It’s Taco Tuesday! Need a dinner plan? Celebrate this weekly “holiday” of sorts by pledging to make your taco night a bit more healthier with these essentials

Beans and Legumes

Meat eaters may look at beans as just a side dish when it comes to Mexican or Spanish food, but we plant-based eaters know just how filling and main-course-worthy lentils, beans and other legumes really are. Black beans, pinto beans and brown lentils work especially well as the “meat” or bulk of your taco. Use lentils for this Mexican Lasagna and these Double Decker Lentil Tacos.

Avocados

Avocado can turn a dish from drab to fab; there’s just something about that cool, creamy texture of an avocado that instantly upgrades your food. Plus, avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fat. You can overdo it on the healthy fat though, as it is very tempting and easy to devour a whole bowl of guacamole. So, prepare to nosh with a little less guilt by faking your recipe a bit and adding in some healthy fillers like peas or edamame to add green substance with less fat. Go ahead and enjoy this Knock-off-amole by the spoonful.

Tofu

Ah, what would we do without tofu? It seems more and more people (especially young women like me) are embracing tofu, whether they’re vegan or not. This stuff will taste like whatever you cook it with, so pick out some spices or marinades and let’s get started — you’re not alone in the journey to making tofu actually taste good. See these 6 Tips That Will Make You Love Tofu.

Salsas of All Sorts

It can’t be a taco night without some salsa. This condiment is amazing in its traditional, tomato-based fashion, but also try mixing up your salsa game a bit. How about some black bean and corn salsa, salsa verde, blueberry salsa, and papaya salsa? Summer is a great time to make those juicy, fruit-based salsas.

Warm Tortillas

What’s a taco without a tasty shell to hold it all together? If you buy pre-made tortillas, you can still make them taste a bit more like restaurant quality if you employ some tricks to warm them up. See these Easy Tortilla Hacks for some pointers on warming tortillas and even making easy, crunchy taco bowls with them.

Grilled Veggies

Don’t be shy with the veggies here. Part of making your Taco Tuesday a healthier endeavor is loading up on the good stuff with the good vitamins and nutrients. Peppers, onions, tomatoes, squash and zucchini work especially for grilling and tasting good with all of the other ingredients. Try these Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Tacos.

Image source: Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Tacos