuring Cup
1 measuring spoon

Ingredients

3/8 cup of diced tomatoes.
1/2 stick of scallion.
1/4 of a spicy jalapeno.
1/2 tablespoon of zesty taco seasoning.
2 tablespoons of Chobani Plain yogurt.
1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro.
1 teaspoon of canola oil.
1/2 pound of lean ground turkey.
1/4 of a creamy avocado.
2 cups of chopped lettuce.