36 BEST Healthy Taco Recipes

By on
Leave a Comment

These are the BEST Healthy Taco Recipes that you need in your regular rotation! Everyone loves a good taco, and today, we are sharing all of our favorite ways to make this crowd-favorite meal.

Table of Contents

When it comes to an easy and affordable meal for any occasion, we always turn to tacos. They are great for parties, quick weeknight meals, and so much more.

It's pretty incredible that there are almost endless ways to create tacos. Grab some flour or corn tortillas, add protein and toppings, and you instantly have a super tasty meal.

So today, we celebrate the humble taco! We've got authentic Mexican tacos, Tex-Mex favorites, and even some unexpected taco fillings you should definitely try. Find ideas for all different proteins, plant-based tacos, and more.

Why We Love Tacos

  • Versatile: Tacos may be one of the most versatile and adaptable foods out there! They can be made with almost any combination of protein, toppings, and tortillas. All of these recipes can be easily adapted to work for your tastes, dietary needs, or budget.
  • Great for a crowd: When it comes to feeding a large group, tacos are such a great option. You provide the filling, tortillas, and toppings and everyone can make a meal that they love! Plus, it's a great way to stretch proteins.
  • Customizable: Taco recipes are so easy to customize. Make them spicy or mild. Change up the protein. Add different veggies or toppings. Try out different salsas and cheese. Think about these taco recipes as a jumping-off point.
  • Great for meal prep: Most taco recipes are perfect for meal prep! Pack up the leftover taco filling and serve it as tacos, lettuce wraps, burrito bowls, and more.

Chicken Taco Recipes

Succulent chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic blend, combined with a crunchy cucumber-tomato salad, sprinkled with feta, and drizzled with cool tzatziki, all wrapped in soft pita. This quick recipe brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table in less than half an hour.
Tender chicken bathed in a spicy-sweet homemade seasoning, wrapped in soft tortillas, and piled high with your choice of fresh toppings. These tacos come together in a flash, making dinner both effortless and delicious.
Whip up these Chicken Tinga Tacos in under 20 minutes! Sautéed onions and garlic blend with diced tomatoes and smoky chipotle peppers to create a rich sauce that coats tender shredded chicken. Pile it into corn tortillas and garnish with your favorite toppings for a meal that's both fast and full of flavor.
These tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with perfectly grilled chicken, smoky peppers, onions, and melty cheese all wrapped in a warm tortilla. The secret? A quick sear and a drizzle of tangy sauce takes your taco game to a whole new level. Trust me, these will disappear faster than you can say "taco Tuesday."
Toss chicken, jalapenos, and seasonings into the slow cooker; let it simmer away. Shred the flavorful chicken, blend a creamy cilantro sauce, and assemble your tacos. A spicy, tangy feast with hardly any work.
These oven-baked tacos are loaded with shredded chicken, refried beans, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted Mexican cheese, all tucked into crispy corn tortillas. They're a healthier take on traditional fried tacos and come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or Taco Tuesday.

If you love crispy tacos, these Tacos Dorados are for you! Crispy tacos filled with shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, and spices. Bake them in the oven, fry them in a skillet, or use your air fryer.

The best Chicken Street Tacos with juicy chicken marinated in lime juice and spices. Served in toasted corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, and salsa.

Beef Taco Recipes

Steak Tacos

325 CAL 15 MIN
Steak tacos on flour tortillas with cilantro, onion, salsa, and lime.
Let's be honest – tacos are the best. And these steak tacos? They're on another level. With a simple marinade of lime and spices, this tender, juicy steak comes together in a flash and is perfect with your favorite toppings like salsa, guac, or even some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Birria Tacos

352 CAL 20 MIN
Beef birria tacos in cripsy corn tortillas with melted cheese, cilantro, onion, and limes.
If you're craving something packed with bold flavor, these Birria tacos are a must-try! Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, spicy broth, melted cheese, and the crispy tortilla? It's taco heaven, and don't forget to dip in that flavorful consomé for an extra hit of yum.
These tacos are everything – tender, marinated steak grilled to perfection, piled high on soft tortillas with cilantro, onions, and a generous squeeze of lime. It's like street food straight from Mexico, but you can make it right at home.

Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Tacos

210 CAL 8 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker tri tip tacos on white corn tortillas with lettuce, cilantro, and radishes.
Tender, juicy tri-tip roast slow-cooked in a savory blend of spices and beef broth, shredded to perfection, and tucked into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Set it and forget it until dinnertime, making this a hassle-free meal your whole family will devour.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos

261 CAL 8 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker Korean beef tacos with corn tortillas, coleslaw, hot sauce, and Sriracha.
Throw lean beef into your slow cooker with a spicy-sweet mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger, and let it work its magic. After a few hours, shred the beef and pile it onto warm tortillas with crunchy slaw for a meal that's as easy as it is addictive.

Ground Beef Tacos

398 CAL 20 MIN
Ground beef tacos with ancho chili seasoning served in baked taco shells with lettuce, tomato, and cilantro.

Say goodbye to those pesky premade seasoning packets! These Ground Beef Tacos are so delicious you’ll wonder why you never tried them sooner. This 20-minute taco recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for the whole family!

Pork Taco Recipes

Pork Tacos

294 CAL 31 MIN
Pork tacos with crispy pork, red onions, cilantro, and avocado on a plate.
Fresh lime and orange juices make this pork tenderloin marinade pop, creating a perfectly juicy and flavorful taco filling. With a simple cook time and minimal ingredients, these tacos are your go-to for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.

Carnitas Tacos

216 CAL 55 MIN
Healthy carnitas tacos with shredded pork, cilantro, and onion served in corn tortillas.
Flavorful pork shoulder braised in a zesty mix of citrus juices and spices, shredded and crisped for that perfect bite. Wrapped in soft tortillas with fresh toppings, these tacos bring authentic Mexican street food to your kitchen.

Cochinita Pibil

226 CAL 8 HOURS, 15 MIN
Cochinita pibil tacos with marinated shredded pork, guacamole, cilantro, pickled red onions, and limes in corn tortillas.

Cochinita Pibil is a flavorful Mexican pork recipe where pork shoulder is braised in a citrus marinade until fork-tender. This mouth-watering dish is easy to make and can be prepared in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. Serve it up with warm corn tortillas and your choice of toppings!

Seafood Taco Recipes

Fish Tacos

254 CAL 15 MIN
Fish tacos with flaky seasoned fish served in a corn tortilla with cilantro, shredded red cabbage, and limes.
These tacos feature flaky white fish fillets seasoned with a smoky, spicy rub, pan-seared to crispy perfection, and served in warm corn tortillas. Top them with a refreshing cabbage slaw and a tangy lime crema for a meal that's quick, easy, and packed with vibrant flavors.

Tacos Gobernador

382 CAL 25 MIN
Tacos gobernador with shrimp, melted cheese, poblano peppers, onions, and cilantro in grilled corn tortillas.
Who says tacos have to be basic? These Tacos Gobernador take taco night to the next level with perfectly cooked shrimp, smoky poblano peppers, and a cheesy finish. Easy to make and full of fresh flavors, these are sure to become a new weeknight favorite.

Cajun Shrimp Tacos

313 CAL 15 MIN
Cajun shrimp tacos in corn tortillas with sliced avocado, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
These shrimp are tossed in a bold Cajun spice blend, seared to perfection, and tucked into soft tortillas with creamy avocado and a crunchy, tangy slaw. They come together in under 20 minutes and pack in all the flavor without the fuss – perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing your friends at a taco night.
Flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, tangy lime, fresh corn salsa—what more could you ask for? These tacos come together in a flash, making them a perfect option for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. Plus, the corn salsa adds that sweet crunch we all crave!
You'll love these smoky, spiced shrimp wrapped in soft corn tortillas, topped with a fresh and crunchy cilantro-avocado slaw. Ready in just 20 minutes, this is taco night done right!

Baja Fish Tacos

337 CAL 25 MIN
Baja fish tacos with crispy battered fish, cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, and white sauce served in corn tortillas on a plate.

Crunchy Baja Fish Tacos that are oven-baked instead of fried! These delicious fish tacos are easy to make and served with a delicious cabbage slaw and creamy fish taco sauce.

