Soft, warm, and delicious, tortillas are a type of flatbread that’s used in many Mexican dishes, most popularly in tacos. But, most store-bought tortillas do more harm to your body than you can imagine.
So, whether you’re tired of eating the same tacos, burritos, and wraps in tortillas or need gluten-free options for your fillings, we’ve got you covered. Give your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes a twist by substituting traditional tortillas with some unexpected ingredients to create unique flavors. Read on to discover some great substitutes for tortillas.
1. Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a great way to put a healthier spin on your Taco Tuesdays. Not only are lettuce wraps a lighter option compared to tortillas, which can help reduce calorie intake, but they also deliver an added crunch that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To use these as a substitute for your typical tortillas, think of the ratio of one lettuce wrap per taco — shredded leaf lettuce or butterhead lettuce leaves, both work great. Just make sure you pick the right-sized leaf! Simply put all your favorite fixings inside the wrap and enjoy a healthier version of everyone’s favorite Tex-Mex staple!
2. Cauliflower Tortillas
Cauliflower tortillas are a fantastic option for switching up the classic taco shell. Not only do these tasty, gluten-free substitutes provide a flavorful alternative to regular tortillas, but they’re also packed with added health benefits. Cauliflower is known to be low in carbohydrates and full of essential vitamins and minerals.
Making a cauliflower tortilla is easy — all you need are one head of cauliflower, an egg, some salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Grate the cauliflower until it’s the consistency of couscous.
Then, add the egg and seasonings and mix together until well blended. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and spoon half a cup of the mixture into the pan to make mini-tortillas. Cook each side for two minutes or until golden brown. And that’s it! Your cauliflower tortillas are ready to enjoy with all your favorite taco toppings!
3. Rice Paper Wraps
If you’re looking for a way to shake up your Taco Tuesday, try using rice paper wraps instead of traditional tortillas. Rice paper wraps are an ideal fit for tacos because they are light and airy, letting all the other flavors of the dish shine through. Plus, they contain no fat or cholesterol, making them an excellent healthy alternative.
When using rice paper wraps as a substitute for tortillas, just remember to soak them in warm water before using them. Depending on the brand, one wrap is often enough for two tacos. Once the rice paper is soaked and softened, pile on your favorite fillings, like slow-cooked beans, seasoned ground beef, and freshly diced tomatoes, and roll it up tightly. Enjoy your new twist on Taco Tuesday!
4. Collard Greens
Taco Tuesday may not be the same without tortillas, but if you’re looking to spice things up, try collard greens. With its earthy sweetness and crunch, it hits all the right notes when it comes to replacing a tortilla shell. Added bonus? Collard greens are full of vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal health food ingredient.
To make collard greens a viable tortilla substitute, try slicing the leaves into quarter-inch strips and layering them crosswise on top of each other until you have a nice thick square wrapping. Steam or sauté it for two minutes before adding your favorite taco fillings, then roll it into a tasty taco burrito. For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle your collard green wraps with sesame seeds. Bon appétit!
5. Eggplant Wraps
Eggplants are low in calories and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as antioxidant compounds like nasunin that can help protect your cells. Plus, the meaty texture helps make the wraps more filling than traditional flour or corn tortilla shells.
To use eggplant as a wrap, you need to cut the eggplant into thin strips along its length. Season the slices with a bit of salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Next, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook each eggplant slice until it’s lightly browned and cooked through.
Once cooked, let them cool before wrapping your favorite taco fillings in each slice. The eggplant wraps will hold their shape better if you put them back in the pan for a few seconds after assembling them to crisp them up.
6. Zucchini Wraps
Make your tacos a whole lot healthier with zucchini wraps! Zucchini makes an excellent alternative to traditional flour tortillas and is packed with nutritional benefits. This delicious veggie wrap is low in calories, fat-free, and abundant in vitamins A, C, and B6. Plus, the mild flavor of zucchini won’t detract from your tasty taco fillings.
To make a yummy taco wrap out of zucchini, simply slice the vegetable into thin strips and heat them on a stovetop pan for about two minutes per side to give them some texture. You can also sprinkle some salt before cooking the zucchini to enhance its flavor. Once your tacos are assembled, fold the zucchini strips in half and enjoy your guilt-free take on Taco Tuesday!
7. Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are the perfect substitute for traditional tacos shells on Taco Tuesday. While made with the same ingredients as regular taco shells, corn tortillas are a healthier alternative. They are made with only ground corn and water, which gives them a more subtle flavor that is not as processed as regular tortillas. Plus, you can find them in any grocery store or Mexican food aisle.
You can use corn tortillas the way you use taco shells. Making them is easy, too — just heat up the tortillas in a pan until they’re lightly crisp yet pliable enough to fold around your tasty fillings. If you’re looking for a healthier spin on Taco Tuesday without sacrificing flavor and texture, corn tortillas are an ideal choice!
