30-Minute Thai-Inspired Ground Turkey Larb Salad
A vibrant Thai-inspired larb salad featuring seasoned ground turkey mixed with fresh mint, cilantro, and a zesty lime-fish sauce dressing served over crisp romaine lettuce. This protein-packed dish balances savory, spicy, and herbaceous flavors with a satisfying crunch from chopped peanuts. Perfect for a light dinner or entertaining, this version offers an approachable take on the traditional Laotian dish with easily accessible ingredients and a customizable heat level.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
- 1 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, finely minced
- ½ red onion, minced
- ½ fresh jalapeno pepper, minced
- 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cilantro, choppedgreen onions1:1Good option for those who dislike cilantroFull guide →
- 1 cup fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup peanuts, chopped
- fresh limes, cut(optional)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fish saucesoy sauce1:1Less authentic but still provides umami depthadds glutenadds soy
removes:fish
Full guide → - 4 tsp Golden Monkfruit Sweetenerbrown sugar1:1Traditional sweetener option
- 4 tsp Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the minced garlic, minced red onion, and minced jalapeno
- 2
Mix lime juice, fish sauce, monkfruit sweetener, and sriracha sauce to make the dressing
- 3
Mix the minced garlic, onion, and jalapeno into the raw turkey using a large spoon
- 4
Heat the peanut oil in a large frying pan and cook the turkey over medium-high heat until nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks
- 5
Turn off heat and mix about half the dressing mixture into the cooked turkey
- 6
Chop the romaine, wash, and dry thoroughly
- 7
Chop the fresh mint and cilantro
- 8
Cut fresh limes and chop peanuts for garnish
- 9
After the meat has cooled, stir in the chopped mint and cilantro
- 10
Fill salad bowl with lettuce and top with turkey mixture
- 11
Drizzle with remaining dressing if desired and sprinkle with peanuts
- 12
Serve with additional dressing and fresh limes
Tips
Use a salad spinner or paper towels to thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce to prevent a watery salad
Let the cooked turkey cool slightly before adding herbs to prevent wilting the delicate mint and cilantro
Adjust the sriracha and jalapeno amounts to customize the heat level to your preference
Good to Know
Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate from lettuce to prevent sogginess.
Turkey mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and stored covered in refrigerator. Add fresh herbs just before serving.
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain lettuce crispness. Provide lime wedges and extra dressing on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't add herbs to hot turkey or they will wilt and lose their bright flavor
Don't overdress the salad initially as lettuce will release water and dilute flavors
Substitutions
removes:fish
Full guide →FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
The turkey mixture can be prepared a day ahead, but add fresh herbs and assemble with lettuce just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
What if I don't like cilantro?
Replace cilantro with thinly sliced green onions or additional fresh mint. Some people also enjoy using Thai basil if available.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover turkey mixture keeps 2-3 days refrigerated, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh. Store components separately for best results.