Celebrate the Summer's Bounty with a Healthy and Delish Veggie Filled Taco Bar!

One of the things I love best about summer is the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available in and around our fabulous Spa City. I am always looking for ways to feature the season's bounty in delicious and healthy party ideas and recipes, especially at this time of year. So, with that in mind, I have an easy and fun way to wow your guests at your next get together, my fit and fabulous Veggie Filled Taco Bar!    

Like I said, my Veggie Filled Taco Bar is easy and fun. It’s easy because all of the ingredients are prepared in advance. At party time you just lay everything out buffet style. And it’s fun because everyone gets to build their own tacos with their choice of healthy toppings.

But before I go any further it’s time for a drink and my latest libation creation is easy and fun as well! I call it the Pink Flamingo Paloma, a refreshing blend of tequila Blanco, pink grapefruit and lime juices sweetened with agave nectar.

For the tacos, let’s start at the bottom and build our way up. You can use regular taco shells, but I prefer soft flour or corn tortillas. Count on one to two per guest. Next my Plant-Centric Taco Filling is a great alternative to the usual ground beef. It has a meat-like texture and just enough spice. 

Now let’s pile on the veggies! There are so many to choose from besides the usual chopped lettuce and tomatoes. How about sliced radishes, chopped zucchini, or grilled fresh corn to name a few. There are no set amounts, just estimate how much of each you will need based on the number of guests. There are more suggestions listed in the recipe section of this article.

All that’s left is to add a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of Cilantro Lime Taco Sauce. This creamy sauce adds flavor and richness without going overboard with fat and calories.

I hope you enjoy these recipes. As always have fun in your kitchen cooking (and making drinks!) for the people you love, and remember...

It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!

The Pink Flamingo Paloma

Directions: Measure the first four ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass or cocktail tumbler, and top with a splash of seltzer. Cut a notch into the pink grapefruit slice and secure on the rim of the glass...Salud!

Cilantro Lime Taco Sauce

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Veggie Filled Tacos

Veggie Topping Ideas:

• Thinly sliced radishes
• Diced sweet bell peppers
• Grilled fresh corn cut from the cob
• Shredded fresh carrots
• Shredded red or green cabbage                                         
• Chopped leaf lettuce 
• Chopped and drained fresh tomatoes 
• Sliced fresh jalapeno peppers                                                           
• Sliced scallions                                                                                                                         
• Thinly sliced onion or my Quick Pickled Purple Onions recipe available on simplysaratoga.com

Other Toppings:

• Pico de Gallo or salsa; store bought or homemade
• Sliced ripe olives
• Shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Guacamole; store bought or homemade.
  Or try my recipe available on simplysaratoga.com

Plant-Centric Meat Free Taco Filling

This recipe makes enough for about 6 tacos so increase the ingredient amounts to what you will need. Count on 1 to 2 tacos per guest.

• 1 pound of ground meat substitute. I like Beyond Beef Plant-Based Ground with
  avocado oil.
• 1/2 cup of water or
  vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of dries oregano
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.

Directions: Mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Cook the meat substitute crumbles according to package directions. Add the water or broth and seasoning mixture and cook for a few more minutes to warm through and combine flavors. Cool and refrigerate if not using right away, gently reheat before serving.