California Tacos with Ground Turkey and Fresh Vegetable Slaw

These big-flavored, soft-shell tacos are all about freshness—from the lean, freshly ground turkey to the slaw and aromatic vinaigrette that dresses it. Add some cilantro leaves, simple, homemade guacamole, and a little sour cream to complete this casual California-style taco dinner.

Tips: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots. Cut off the thick end of the baby bok choy stalk and thinly slice the remainder, including stalk and leaves.   

Makes 7-8 tacos

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp finely chopped shallot
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 small carrots, shaved
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 baby bok choy stalk, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 habanero chile, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

Shaved Carrots

Baby Bok Choy

Thinly Sliced Baby Bok Choy

For the Tacos

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey thigh meat (or breast)
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper   
• 7-8 6-inch flour tortillas, warmed
• cilantro leaves with thin stems, guacamole, and sour cream, for serving

Preparation

For the Slaw

1. Combine the vinegar, lime juice, and shallot in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil and season with salt and pepper. 

Balsamic-Lime Slaw Dressing

1. Combine the cabbage and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate if not using right away. Toss with the dressing 30 minutes before using.

Combined Slaw Ingredients

Slaw Tossed with Dressing

For the Tacos

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Add the turkey, garlic, onion, oregano, and cumin and season with salt and pepper. Cook 7-8 minutes until the turkey is cooked through and the onion is soft. (Cook about 6 minutes if using turkey breast.)

Ground Turkey Mixture Beginning to Cook 

Cooked Turkey Mixture

To serve, place the turkey mixture in a bowl and serve the tortillas, slaw, cilantro, guacamole, and sour cream alongside to allow your guests to build their own tacos.