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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Main Dishes

    25 Creative and Mostly Healthy Taco Recipes

    Published: Apr 8, 2016 Β· Last Modified: May 25, 2021 by Beyond Mere Sustenance with 22 CommentsΒ· This post may contain affiliate links Β· This blog generates income via ads Β·

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    25 Creative and Mostly Healthy Taco Recipes in one post? Yes, indeed! I've got tacos from the sea (fish and seafood!), tacos from the soil (vegan and vegetarian!), and tacos from the land (chicken, beef, lamb, and pork!). What's not to love? I highly recommend scrolling through to see every submission. If you don't have the time, use the "Jump" buttons below the photo!

    25 Exciting and (Mostly) Healthy Taco Recipes - Global influences and a variety of proteins make this a unique and delicious collection!
    Jump to:
    • πŸ‘©πŸ»β€πŸ³ Tamara Talks - About Tacos
    • 🐟 From the Sea
    • πŸ₯¦ From the Soil
    • πŸ– From the Land
    • πŸ’¬ Comments

    I wish I was full of tacos instead of emotions.

    ~~ Author unknown.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks - About Tacos

    Having recently moved from one border city (Las Cruces, NM.) to another (McAllen, TX.), I have begun to realize that I have only begun to explore the plethora of ways to prepare a taco. While I use the word loosely - it doesn't have to be Mexican - I do define a taco as a handheld tortilla (either corn or flour) typically over-stuffed with fillings and garnishes.

    The recipes in my collection run the gamut from the soil (vegetarian) to the sea (fish and seafood) to the land (beef, lamb, pork, and chicken). They also range from ever-so-slightly traditional grilled fish tacos and carnita tacos to lamb tacos and lengua tacos.

    You will be delighted to find Caribbean, Indian, Asian, Middle-Eastern, and eclectic healthy or healthyish variations... I am so excited, and can't wait to try each one! I hope that you'll visit each of these fine blogs, and give many of them a try!

    🐟 From the Sea

    Fish and seafood tacos are my "go to" meal when I need tacos in a hurry. Why? Fish and seafood benefit from quick cooking methods like searing, grilling, and flash frying. With a fresh salsa and a topping or two, you'll have a creative healthy or healthyish one handed meal ready in no time!

    Healthy Fish and Seafood Tacos

    Photo Credit: www.chilipeppermadness.com

    Szechuan Salmon Tacos

    These salmon tacos are to die for, with marinated salmon cooked in spicy Szechuan sauce, served on flour tortillas on a bed of caramelized peppers. So delicious. 

    Indian Street Tacos with Grilled Shrimp

    Shrimp get marinated in a fresh lime, garam masala, ginger, and garlic mixture before getting grilled. Wrap them in a soft flour tortilla with Mango and Tomato Salsa and Cucumber Mint Raitta for a perfect Indian-fusion picnic dish!

    Photo Credit: www.midlifecroissant.com

    Pan-Asian Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage + Apple Slaw

    Take taco night up a notch with these Pan-Asian Shrimp Tacos. They're bursting with flavor and textures, super easy, and healthy to boot!

    Fried Oyster Tacos With Citrus Salsa ~ For 2

    Crunchy cornmeal breaded and fried oysters are adorned with a bright and colorful citrus salsa, avocado slices, radishes, and shredded cabbage... Perfect for a date night, #TacoTuesday, or #CincodeMayo!

    Photo Credit: www.theflavorbender.com

    Crispy Allspice Fish Tacos with Roasted Grapes

    Lightly floured and crispy allspice-spiced fish with roasted grapes paired with your favorite toppings like cilantro, cabbage, and avocado in a truly unique and tasty taco!

    Photo Credit: omnivorescookbook.com

    Curried Fish Tacos | Omnivore's Cookbook

    Curry powder provides an exotic note to these vibrant, and healthy fish tacos!

    Photo Credit: keviniscooking.com

    Grilled Fish Tacos with Fruit Salsa

    This fish taco recipe is all about the roasted cranberry and mango salsa, and the orange crema. You won't want to miss this one!

    Photo Credit: www.vindulge.com

    Easy (and Healthy) Grilled Fish Tacos and Wine Pairing

    Grilled Fish Tacos are easy to make, super healthy, and full of great flavor! Citrus marinated fish is grilled to perfection and topped with a Grilled Corn and Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Crema.

    Photo Credit: themccallumsshamrockpatch.com

    Caribbean Shrimp Tacos

    Caribbean Shrimp Tacos are the rage with me now, anything that combines succulent shrimp seasoned in Jamaican jerk spice, creamy Hass avocados, mangos, pineapple, black beans, jalapeño peppers, sweet red peppers, red onions, cilantro, and lime all resting on a freshly grilled corn tortilla has my immediate attention.