Vegetarian Taco Recipes

Mushroom Tacos

247 CAL 40 MIN
Mushroom tacos with crispy mushrooms, red cabbage slaw, queso fresco, and avocado on corn tortillas.
Earthy mushrooms sautéed with aromatic spices, layered with a refreshing cabbage slaw, topped with ripe avocado and a sprinkle of queso fresco, all encased in warm corn tortillas. These tacos offer a delicious vegetarian option that's both hearty and wholesome, prepared in just 30 minutes.
Sweet roasted butternut squash meets hearty black beans, all spiced up and tucked into warm tortillas. Top them off with cilantro and crumbled queso fresco for a vegetarian delight that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Black Bean Tacos

290 CAL 20 MIN
Black bean tacos with chipotle peppers served in corn tortillas topped with avocado, radish, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
Who said a veggie taco can't steal the show? Smoky black beans, creamy avocado, and a tangy slaw piled on warm tortillas for a meal that's bursting with flavor. Easy to whip up and perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a treat.

These easy roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos are made with the most delicious homemade taco seasoning. They are easy to make, filling, and full of flavor. No one will miss the meat in these tasty vegetarian tacos.

Delicious Mexican-style Potato Green Chile Tacos with tender potatoes, poblano peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. These plant-based tacos are easy to make, super tasty, and a great option for taco night.

More Taco Recipes We Love

We couldn't wrap up this list without sharing some of our favorite taco-inspired recipes! Think taco soups, casseroles, skillet meals, and more! 

 

Healthy Taco Soup

306 CAL 4 HOURS, 5 MIN
Healthy taco soup with black beans, pinto beans, shredded chicken, cilantro, and cheese.
Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful soup loaded with tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes, all seasoned with zesty taco spices. It's an adaptable recipe that allows you to choose your preferred protein and toppings, making it a family favorite.
This hearty casserole combines lean ground turkey, pinto beans, corn, and zesty salsa, all topped with melted cheese. It's a quick, one-pan meal that delivers a satisfying crunch with optional tortilla chips. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
These boats are loaded with seasoned ground turkey, sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic, all nestled in tender zucchini halves, topped with melted cheese, and drizzled with your choice of salsa or enchilada sauce. A low-carb, flavor-packed twist on traditional tacos that's ready in under an hour.
Healthy, easy, and full of flavor–that's what these ground turkey tacos bring to the table. With a punch of seasoning and a little lime squeeze, you'll have tacos that are lighter than your usual but just as satisfying. Keep them simple or load them up with guac–you can't go wrong either way!
This Turkey Taco Skillet combines lean ground turkey with hearty brown rice, black beans, corn, and bell peppers, all simmered together in a zesty tomato base. It's a one-pan wonder that delivers a complete meal in just about 30 minutes.

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

354 CAL 4 HOURS, 5 MIN
Shredded turkey tacos with red onion, cilantro, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese on soft flour tortillas.
Set turkey breast, vibrant salsa verde, and spices into your slow cooker and let time do the work. Shred the turkey and load it into tortillas, garnished with dried cranberries, cilantro, and queso fresco. A simple, delicious way to spice up your dinner routine. ​

Tortillas, Toppings, and Sides

It's almost impossible to talk about tacos without also talking about everything you need to finish the meal. We are talking about tortillas, toppings, and sides!

Tortillas & Taco Bowls

These days, there are almost endless options for working with any dietary needs. You can find traditional corn and flour tortillas, plus a huge selection of grain-free options made with almond flour, cassava flour, coconut flour, and more.

Tacos can also be easily transformed into bowls and lettuce wraps! Serve your tacos on a bed of greens, cauliflower rice, steamed rice, or quinoa.

Taco Toppings

It's easy to get carried away with the taco toppings, and we are all guilty of piling on an absurd amount of sour cream or cheese from time to time. However, there are so many tasty taco toppings out there to try!

Taco Side Dish Ideas

Although many times we simply serve tacos as the entire meal, it's nice to make some side dishes as well. Here are some of our favorite taco side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A taco is considered healthy when it includes lean proteins (like grilled chicken, fish, or turkey), plenty of veggies, lighter toppings (like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream), and whole grain or low-carb tortillas. Portion control and quality ingredients are key!

 

Absolutely! Tacos are meal prep gold. You can cook your protein and chop your toppings ahead of time. Store everything separately and assemble fresh when you’re ready to eat. Some taco fillings even get better after sitting overnight.

 

Look for whole grain, corn, or grain-free tortillas made from almond flour, cassava, or coconut flour. Lettuce wraps and taco bowls (served over rice, quinoa, or greens) are great low-carb alternatives too.

 

More Recipes You'll Love

0 Comments
On
user image