Healthy Deconstructed Fish Tacos with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing (21 Day Fix Approved)
Transform your Taco Tuesday with these healthy, deconstructed fish tacos – a delicious and compliant way to enjoy Mexican flavors on the 21 Day Fix! This vibrant salad packs all the zesty, savory, and sweet elements you love in traditional tacos, but without the excessive fat and calories. Crowned with a luscious, homemade avocado cilantro dressing, this meal is a guilt-free indulgence that will become a regular in your healthy eating rotation.
Confession #51- The end of summer always leaves me feeling a bit melancholic, but this year it’s hitting me harder than usual. Monday marks a huge milestone: my youngest baby starts Kindergarten. How did this happen so fast? One minute I was cradling a newborn, the next I’m packing a lunchbox for “big school.” I’m a teary-eyed, emotional, mom-mess navigating this bittersweet transition.
Amidst this emotional haze, I found myself in a culinary predicament. I went to the grocery store with a clear mission: gather ingredients for our favorite Fish Tacos. Yet, somehow, in my distracted state, I completely forgot to buy corn tortillas. How does one shop for fish taco ingredients and forget the most fundamental component? It felt like a culinary catastrophe at first.
From Mishap to Masterpiece: The Birth of a Healthy Taco Salad
To my absolute surprise, what began as a forgotten ingredient turned into a delightful culinary discovery. This deconstructed fish tacos dinner was an unexpected triumph! Yes, it’s essentially a fish taco salad, and admittedly, that phrase doesn’t always conjure up the most appetizing images. But trust me, this was far from a bland bowl of greens. This dish was incredibly delicious, bursting with fresh flavors, and truly satisfying! Plus, it was packed with so many greens – a win-win in my book!
Instead of my usual Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce that often accompanies my tacos, I decided to try something new. I whipped up an incredibly creamy and vibrant Avocado Cilantro dressing, inspired by a recipe I stumbled upon on one of my favorite food blogs, A Pinch of Yum. This dressing truly elevated the entire dish, adding a silky texture and a fresh, herby zing that perfectly complemented the other ingredients.
This happy, healthy dinner proved to be the perfect antidote for my melancholy end-of-summer mood. It was comforting, nourishing, and just what this emotional momma needed. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors were a little ray of sunshine on a sentimental day.
Why Deconstructed Fish Tacos Are Your New Favorite Healthy Meal
Moving beyond the personal story, let’s talk about why these deconstructed fish tacos, or fish taco salads, deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. They offer a multitude of benefits, especially if you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle or following a structured eating plan like the 21 Day Fix.
Unbeatable Health Benefits
- Reduced Calories & Fat: By swapping traditional tortillas for a generous bed of fresh greens and crunchy cabbage, you significantly cut down on carbohydrates, calories, and unhealthy fats. This makes it an ideal meal for weight management and clean eating.
- Nutrient-Dense: This salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The greens provide essential roughage, mangoes offer Vitamin C and A, and avocado delivers healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Lean Protein Power: Fish or shrimp provides an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, satiety, and overall health.
- Fresh Ingredients: Emphasizing fresh produce means you’re consuming whole, unprocessed foods, which is always the cornerstone of a healthy diet.
Explosion of Flavor and Texture
Don’t let the “salad” label fool you – this dish is a party for your taste buds! You get a fantastic blend of flavors and textures in every bite:
- Smoky, Savory Fish: Marinated in salt-free taco seasoning and grilled to flaky perfection, the fish brings a savory, slightly spicy kick.
- Sweet & Tangy Mango Salsa: The diced mango adds a burst of tropical sweetness, balanced by the sharpness of red onion, the subtle heat of jalapeño, and the freshness of cilantro and lime.
- Creamy & Herby Dressing: The avocado cilantro dressing binds everything together with its rich, velvety texture and bright, refreshing flavor.
- Crunchy Base: A mix of crisp salad greens and shredded cabbage provides a satisfying crunch that mimics the texture of a taco shell without the extra carbs.
Versatility and Ease
This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. You can easily swap out the fish for chicken, lean ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black olives. The possibilities are endless!
You could cook the fish on the stove top in a skillet, but I absolutely LOVE cooking fish outside on the grill. The main reasons? No lingering fish smell in the house and minimal cleanup – a true lifesaver on busy weeknights!
After dinner, my advice is to let the dishes sit a bit longer. Savor the last moments of summer, or simply embrace the ease of this meal. There’s no rush when you’ve prepared such a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
Table of Contents
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Deconstructed Fish Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Dressing {21 Day Fix}
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz fish or shrimp
- Salt-free taco seasoning
- Fresh cilantro
- 3 limes
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1 avocado 1/2 of it diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 clove garlic
- Salad greens chopped
- Cabbage shredded
Instructions
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In a shallow dish, marinate your chosen fish (or shrimp) with the salt-free taco seasoning, the juice from 1 fresh lime, and a small handful of chopped fresh cilantro. Ensure the fish is evenly coated. Let it sit and marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
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While the fish is marinating, prepare your vibrant mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, the first half of your avocado (diced), diced red onion, and the diced jalapeño. Squeeze in the juice from a second lime and add a tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro. Gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated fish directly on the grill and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until it’s flaky and opaque white throughout. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fish or size of your shrimp. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the fish in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
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While the fish is cooking, prepare your creamy Avocado Cilantro dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves and stems, the remaining half of the avocado, plain Greek yogurt, water, minced garlic clove, and the juice from the last lime. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more water until you reach your desired consistency. Go check on your delicious fish, it should be almost ready!
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To assemble your deconstructed fish taco salad, start with a generous bed of chopped salad greens and shredded cabbage on your plate. Top with the perfectly grilled fish, a hearty portion of the fresh mango salsa, and then drizzle generously with the homemade avocado cilantro dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the healthy and vibrant flavors!
Notes
21 Day Fix Container Counts (per serving, as pictured):
1 GREEN (from salad greens and cabbage)
1/2 PURPLE (from mango)
1 BLUE (from avocado)
1 RED (from fish/shrimp and Greek yogurt in dressing)
Nutrition
Further Your Healthy Cooking Journey
If you’re looking for more exciting and healthy recipes that are perfect for grilling, be sure to check out my eBook, Grilling on the Fix! It’s packed with delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that make healthy outdoor cooking a breeze.
Are you currently doing a round of the 21 Day Fix and feeling a little lost or unmotivated? Don’t do it alone! Let me coach you through your journey. Contact me at trueconfessionsofafitfoodie AT gmail DOT com to join my current challenge group. You’ll receive daily motivation, fresh recipe ideas, and the incredible support of over 200 women who are all on similar paths to health and wellness. For even more resources, check out my Etsy Shop, where you can find a variety of 21 Day Fix eBooks complete with full grocery lists, essential prep tips, and a wealth of easy-to-follow, delicious recipes designed to keep you on track and enjoying every meal.