October 4th is National Taco Day in the US, and we’re serving up these nutrient-packed lentil tacos with Mexican salad! In partnership with Walmart Foundation and FSHN Productions, UF/IFAS demonstrates how to make these tacos in the video below. The recipe is adapted from UF’s Food Science and Human Nutrition Department Slice and Spice program.
The Original “Taco” + Enjoying this Versatile Meal
The origin of tacos has been lost to history. One theory suggests that the word “taco” originated in the 18th-century silver mines of Mexico. Miners wrapped paper around gunpowder, using these little “taco” bundles to explode rock and excavate ore. Over the centuries, tacos have evolved based on geography and culture to include many varieties of meats, vegetables, fruits, and more stuffed into folded tortillas.
We could write pages about the history of tacos, but as members of one of the world’s largest combined academic programs where food science, nutritional sciences, and dietetics are all studied within one department, we’d rather share a delicious, plant-based recipe for tacos to celebrate National Taco Day.
Whether you enjoy corn-or wheat-based tortillas, including tacos in your meal rotation is a simple way to add plenty of fiber, lean protein, and other nutrients. Have a fridge of leftovers? Wrap a whole-grain tortilla around leftover chicken, tofu, fish, or any protein, and add your favorite vegetables and sauce. Or try something new and gather the ingredients for these colorful and nutritious lentil tacos.
Lentil Tacos with Mexican Salad
Ready to supercharge your tacos? Watch our lentil tacos video filmed by FSHN IT professional Roderick Tatom, edited by Aaron Mares, and featuring FSHN research assistant Annabelle Ha.
Finally, enjoy a printable version of this recipe below.
S&S Lentil Tacos with Mexican Salad
Let us know how you’re planning to celebrate taco day in the comments!
P.S. Want to know more about lentils and other lovely legumes? Learn about these nutrient powerhouses and try two new recipes in our Celebrate Kids Eat Right Month post!
P.P.S. Check out more Slice and Spice recipe videos in FSHN’s video gallery. You may enjoy these veggie-based videos:
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