Skinny Taco Toppings

Love Mexican food but afraid it will derail your clean diet? Go ahead and throw a guilt-free fiesta tonight with Tosca Reno’s healthy, homemade versions of your favorite taco ingredients. They’re lower in sodium and fat than store-bought varieties, but are still packed with the South-of-the-border flavor you crave.

Taco Seasoning

Ready in 10 minutes • Makes 4 servings

1 tbsp chili powder
¼ tsp each onion and garlic powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp crumbled, dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
1½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp black pepper

Place all spices in a medium skillet. Slowly heat spices over medium heat, shaking the pan frequently. When spices become fragrant, remove from heat and place in a bowl. Use to season ground meats, like the bison in Tosca’s recipe for Bison Tacos with Pico De Gallo in the “Clean Eating” section of our February 2013 issue!

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 15, Total Fats: 0.5 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 20 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 2 g, Dietary Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 0 g, Protein: 1 g, Iron: 1 g

Taco Sauce

Ready in 40 minutes • Makes 4 servings

1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
¼ cup water
¼ tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp unrefined sea salt
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp cocoa powder

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well blended. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve with tacos and toppings.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 50, Total Fats: 0 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 320 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 9 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 5 g, Protein: 2 g, Iron: 4 g

Pico De Gallo

Ready in 15 minutes • Makes 4 servings

1 sweet red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tsp sea salt
Juice of 2 limes

Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Serve with tacos and toppings.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 35, Total Fats: 0 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 490 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 9 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 5 g, Protein: 1 g, Iron: 0 g

Guacamole

Ready in 10 minutes • Makes 6 servings

2 avocados
1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1 tsp sea salt

Scoop flesh of avocados into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Immediately add remaining ingredients and combine to prevent browning. Do not over mix. Serve with tacos and toppings.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 120, Total Fats: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 1.5 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 330 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 8 g, Dietary Fiber: 5 g, Sugars: 1 g, Protein: 2 g, Iron: 4 g