Spicy Turkey & Black Bean Salad

This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again when I want something that feels fresh, satisfying, and grounding — without requiring a lot of time or effort. This spicy turkey and black bean salad checks all of those boxes.

It’s hearty enough to keep you full, balanced enough to support steady energy, and flexible enough to work as a lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week. I love recipes like this because they rely on simple ingredients and bold flavors rather than complicated steps or strict rules.

The combination of lean turkey, fiber-rich black beans, and fresh vegetables makes this salad deeply nourishing while still feeling light. The spice adds warmth and interest, which helps with satisfaction — something that’s often overlooked when we’re trying to eat “well.”

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Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad is:

• Quick to prepare and easy to customize
• Balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
• Great for leftovers and meal prep
• Flavorful enough to feel satisfying without heavy sauces

It’s a perfect example of how real food can support you without feeling restrictive or overwhelming.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

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Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is fully cooked through and lightly browned, about 7–8 minutes.

Remove the turkey from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine the black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Add the cooked turkey and toss gently to combine.

Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the salad and stirring to distribute evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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How to Enjoy It

This salad can be served:

• On its own as a complete meal
• Over mixed greens
• Wrapped in lettuce cups
• Scooped with tortilla chips or crackers

It holds up well in the refrigerator and makes a great make-ahead option for busy days.

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A Gentle Nutrition Note

Meals like this help support blood sugar balance and steady energy by pairing protein with fiber and healthy fats. When food is satisfying and enjoyable, it naturally reduces stress around eating and makes consistency easier.

This salad isn’t about being perfect — it’s about feeling supported.

A Final Note

Here at Nutrient Rich Life we believe that variety is the spice of life! We encourage everyone to make all foods fit as much as possible and that includes eating more plants and cooking in a way that adds fun and flavor to your life! 

Hi, I’m Amanda!

Functional weight loss coach, registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of one picky eater with multiple food allergies! I’m a big believer that if you can learn to fish — you can eat for life! So this blog is dedicated to helping you learn to toss out the food myths that result in unnecessary food stress so that you can become a confident, healthy eater!