What better way to ring in summer than with a plate of homemade tacos far healthier than your standard, greasy taco truck fare?
Tacos can be pretty high in calories, thanks to fried shells or fillings, oily or creamy sauces and other unhealthy add-ons. In fact, just one three-piece serving of steak tacos from Chipotle weighs in at 540 calories. (And that’s only if you skip cheese, lettuce, salsas, rice, vegetables and the side of chips and guac! Add those and the calories more than double.)
Lucky for us, there are numerous ways to make tacos better for you — and all of these options can be easily tailored to fit any diet, too. Make your tacos gluten-free by using 100-percent corn tortillas, which you can buy or make at home. Vegetarians or vegans can indulge in a Mexican feast, too, by stuffing their shells with a meat alternative and skipping the cheese or dairy-based toppings. Pair any of these 12 tasty recipes with one of these healthier margarita options, and enjoy.
12 Delicious Make-at-Home Taco Recipes
1. Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos
Cauliflower tacos may sounds crazy, but they’re low in calories, easy to make and full of flavor, too. Cauliflower florets and chickpeas tossed in a Mexican spice mixture make up the base, and you can top them with whatever crunchy-cool veggies you like. The chickpeas provide plenty of protein and the lime crema topping brings these little bites to the next level. Photo and recipe: Two Peas and Their Pod
2. Zucchini, Black Bean and Corn Tacos
These veggie-filled tacos are simple to throw together with whatever you have on hand. This recipe calls for taco seasoning, but you can easily forego the store bought stuff in favor of a healthier homemade seasoning sans all the extra sodium and additives (such as MSG) that many pre-mixed spice packets contain. Photo and recipe: Erica Schwarz / Erica’s Recipes
3. Steak, Poblano and Mushroom Tacos
Say hello to your favorite new flavor bomb. The key to getting great tasting meat without a ton of sauce or toppings is to marinate your protein for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before cooking. Photo and recipe: Ali Ebright / Gimme Some Oven
4. Black Bean, Kale and Sweet Potato Tacos
If you’re in the mood for a hearty, tasty and comforting meal, this taco recipe will hit the spot. Sweet potato, quinoa, kale and black beans create a fiber and protein-packed center that’s sure to leave you (pleasantly) stuffed. When baking the sweet potato, allow the pieces to caramelize a bit before flipping — that’s where all the flavor comes from. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by DailyBurn
5. Veggie Breakfast Tacos
Meet breakfast tacos, the breakfast burrito’s equally delicious little brother. Whether you’re eating them in the a.m. or for brinner (ahem, that’s breakfast for dinner), these egg-filled tacos are a well-rounded meal thanks to their satisfying combination of carbohydrates, protein and veggies. Photo and recipe: Kathryne Taylor / Cookie and Kate
6. Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Red Cabbage and Avocado Crema
Fish tacos are a Mexican restaurant staple, but more often than not, they’re breaded and fried into oblivion. Not this time! This light skillet-cooked option is coated in a sweet-and-spicy seasoning and topped with fresh cabbage slaw and avocado crema. Photo and recipe: Jillian and Malcom / From Away
7. Korean Tacos
If tacos and bibimbap had a baby, it would be one of these little guys. The vessel — a handmade tortilla — is Mexican-inspired, while the filling — pulled beef and bibimbap vegetables — is chock full of classic Korean flavors. The combination creates a sweet-and-savory dish packed with fresh veggies, protein and iron-rich beef. Photo and recipe: Sabrina Go / Sinfully Sabrina
8. Vegan Crepe Tacos with Warm Spinach-Mushroom Filling
Not only are these tacos vegan, but the homemade tortillas, made from split yellow peas and chickpeas, are gluten-free, too. Each taco offers six grams of protein thanks to the tortilla alone. Photo and recipe: Ashley Melillo / Blissful Basil
9. Saucy Asian Chicken Sriracha Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
Everything’s better with some Sriracha, and these tacos are no exception. The chicken is marinated in a flavor-packed combination of ginger, garlic, Sriracha, soy sauce and Asian seasonings before cooking in a skillet. The veggies are kept raw and simply tossed and marinated in a flavorful dressing, keeping those bright peppers, cabbage, carrots and green onions full of crunch. Photo and recipe: Sarah / Drool Worthy
10. Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
The easiest way to make any taco healthier: Replace the tortilla with a lettuce leaf to save about 50 calories. This recipe will work with just about any type of protein, from ground turkey, chicken or beef, to tofu or beans. Add chopped peppers or other veggies to the filling and top with whatever condiments suit your fancy. (We vote for guacamole!) Photo and recipe: Gina Homolka / Skinnytaste
11. Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Onions and Salsa Verde
Pork has a cloudy reputation as a “health” food thanks to some of its fattier cuts (we’re looking at you, bacon). But if you’re looking for a simple and filling dinner, these shredded pork tacos are plenty healthy. The recipe calls for bone-in pork shoulder which, when prepared using the method described, offers about 22 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat and 132 calories per 3-ounce serving. (In comparison, a same-size serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast contains about 142 calories, 3 grams of fat and 27 grams of protein.) Serve alongside a small salad to make this a complete meal. Photo and recipe: Chris / Shared Appetite
12. Grilled Chile-Lime Fish Tacos with Cucumber-Mango Salsa
Let’s be honest, pre-packaged salsas can be oily and lack freshness. This chunky mango mix has none of these problems. The fresh fruit keeps its firmness and complements the fish perfectly. Tilapia makes a great filling thanks to its tender yet won’t-fall-apart texture. Recipe and photo: Confections of a Foodie Bride
Originally posted October 3, 2014. Updated June 2015.