Simple Turkey Taco Salad

Spice up dinner with this simple, kid-friendly taco recipe, plus see which steps little ones can best lend a hand.

Ages

8-10


What you need:

  • Head of lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
  • 1 1/2 cups baked tortilla chips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans
  • 1/4-cup water
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup jarred salsa
  • 1/2-cup grated cheddar cheese

What to do:

  1. Wash everyone's hands thoroughly. Put the tortilla chips in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and invite your child to pound them into pieces (but not crushed to the consistency of crumbs).
  2. Invite your child to wash the lettuce by rinsing under water, draining in a colander, and then drying with paper towels (or use a salad spinner). Wrap the lettuce leaves in paper towels, and refrigerate them while you prepare the rest of the meal.
  3. Get out a set of measuring spoons and show your child the various sizes. Ask which is biggest and which is the smallest. Let her measure a tablespoon of olive oil and add it to a large sauté pan.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the pan, turn on the heat, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until it is well browned (adult only).
  5. Open the can of beans, and let your child shake them into a colander to drain. Run cold water over the beans to rinse them and allow them to drain again.
  6. Show your child the lines on a liquid measuring cup. Use water first to introduce the various amounts of food that you can add. Let your child measure 1/4-cup of water. Stir into the turkey.
  7. Let your child fill a dry measuring cup with corn and add it to the turkey. Add the drained pinto beans to the pan with the turkey.
  8. Let your child measure the salsa in the liquid measuring cup and add this to the turkey. Let your child stir together everything in the sauté pan with a large wooden spoon.
  9. Bring the turkey mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat, and cook for 3 or 4 minutes or until bubbly (adult only).
  10. Remove the lettuce leaves from the refrigerator. You'll need about 1 cup for each serving. Refrigerate the rest for another use.
  11. Line 4 plates with lettuce. Top with the turkey mixture. Let your child sprinkle on the cheese and the crushed tortilla chips. Eat immediately.
Measurement
Following Directions
Cooperation
Easy Recipes
Activities
Imagination
Age 10
Age 9
Age 8
Measurement
Hobbies, Play, Recreation