Zesty Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
These lettuce wraps feature juicy, seasoned ground turkey cooked in a zesty taco sauce, tucked into crisp lettuce leaves and topped with your favorite taco fixings. They’re fresh, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2–3 (makes about 6–8 wraps)
Ingredients
For the Turkey Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
250 g (½ lb) ground turkey
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp ground coriander
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste or mild salsa
Juice of ½ lime (about 1 tbsp)
2 tbsp water
For the Lettuce Wraps:
1 small head romaine, iceberg
½ avocado, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced or halved
¼ cup shredded cheese
2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and saute for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5–6 minutes).
Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Add tomato paste and 2 tbsp water. Stir to coat the turkey evenly.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then finish with lime juice for a zesty kick.
Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps
Arrange lettuce leaves on a large plate or board.
Spoon a few tablespoons of zesty turkey mixture into each leaf.
Top with avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes & Tips
Swap turkey for chicken or beef if preferred.
For extra flavor, add a spoonful of salsa or guacamole on top.
You can meal-prep the turkey filling — it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a Mediterranean twist, try topping with feta, olives, and tzatziki instead of cheese and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce or romaine hearts hold the filling best — crisp yet flexible.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add ¼ tsp cayenne or a splash of hot sauce while cooking the turkey.
Q: Can I turn this into a bowl instead?
Absolutely! Serve the turkey over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and top with the same garnishes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 10% DV