Walking Tacos

By Ann Fulton

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Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids’ parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated version may absolutely eat the meal that way.

 

Both of my sons are swimmers and, like so many sports activities, the summer swim meets are always over dinnertime. Typically, I feed the boys an early meal and pack a few snacks for them to eat later.  This helps limit the flow of snack bar dinners and treats.

At a recent meet, my younger son approached me as I was doing my timing duties and asked if he could buy a “walking taco,” saying he had never ever tried this snack bar special.

Because I firmly believe that treats have their place, I said yes.  When he returned a few minutes later to tell me they were sold out, I told him we could make them at home one evening soon.

So, a few nights later, he invited a couple of his friends over for a walking taco dinner.  My family adores a traditional taco salad, which I always load with all sorts of ingredients that make it both healthy and delicious.  A few tortilla chips crushed over top add crunch and flavor without doing too much damage.  (My favorite are the Hint of Lime variety…so much so that I occasionally make a copycat version!)

While we typically don’t eat our dinner out of a snack bag, this was a fun treat for the kids and is a clever idea for a child’s birthday party.  My husband and I stuck with a plated version, so feel free to choose either option.

The homemade taco seasoning provides extra flavor with spices you likely have on hand (for that recipe, click here), although you may use a store-bought packet.

Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids' parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated version may absolutely eat the meal that way.
Walking Tacos
This is a clever idea for a kids' party or a fun dinner or lunch. If you add enough veggies and serve with something healthy on the side, you don't have to feel guilty about an occasional walking taco!

We also like to assemble the taco salad ingredients on a plate, drizzle with a dressing of half ranch, half salsa, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a delicious and fairly healthy taco salad without the bag.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought)
  • Chopped tomato
  • Shredded lettuce (I like shredded hearts of romaine)
  • Chopped onion or green onions
  • Cooked corn
  • Chopped avocado
  • Shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or your favorite)
  • Sliced black olives
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or picante sauce
  • Individual lunch-sized bags of Doritos or corn chips
Instructions
  1. Brown the ground beef and drain.
  2. Add the taco seasoning mix, cooking according to directions.
  3. To assemble: Break the chips before opening the bag. (Best to gently crush but not pulverize!) Open the bag of chips, being careful not to tear down the side, as this is your bowl!
  4. Add toppings of choice.
  5. Leave a little room at the top of the bag so you have room to mix.
  6. Grab a fork and dig in!
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Comments

  1. Pingback: 3-Ingredient Pizzadillas — The Fountain Avenue Kitchen

  2. Pingback: The Fountain Avenue Kitchen – Homemade Taco Seasoning

  3. Valerie @ From Valerie's Kitchen

    Love the pictures of the boys 🙂 My boys were swimmers/water polo players and boy do they burn the calories! Their food requirement is HUGE when they do a sport like that.

    These are just perfect for an easy and fun dinner for kids. I’ve seen them done with Frito’s Corn Chips too. Great post Ann!

    Reply
    1. Ann

      Thank you, Valerie, and you are right on the food requirement. Growing boys consume A LOT anyway, but after an hour or two in the pool, they are REALLY hungry!! Hope all is well with your crew!

      Reply
  4. Terra

    Wow, it has been awhile since I stopped by and said HI! Hope you are doing well! Love this fun traveling dinner, but I love tacos:-) Yum, Hugs, Terra

    Reply