    Photo Credit: www.naivecookcooks.com

    Cajun Fish Tacos

    Fresh & light skillet cooked cajun fish tacos with spicy chipotle salsa, simple crunchy slaw & jalapeno-cilantro yogurt make for an ideal flavor packed meal! 

    Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

    Grilled Fish Tacos with Guava Salsa

    Healthy grilled fish tacos with a spicy guava salsa!

    🥦 From the Soil

    You've probably come across vegetarian beans or legumes tacos many times, and maybe even prepared them? How about jackfruit, fried avocadoes, or mushroom? These creative vegetarian tacos "kick it up a notch" with interesting and healthy ingredients used in fun and healthy ways!

    Vegetarian Tacos

    Photo Credit: cookingandcussing.com

    Mushroom Tacos with Pecan Arugula Salsa

    Easy and healthy tacos filled with mushrooms, peppers and onions all topped with fresh salsa from pecans and arugula. This quick recipe is a perfect meatless weeknight dinner or a vegetarian option for entertaining.

    Photo Credit: knifeandsoul.com

    BBQ Pulled Jackfruit & Quinoa Tacos Recipe

    A tasty shredded jackfruit and quinoa BBQ taco filling that is quick, healthy and packed with smoky BBQ sauce flavours. Just follow a few simple steps and your tacos will be ready for you to devour in 30 minutes.

    Photo Credit: inmamamaggieskitchen.com

    Lentil and Poblano Chile Tacos (Tacos de Lentejas con Rajas de Chile Poblano)

    Lentil and Poblano Chile Tacos (Tacos de Lentejas y Rajas de Chile Poblano) is a meatless meal wonder. Loaded with yummy and bold Mexican flavors and completely satisfying. 100% vegan and healthy. 

    Photo Credit: urbanfarmie.com

    Fried Avocado Tacos (Air Fryer or Baked)

    These delicious fried avocado tacos are vegan, can be made gluten-free, and have avocado fries in addition to refried beans and a creamy poblano sauce on top of corn tortillas.

    🐖 From the Land

    Indian flavors in a taco? Yes PLEASE! A Dhaba Style Masala chicken taco is calling my name. The pork carnitas tacos may be considered "normal," (albeit delicious!), but what do you think of a crispy pork belly taco? 😋😋😋 You've got to check these out!

    Poultry and Meat Tacos

    Photo Credit: thecharmingdetroiter.com

    Ancho Achiote Shredded Chicken Tacos 

    Ancho and achiote paste flavor the chicken, and the tacos are finished with quick pickled red onions, avocado, and crema. Delicioso!

    Photo Credit: www.easycookingwithmolly.com

    Dhaba Style Masala Chicken Taco (Indian Chicken Taco)

    Dhaba Style Masala Chicken Taco is an Indian version of Taco filled with spicy sauteed chicken rolled in a homemade wheat tortilla.  

    Photo Credit: www.taketwotapas.com

    Mini Asian Tacos with Wonton Taco Shells 

    This Asian twist on tacos is made with a few components that are made ahead of time, used for other recipes and dishes, and assemble quickly! The Lemongrass chicken is topped with a crunchy pickled red cabbage slaw and a creamy cilantro ginger dressing! Perfect!

    Photo Credit: www.cookswithcocktails.com

    The Best Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe

    These yummy tacos have sweet and spicy shredded pork with crispy bits on the edges, fresh and fiery tomato salsa, creamy avocado, salty cojita cheese, and fragrant cilantro all topped off with spicy mayo and lime.

    Photo Credit: beyondmeresustenance.com

    Instant Pot Yucatan-Style Pork Tacos

    Is it cochinita pibil? No, but the flavors in these Instant Pot Yucatán-Style Pork Tacos, emulate the flavors in the traditional pit-cooked pork dish, cochinita pibil. The achiote/annatto, herbs, and a mix of citrus, give the tender pulled pork a distinct Yucatecan flavor…

    Photo Credit: thecharmingdetroiter.com

    Crispy Pork Belly Tacos

    Crispy pork belly tacos, paired with quick pickled carrots, homemade crema, and lots of fresh cilantro!

    Photo Credit: saygraceblog.com

    Filet Mignon Tacos 

    Soft tacos made with tender filet mignon strips, tasty slaw, crumbly cotija cheese, tangy pickled red onions, fire roasted salsa and crema totally hit the Tex-Mex spot!

    Photo Credit: www.killingthyme.net

    IPA Carne Asada Tacos

    Delicious carne asada tacos drunk on IPA with lime and chipotle chimichurri and lime sour cream!

    Lengua Tacos With Salsa Verde and Caramelized Onions

    Savory, crispy lengua (tongue) in a fresh corn tortilla topped with caramelized onions, vibrant salsa verde, crumbled cheese, cilantro, and radish. Hit one "out of the park" with this slightly non-standard but delicious taco!

    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos Recipe

    Mexican spices - cumin, ancho powder, cinnamon - and a hint of unsweetened cocoa combined with ground lamb (and garlic of course!) make a hearty, flavorful taco filling in just minutes!

