Everybody loves tacos. Everybody enjoys eating nutritious meals.
Wrap those two food facts together with healthy taco shell alternatives.
Now you’re cooking with ideas that spice up family dining tables and work in commercial food service settings.
From home kitchens to concession stands, taco shells are back on the healthy side of the menu.
HEALTHY TACO SHELLS OPTIONS
1. PITA POCKETS
This healthy substitute for tortillas opens up all kinds of taco possibilities.
Pita pockets are easy on calorie and carb counts, and they’re easy to fill up too. Kids always have fun with pita pocket tacos.
These yummy, compact meals fit well in the smallest hands.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Cut your pita bread in half to form pockets.
Gently open the pockets and scoop your taco ingredients inside.
2. GLUTEN-FREE TACO SHELLS
Make your own shells with a blend of almond and coconut flours.
If you like scratch cooking, you’ll love how simple it is to press and grill gluten-free taco shells.
They’re low-cal, low-carb paleo alternatives to classic corn tortilla shells.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Combine almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, and egg in a food processor.
Gradually add water until the mixture forms a ball of dough.
Chill the dough before rolling it into round disks.
Cook the tortillas on a hot griddle until they start to brown.
3. BABY ICEBERG LETTUCE
With less than a gram of carbohydrates and almost no calories, baby iceberg lettuce naturally belongs on our list.
As a wrap, its cool, crisp flavor provides just the right balance for spicy taco fillings.
Tuck and roll good health into every taco with nutritious iceberg baby leaves.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Cut out the core of the lettuce, or hit the bottom of the core on the counter until it's easy to remove with your hands.
Peel apart the individual leaves and rinse them thoroughly.
Add your taco filling to the lettuce cups and roll them into shells.
4. SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
Transform shredded cheddar into a fantastic low-carb taco shell substitute.
Amaze friends at home or customers in your restaurant with from-scratch cheddar cheese taco shells.
Play with different shapes, and design signature snacks, sides and entrees with this versatile oven-baked recipe.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Place small piles of grated cheese onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese begins to melt and brown.
Shape the cheese into shells by draping it over a thick spoon handle suspended between two glasses.
Allow the cheese to cool down completely before adding the taco filling.
5. PARMESAN
Imagine the aroma of toasted Parmesan cheese wafting through the kitchen.
Picture favorite fillings nestled in crispy Parmesan shells fresh from the oven.
Make it happen with this irresistible, low-carb taco idea. These healthy taco shells are simple to make and simply delicious.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Use a ring mold to melt the parmesan cheese into perfect circles on a skillet.
As soon as the cheese stops bubbling, drape it over a spoon handle to form the taco shell.
After the shells are cooled down and hardened, load them up with your favorite taco filling.
6. SHREDDED CARROT
Turn fresh carrots into low-calorie taco shells that pair perfectly with traditional or vegan fillings.
You'll enjoy the unique texture and flavor of these carrot taco shells.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Shred baby carrots in a food processor.
Add cheese, almond flour and eggs to form a batter.
Pour the mixture into circles on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. FRESH SPINACH
When you’re aiming for healthy taco shells, you can’t miss with fresh baby spinach.
Add high-protein spelt flour, sea salt and water, and roll out a tender, luxurious dough.
The nutritional profile of soft spinach taco shells includes vitamins A, C and K as well as magnesium and iron.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Cook the baby spinach in a skillet over medium-high heat with water.
Puree the spinach in a blender or food processor.
Combine the spinach puree, spelt flour, and salt and mix until it turns into a dough.
Roll the dough into tortillas and heat on a skillet for around one minute on one side, then flip and heat for 30 seconds on the other side.
8. CAULIFLOWER
This recipe creates soft tortillas that score big as grain-free, gluten-free paleo taco wraps.
They rack up extra points for minimum calories and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Cauliflower tortillas also win in taste and presentation categories.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they have a rice-like consistency.
Microwave or steam the cauliflower until fully cooked and squeeze out the extra liquid with a cheesecloth.
Add eggs and seasoning and mix until a dough forms.
Roll out the cauliflower tortillas and bake them for about 15 minutes.
9. ZUCCHINI
This versatile vegetable easily mixes with basic ingredients to turn out delicious wraps.
Zucchini taco shells made with garlic, cumin and Parmesan yield soft tortillas yummy enough to enjoy without a filling.
They also dress up plates with colorful, festive presentations.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Grate the zucchini and squeeze out the extra moisture with a paper towel or cheesecloth.
Mix in eggs, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and seasonings.
Press the mixture into thin circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the shells until the edges are crispy, about 25 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. OVEN-BAKED CORN SHELLS
When you crave crispy tacos, satisfy your appetite with this healthy idea.
Experience that satisfying crunch without the calories of a fried tortilla. Oven-baked taco shells preserve tradition and keep it guilt-free too.
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Microwave corn tortillas until they're soft and pliable.
Spray the tortillas with cooking spray and sprinkle on lime juice and salt.
Drape the tortillas over the oven grates so they form a taco shape, and bake for about 10 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
FILL YOUR TACO SHELLS WITH GOOD HEALTH
The healthiest taco shell deserves a healthy filling, so get creative with turkey, chicken and seafood.
Pile on the veggies, top with homemade salsa, or drizzle with home-made hot sauce.
When entertaining guests, consider making a homemade taco bar so everyone can put together their ideal healthy taco or taco salad.
Check back with us soon for more healthy ideas that work in family kitchens and commercial operations.
It’s always our goal to fill everyone’s pantries with culinary inspiration and the freshest produce available.
