Best 3 Healthified Taco Salad Recipes

Taco salad offers a delectable culinary experience, blending the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a salad format. However, traditional taco salad recipes are often packed with unhealthy ingredients that can sabotage your dietary goals. The good news is that it's possible to create a "healthified" version of this dish that packs all the flavor without the guilt. Our article will guide you through the steps of creating a delicious and nutritious taco salad that is both satisfying and good for you. We'll introduce you to healthier alternatives for common taco salad ingredients, such as lean protein sources, whole-wheat tortillas, and low-fat dressings. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a health-conscious taco salad that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HEALTHIER TACO SALAD

Healthier Taco Salad image

I created this dish so the kids could still enjoy one of their favorite foods, but with less fat and salt. It passed their taste-test with flying colors! Leftovers are great for school lunches.

Provided by Angela

Categories Salad Taco Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 ½ cups low-sodium tomato juice
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) package baked tortilla chips, or to taste
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, or to taste
⅓ head iceberg lettuce, shredded, or to taste
1 cup salsa, or to taste

Steps:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir beef and onion in the hot skillet until beef is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease, and return beef to the skillet. Add tomato juice, hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat and simmer gently, about 15 minutes.
Break tortilla chips into bowls and top with the ground beef mixture. Finish with Cheddar cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 478.7 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 82.5 mg, Fat 17.2 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 1052.8 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

SKINNY TACO SALAD

Skinny Taco Salad image

75% less sat fat • 61% less fat • 60% more fiber than the original recipe. Don't miss out on south-of-the-border favorites--treat yourself to Taco Salad done light.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean (at least 90%) ground beef
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
12 cups torn romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ pinto beans, drained, rinsed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3 medium green onions, sliced (3 tablespoons)
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (3 oz)
3/4 cup Muir Glen™ organic salsa (any variety)
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 oz tortilla chips

Steps:

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water, chili powder, cumin and ground red pepper; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook about 5 minutes or until most of liquid has evaporated.
Divide lettuce among 6 salad plates; top each with meat mixture and remaining ingredients except chips. Arrange chips around salad. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fiber 10 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 480 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

HEALTHIFIED TACO SALAD

Healthified Taco Salad image

This is an adaptation of a recipe found at eatbetteramerica.com. I plan to make it tonight, so if this recipe goes public you'll know it was a good experience :).

Provided by smellyvegetarian

Categories < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3/4 lb extra lean ground beef (at least 90%)
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
12 cups romaine lettuce
15 ounces pinto beans, drained, rinsed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3 medium green onions, sliced (3 tablespoons)
3/4 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (3 oz)
3/4 cup salsa (any variety)
3 ounces tortilla chips

Steps:

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water, chili powder, cumin and ground red pepper; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook about 5 minutes or until most of liquid has evaporated.
2. Divide lettuce among 6 salad plates; top each with meat mixture and remaining ingredients except chips. Arrange chips around salad. Serve immediately.
3. If you are in a hurry you can just combine all but the chips in a large bowl and serve with chips on the side.

Tips:

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will reduce the fat and calories in your taco salad.
Load up on veggies. Veggies are packed with nutrients and fiber, which will help you feel full and satisfied.
Go easy on the cheese and sour cream. These ingredients can add a lot of fat and calories to your salad.
Use a light or fat-free dressing. This will help you keep the calories in your salad in check.
Make your own taco seasoning. This is a great way to control the ingredients and avoid added salt and sugar.
Experiment with different toppings. There are endless possibilities when it comes to taco salad toppings. Try different beans, corn, salsa, and guacamole.

Conclusion:

Taco salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it can also be a healthy option if you make some smart choices about your ingredients. By following the tips above, you can create a taco salad that is both healthy and satisfying. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give taco salad a try!