High-Protein Seven Layer Taco Salad

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Layer 1 — Lettuce Base

• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Layer 2 — Black Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Layer 3 — Protein Taco Meat

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 tbsp water

Layer 4 — Greek Yogurt Taco Cream

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp salsa
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

Layer 5 — Cheese

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Layer 6 — Fresh Veggies

• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup corn
• ¼ cup sliced green onions

Layer 7 — Toppings

• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• Crushed baked tortilla chips or tortilla strips

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Instructions

1. Cook the taco meat
   • Brown the turkey or beef in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
   • Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
2. Make the yogurt layer
   • Mix Greek yogurt, salsa, cumin, and garlic powder.
3. Assemble the layers
   In a large glass bowl or casserole dish, layer in this order:
   1. Romaine lettuce
   2. Black beans
   3. Taco meat
   4. Greek yogurt mixture
   5. Cheese
   6. Tomatoes, corn, green onions
   7. Avocado, olives, tortilla strips
4. Serve immediately
   • Best eaten fresh so the lettuce and chips stay crisp.

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Protein Boost Tips

• Add extra black beans or pinto beans
• Use cottage cheese blended into the yogurt layer
• Top with grilled chicken in addition to taco meat
• Sprinkle hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds on top

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Protein: 30–38g
• Calories: 400–500
• Fiber: 9–12g