Healthy Elk Taco Salad

Throw together this healthy elk taco salad when you want to use up some ground elk or venison meat. The paleo, homemade taco seasoning makes wild game taste amazing.

Confession – we have taco salads about every other week. They’re just so easy to throw together and you can add whatever toppings you have on hand + tortilla chips. I love to make them with wild game, and this healthy elk taco salad is one of my favorites.

As much as I love real deal tacos, I try to cut back on refined flours as much as I can, and I’m a flour tortilla girl. Refined flour and sugar makes me feel really puffy and my joints start to ache sometimes which is no bueno.

But tortilla chips – no they’re my jam. Set me up with a big bowl of salsa and some tortillas (maybe some guac??) and I’m good to go. So naturally, I have to add them to my salads for some crunch. If you’re going paleo, use a grain free tortilla chip and top this salad with some salsa, olive oil and lime juice. That’s my JAM!

What’s makes the best taco seasoning for wild game?

I use classic taco spices – chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. The trick for wild game is to add some apple cider vinegar. It keeps the elk from tasting gamey and lets the rich flavor shine.

If you’re looking for elk meat, I’ve worked with The Honest Bison in the past and love theirs!

What dressing do you use?

My favorite dressing for this is my Healthy Taco Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing. It happens to be one of the most popular on my website. Or, as I said earlier you can top with salsa, lime, and olive oil if you’re going paleo/dairy free. Also, feel free to use whatever you like – any kind of ranch or salsa ranch will do.

What are the best toppings for elk taco salad?

The best toppings are…whatever you like in a taco! For this healthy elk taco salad, I used tomato, corn, avocado and jalapeno. Of course, omit the corn for grain free/paleo. I would also be delicious with pickled red onion, bell peppers, cotija cheese – whatever you’re craving.

Make sure you check out my super juicy Elk Burgers! They’re delicious!

Healthy Elk Taco Salad

Throw together this healthy elk taco salad when you want to use up some ground elk or venison meat. The paleo, homemade taco seasoning makes wild game taste amazing.

• Author: Miss AK

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Ingredients

For the elk taco meat:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground elk (or venison*)
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 3 tsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

For the taco salad:

• about 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• elk taco meat
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (canned, frozen, fresh – whatever works!)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 jalapenos, sliced (optional)
• about 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
• about 1/3 cup Healthy Taco Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing or dressing of choice
• any other taco ingredients you love!!!

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown the elk and then add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 2 additional minutes.
3. Add the water and cook down for 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
4. Divide the lettuce evenly between 4 bowls, or make one large salad.*
5. Top each bowl or the large bowl with the elk meat, tomatoes, corn, avocado, jalapenos, tortilla chips, and dressing. Serve!

Notes

• You can directly replace venison for elk. If you’re using beef, turkey or bison, reduce the apple cider vinegar to 1 teaspoon.
• This is a great meal to meal prep! Assemble individual salads and top with dressing and tortilla chips when ready to serve!