High Protein Takes on a Classic Snack
Nachos are a quintessential appetizer for any gathering or party. With crispy tortilla chips layered in melted cheese, meat, beans, salsa, and more, they offer a little something for everyone. But traditional recipes mean nachos are often high in calories, fat, and sodium while lacking nutrients. By incorporating a few simple swaps and high protein ingredients though, it's easy to give this classic snack a healthy makeover.
Bean Your Way to Added Protein
One of the easiest ways to instantly add more protein to your nachos is by using beans. Both canned and homemade bean options work perfectly. Some nutritious ideas include:
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Kidney beans
- White beans
- Refried beans
Beans provide a wealth of protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Adding a layer of your favorite beans, particularly on top of reduced fat shredded cheese, pumps up the nutrition substantially. For even more protein, opt for extra bean-based toppings like cooked lentils, edamame or chickpeas too.
Leaner Meats Mean Leaner Nachos
Of course no plate of nachos is complete without some type of meat. Sausage, ground beef, bacon, chicken and more typically grace the chip layers. But often these meat choices result in too much fat and sodium.
Instead, look to leaner cuts of meat, reduced sodium deli options or prepped meat alternatives:
- Shredded chicken breast
- Chopped flank steak
- Lean ground turkey
- Low sodium ham
- Grilled or baked tofu cubes
- Textured vegetable protein crumbles
Pile your nachos high with one of these cleaner proteins for a solid protein boost minus the extra fat and salt.
Get Cheesy With Healthier Options
Oozing, melted cheese binds every delicious bite of nachos together. But typical full-fat cheeses quickly tip the scale for fat, sodium and calories. Lighten up your cheese layer in healthier ways by:
- Using reduced-fat shredded cheese blends
- Sprinkling a cheese alternative like cashew cheese
- Limiting the amount of cheese you add
- Layering in plain Greek yogurt for a protein punch
You still get plenty of rich, cheesy flavor without overdoing it on the unhealthy elements.
Pile on the Fresh Produce
Nachos might not be the first snack you think of for adding veggies. But fresh, colorful produce elevates high protein nachos nutrition through the roof. Get creative with toppings like:
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped bell peppers
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped onions
- Corn kernels
- Salsa
Roast veggies ahead of time for even more flavor. Just assemble your loaded veggie nachos right before serving to prevent soggy chips.
8 Tasty and Nutritious High Protein Nachos Recipes
Armed with healthier tips for amping up nutrition, check out these delicious high protein nachos recipes:
1. Loaded Baked Potato Protein Nachos
All the tasty fixings of a baked potato - cheddar cheese, bacon, scallions and sour cream get a new life atop crispy chips and beans. It's protein-packed party food at its best!
2. Fajita Steak Nachos
Marinated flank steak cooks up fast and tops nachos along with sauted bell peppers and onions for a protein and produce rich fajita flavor.
3. Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Nachos
Get your protein fix from diced chicken breast and broccoli florets piled high over reduced fat cheddar cheese sauce drenched chips. A few squeezes of lemon adds freshness.
4. Taco Turkey Nachos
Ground turkey stands in for greasy beef in this lighter take on classic taco nachos. Lettuce, tomato, black beans and avocado nicely round it out.
5. BBQ Jackfruit Nachos
Meatless nacho lovers will dig these plant-based BBQ pulled jackfruit nachos. The naturally sweet fruit tastes just like pulled pork when simmered in a smoky barbecue sauce and served Tex-Mex style.
6. Mexican Pizza Nachos
All the tasty toppings of a Mexican pizza move from the crust to tortilla chips. Refried beans, seasoned ground turkey, salsa, olives, bell peppers and green onion make the mouthwatering mix.
7. Thai Chicken Nachos
For an international twist, nachos go Thai! Shredded chicken, carrots, spicy peanut dressing and fresh cilantro give it plenty of Southeast Asian zing.
8. Greek Nachos
Mediterranean flavor abounds in these Greek nachos loaded up with spinach, red onion, black olives, feta cheese crumbles, garbanzo beans, grape tomatoes and tzatziki sauce.
So go ahead and give that old plate of nachos a delicious healthy high protein makeover. All it takes is a few simple swaps to transform this party classic into the ultimate protein-packed snack everyone will enjoy!
FAQs
How do I add more protein to regular nachos?
Some easy ways to pack more protein into nachos include: using beans like black or pinto beans instead of just meat, opting for leaner cuts of meat like chicken or flank steak, sprinkling a protein-rich cheese alternative like Greek yogurt over the nachos, and loading up on high protein toppings like lentils, edamame, tofu or tempeh.
What are some lean meat options for healthy nachos?
Some lean yet tasty meat options for high protein nachos include: chicken or turkey breast, flank steak, grass-fed ground beef or turkey, low sodium deli ham or sausage, baked tofu, or meatless crumbles made from soy protein or tempeh.
Do nachos really need cheese?
No, nachos don't have to be smothered in melted cheese to taste delicious! Consider using less cheese or lighter cheese alternatives like cashew nacho cheese or plain Greek yogurt drizzled over your nachos for a cheesy flavor. Piling on additional veggies and protein is another way to add flavor.
Can I make baked high protein nachos?
Absolutely! Baking your nachos is actually healthier than frying them. Try layering all your desired sauces, meats, cheeses and toppings over tortilla chips on a baking sheet then baking until the cheese melts for crispy, melty nachos.
What toppings make good high protein nachos?
Some tasty high protein toppings for healthy nachos include beans, shredded chicken, grass-fed ground beef, sautéed veggies like peppers and onions, Greek yogurt, smashed avocado, corn, tomato salsa and fresh cilantro.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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