Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Salad with Avocado Crema

Prep: 15 minCook: 35 min4 servingsmediumTex-Mex
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Salad with Avocado Crema

A nutritious taco salad featuring seasoned ground turkey and tender sautéed sweet potatoes served over crisp romaine lettuce. The combination of cumin, coriander, and coconut aminos gives the turkey a savory depth, while shredded sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and hearty texture. Topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy avocado crema made with lime juice, this colorful salad works perfectly as a satisfying lunch or light dinner. The sweet and savory flavors create a well-balanced meal that's both filling and fresh.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 lb turkey, ground
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp coriander, ground
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbsp Bragg's / coconut aminos
    soy sauce1:1umamiadds glutenadds soy

    traditional taco seasoning

    Full guide →
  • ½ onions, red, diced
  • 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded
    butternut squash1:1vegetableadds dairy

    similar texture when cooked

    Full guide →
  • 1 lettuce, romaine hearts, sliced
  • 8 oz tomatoes, cherry or grape, halved
  • 1 ½ Tbsp oil, cooking
  • 0.0 cup avocado crema
  • ¼ cup cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 avocados, medium
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp lime juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat skillet, saute pan, or wok over medium-high heat

  2. 2

    Add oil then red onions and ground turkey to heated oil

  3. 3

    Saute for 2 to 3 minutes

  4. 4

    Add sweet potatoes with some salt

  5. 5

    Stir and saute for another 6 to 8 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender

  6. 6

    Divide romaine lettuce among serving bowls

  7. 7

    Layer with turkey and sweet potatoes

  8. 8

    Top with tomatoes and avocado crema

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure sweet potatoes are shredded finely so they cook evenly and become tender in the specified time.

Tip 2

Prepare the avocado crema by mashing the avocado with lime juice and salt until smooth and creamy.

Tip 3

Season the turkey mixture with the cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and onion powder while cooking for best flavor distribution.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate assembled salad for up to 2 days. Store avocado crema separately to prevent browning.

Make Ahead

Cook turkey and sweet potato mixture up to 2 days ahead. Prepare avocado crema just before serving.

Serve With

Serve immediately after assembly for best texture. Provide lime wedges on the side.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking turkey to avoid steaming instead of browning

Watch

Avoid making avocado crema too far ahead as it will brown despite lime juice

Substitutions

ground turkey
ground chicken1:1protein

similar lean protein

Full guide →
sweet potatoes
butternut squash1:1vegetableadds dairy

similar texture when cooked

Full guide →
coconut aminos
soy sauce1:1umamiadds glutenadds soy

traditional taco seasoning

Full guide →
romaine lettuce
mixed greens1:1base

any sturdy lettuce works

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground turkey with seasoned black beans, lentils, or crumbled firm tofu for a plant-based protein option.

How long will the avocado crema keep?

The avocado crema is best used within 1-2 hours of making. The lime juice helps prevent browning but won't stop it completely.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but regular potatoes will take longer to cook and won't provide the natural sweetness that balances the spices.