Savory Ground Turkey Asparagus Salad
Indulge in this refreshing Savory Ground Turkey Asparagus Salad, a delightful dish that balances protein-packed ground turkey with vibrant vegetables and tangy citrus. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad combines the rich flavors of toasted almonds and fresh herbs with a creamy, zesty dressing. Enjoy it wrapped in crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for meal prep or sharing with family and friends, this dish is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious taste.
4
Servings
170
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
1 lb (browned and drained)
Asparagus
1/2 lb (trimmed into 1-inch pieces and blanched)
Onion
1 small (sliced thin)
Orange
1 large (peeled and segmented)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Almonds
1/4 cup (chopped coarse and toasted)
Fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Nonfat sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Romaine lettuce
1 head (separated into leaves)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
2
Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus pieces in boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled ground turkey, asparagus, thinly sliced onion, orange segments, chopped red bell pepper, and toasted almonds. Mix gently to combine.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the fat-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, nonfat sour cream, ground ginger, salt, and fresh ground pepper until smooth.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the turkey mixture and fold gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6
To serve, arrange the romaine lettuce leaves on plates and spoon the turkey salad mixture into each leaf. Enjoy by wrapping the lettuce around the filling!
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
13.5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ground Turkey Asparagus Salad?
It is a refreshing and protein-packed dish that combines ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, orange segments, and a creamy zesty dressing served in Romaine lettuce leaves.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 14 grams of protein in each serving.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it contains 6.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 13.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What ingredients are used to make the dressing?
The dressing consists of fat-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, nonfat sour cream, ground ginger, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be trimmed into 1-inch pieces, blanched in boiling water for 2 minutes, and then cooled in an ice bath.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground turkey, browned and drained.
Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wraps?
While Romaine lettuce is recommended for its structure, you can also use butter lettuce or cabbage leaves.
Are there any nuts in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of chopped coarse and toasted almonds.
What fruit is added to the mixture?
The salad includes one large orange that has been peeled and segmented.
What is the fiber content of this salad?
There are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of sugar.
Is the ground turkey cooked before mixing?
Yes, the ground turkey is browned in a skillet and drained of excess fat before being combined with other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the turkey mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately from the lettuce.
What vegetables are included besides asparagus?
The recipe also includes a small thinly sliced onion and half of a chopped red bell pepper.
What spice gives the dressing its unique flavor?
Ground ginger provides a zesty and unique flavor to the creamy dressing.
How long do I blanch the asparagus?
Blanch the asparagus for approximately 2 minutes until it is bright green.
What is the purpose of the ice bath?
The ice bath stops the cooking process immediately to keep the asparagus crisp and vibrantly colored.
Can I substitute ground chicken for turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative protein for this salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should verify that your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free.
How do I assemble the salad for serving?
Arrange the Romaine lettuce leaves on a plate and spoon the turkey salad mixture into each leaf before wrapping.
Does the recipe use fat-free dairy?
Yes, it specifically calls for fat-free mayonnaise and nonfat sour cream to keep the calorie count low.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well, though it may be softer.
How do I toast the almonds?
You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown.
What category of dish is this?
This dish is categorized under Poultry.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
While salt is added to taste, the specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional facts.
Can I add other herbs to the salad?
Yes, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley would make a great addition to the flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
With 13.5g of carbs and no grains, this is a relatively low-carb meal suitable for many healthy diets.