6 steps to building a bold taco

We’re calling it: This is officially the summer of tacos. And not just any taco will do – we’re talking stuffed to the edge, juices running down your arm tacos—the kind so messy you only want to eat outside. Pick and choose a couple options from each of the categories below—try and grab a variety of textures and tastes—and load ‘em up on a taco for the ultimate low-fuss summer meal. 

Include both soft tortillas and hard taco shells on the board, if you like. Fan them out across the board in a wave or “C” pattern to give a fluid look to the board. Be sure to heat them up first. 

-soft corn tortillas, such as 

-hard taco shells, such as 

Next, pick your proteins. Include a red meat, like flank steak or pulled beef, plus your pick of chicken, fish or pulled pork. Add a plant-based option too, if you like, such as , seasoned with .  

-sliced grilled flank steak 

-sliced or shredded grilled chicken 

-flaked white-fleshed fish, such as cod or halibut, or shrimp (Tip: Season with ) 

-pulled pork (we love ) 

-pulled beef (try) 

Set out bowls of creamy and chunky sauces and spreads to add a variety of textures. You can keep it basic with salsa, sour cream and guacamole, or go a little extra with flavoured cremas and salsa verde.  

-crema, such as  and  

-guacamole  

-sour cream 

-salsa, such as , or mango salsa 

-nut- or seed-based dips, such as or  

-salsa verde 

These add sweet, savoury, tender and crunchy elements to the board. Try grilling the fruit to add a layer of smoky, caramelized flavour, but keep it raw if super-ripe and juicy.  

Vegetables  

-grilled, sliced sweet peppers 

-grilled, cubed sweet potatoes 

-grilled, whole green onions 

-grilled, sliced Portobello mushrooms 

-slaw tossed with a creamy dressing (try with ranch dressing) 

-halved cherry or grape tomatoes  

-thinly sliced radishes 

-cooked frozen corn (we love ) 

-baby greens, such as baby spinach, baby kale or baby arugula 

Fruits and herbs 

-sliced pineapple 

-cubed mango 

-sliced peaches or nectarines 

-fresh cilantro 

-lime wedges 

You want variety here, so choose something crumbly, shredded and saucy.  

-crumbled feta or cotija cheese  

-shredded mozzarella 

-shredded Monterey Jack 

-shredded Tex-Mex cheese, such as 

-queso dip 

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-shredded plant-based cheese, such asor 

This is where you add personality to your tacos - think crispy, tangy, spicy additions.  

-pickled vegetables, such as pickled red onions, jalapeño peppers, radishes or banana peppers 

-kimchi  

-potato or tortilla chips  

-hot sauce  

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