    Never underestimate how much assistance, how much satisfaction, how much comfort, how much soul and transcendence there might be in a well-made taco and a cold bottle of beer.

    ~~ Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume

    Did you see a few that look irresistible? I'd love to hear your thoughts... Looking for something different? Check out my Unique Taco Ideas for #TacoTuesday post!

    Signature in red and green with chiles and limes. Healthyish Latin cuisine.

    « Beef, Clementine, and Tuscan Kale Stir-Fry
    Lemony Pasta With Asparagus and Chevre »

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    Comments

    1. mjskitchen says

      April 10, 2016 at 8:45 pm

      I don't know where to begin! They all look delicious! Thanks for creating this roundup.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 11, 2016 at 11:28 am

        Thanks MJ! We are looking forward to trying each one... 6 months of #tacotuesdays!

        Reply
    2. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      April 09, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      I just got sent three packs of Taco wraps and ould love to use them up making osme of these recipes.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 09, 2016 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks for submitting Grilled Fish Tacos With Guava Salsa! I live in subtropical McAllen, TX. near the Gulf of Mexico, and guava are always available. I plan to make it soon. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    3. Sarah - The Charming Detroiter says

      April 09, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      WOW what a great round up! My fiancΓ© and I absolutely love tacos, we eat them at least once a week. So I feel like I hit the mega-jackpot with this roundup! Thanks for including my recipes!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 09, 2016 at 12:54 pm

        Hi Sarah! I really had planned on featuring one from each blogger, but yours were both stand-outs! We are looking forward to trying every one of the recipes... Thanks for submitting, and have a terrific weekend!

        Reply
    4. Mica @ Let's Taco Bout It Blog says

      April 09, 2016 at 8:38 am

      Great round up of recipes. I'm really enjoying the Caribbean Shrimp Tacos. I can't wait to look through the others.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 09, 2016 at 9:16 am

        Thanks Mica! It's going to be fun working my way through this fantastic collection, including your Black Bean and Squash Tacos πŸ™‚

        Reply
    5. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says

      April 09, 2016 at 8:23 am

      Taco heaven here and so much inspiration. Great round up of ideas.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 09, 2016 at 8:26 am

        Yes indeed! I can't wait to work my way through the whole list πŸ™‚ Thanks Helen!

        Reply
    6. Linda @ With A Blast says

      April 09, 2016 at 4:49 am

      Perfect round-up ! One can never have enough Taco recipes, especially healthy ones !

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 09, 2016 at 8:13 am

        Thanks Linda! I figure it's about 6 months of #tacotuesdays πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    7. Jillian Wade says

      April 09, 2016 at 2:06 am

      I love a good taco, and the fact that you gathered a bunch of healthy ones-incredible!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 09, 2016 at 8:14 am

        Indeed! No grease-dripping tacos for this girl πŸ˜‰ Thanks Jillian!

        Reply
    8. Mackenzie says

      April 08, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you so much for including my recipe in your roundup! There were so many excellent submissions I didn't think I would make it! These all look so good (and tacos are probably my favorite food!) that I can't wait to make them all! Yum!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 08, 2016 at 10:45 pm

        My pleasure, Mackenzie! I was looking for healthy and creative taco recipes, and yours definitely qualifies... I'll be looking forward to trying your recipe for sure! Thanks for taking the time to submit it πŸ™‚

        Reply
    9. Sara says

      April 08, 2016 at 9:03 pm

      Um... Yum. This is a mouthwatering collection. We love Tacos! Can't wait to try a few of these recipes!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 08, 2016 at 10:47 pm

        Cool! I hope you try them, and love them πŸ™‚ Have a great weekend!

        Reply
    10. Maggie says

      April 08, 2016 at 7:16 pm

      Thanks so much for featuring my recipe Tamara! I just shared and pinned the post. It's a very delicious list and I cannot wait to try out these amazing tacos πŸ™‚
      Happy Friday!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 08, 2016 at 7:24 pm

        You're very welcome Maggie! I couldn't decide between your 2 submissions, so I included them both πŸ™‚ I really am looking forward to trying all of them... Enjoy your weekend too!

        Reply
    11. Kevin | Keviniscooking says

      April 08, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      Holy smokes, what a great round up of delicious looking and colorful tacos. So many good things here. Will keep this page open to read later when I can properly give all these the attention they deserve!
      Grateful to be included here, mucho gracias!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        April 08, 2016 at 7:08 pm

        Thanks Kevin! This was a fun challenge for me πŸ™‚ It was interesting how 22 recipes stood out of the 120 I went through. I was looking for fresh ingredients, global flavors, nothing packaged or processed, and aesthetically pleasing... Your Grilled Fish Tacos With Roasted Cranberry Mango Salsa definitely qualified!

        Reply

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