Spicy Taco Salad inspired by Suzanne Somers

This recipe has been in rotation for a good 25 years! If you enjoy spice, you'll love this salad! It's gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free by omitting the cheddar cheese added to the meat mixture. It's low carb, high protein and so flavorful. The leafy greens are also supportive for those with MTHFR SNP variants. Best part it's done in 20 minutes:)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of preferred oil (coconut, olive oil, avocado oil)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 lb of ground beef (pasture-raised, we use Wild Pastures)
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 1 tsp of coriander
• 2 tsp of Aleppo Pepper
• 1 tbsp of dried Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp of Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 1 cup of Chicken Broth or Filtered Water

Instructions

Add chopped onions to a teflon-free saute pan with preferred oil and saute onions for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, spices, tomato paste, chicken broth and reduce to a low heat for 10-15 minutes. Add leafy greens to the base of your plate or bowl and top with the optional ingredients below. 

• 1 or 2 slices of cheddar cheese (ideally from A2 cows, I like Kerigold from Ireland)
• 1/4 cup of Long-Fermented Yogurt
• 2 tbsp of JeeSauce (almond based sauce)

As a Certified Functional Nutritional Counselor (who reviews clients' functional labs and microbiome tests), a lot of us could benefit from making more meals at home, so our gut buddies benefit from the added good bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus), protein without antibiotics, micronutrients and eliminate gluten, dairy and sugar from our diets that cause our immune systems to react. Check out the benefits for this salad.

Why This Salad Supports Your Health and Your Genes

• MTHFR & Folate Support: The leafy greens in this salad are rich in natural folate (not synthetic folic acid), which supports methylation, a key process for those with MTHFR gene variants who may struggle with detoxification and neurotransmitter balance.

• Gut Health Friendly: The long-fermented yogurt and JeeSauce provide beneficial bacteria and prebiotic compounds that nourish Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, promoting better digestion and immune resilience.

• Blood Sugar Balance: The high-protein, low-carb profile helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes, especially beneficial for those with FTO variants related to glucose regulation and metabolic function.

• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Aleppo pepper, coriander, and oregano offer antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds that support those with genetic tendencies toward chronic inflammation (IL6, TNF).

• Healthy Fats for Brain & Hormone Health: Using avocado or olive oil provides omega-rich fats that enhance brain performance, support hormone production, and assist in nutrient absorption, great for APOE and COMT variants.

• Detox Pathway Support: Grass-fed beef delivers amino acids like glycine and methionine that aid liver detoxification,  a key area of support for GST and CYP gene families involved in toxin clearance.

If you are currently struggling to add fiber to your digestive system because it's causing bloating and distension, and anxiety, it's your body sending you a signal for help. A great place to start is by taking my What's Your Gut Type Quiz.

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