Deborah's Gluten Free Tostada Salad

This high protein, gluten free dish is perfect for quick summer meals the whole family can enjoy!

by Deborah Enos, CN

I love Mexican food. When I didn’t know I had problems with gluten, I would eat tortillas by the truck load! But after being diagnosed with a wheat allergy, I had to figure out how to re-make my favorite tostada salad, minus the tostada. Not an easy task!

I discovered popchips – potato chips that have been popped like popcorn. A small snack bag has around 100 calories, about 3 grams of fat and is gluten free. Instead of using a tortilla as the base of my tostada, I now use popchips.

My Favorite Tostada Salad (Gluten free)

Ingredients:

•             1 pound of organic ground beef

•             1 can of refried beans (make sure it’s gluten free)

•             1 can of black beans, rinsed to remove excess sodium

•             ½ container of salsa

•             Beef broth (make sure it’s gluten free)

•             1 lime

•             Green salad

•             Cheese, grated (optional)

•             Baked Chips (popchips: I use the Original flavor)

Directions:

Sauté beef in one tablespoon of olive oil for 5 minutes. Add the can of refried beans and the strained black beans. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add one cup of beef broth and ½ small container of salsa and let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add the juice of one lime to the mixture. Get a plate and cover it with popchips. Put the taco mixture onto the chips and then add green salad, salsa, and grated cheese.

Leftover Meal Options:

1. Breakfast/lunch burrito can be made with the leftover taco mixture and scrambled eggs placed in a warm GF corn tortilla.

2. Turn into a taco salad at work the next day. Bring the salad and chips separately, put together with the leftover taco meat. Add salsa as your dressing and some sliced avocado. This is an excellent high protein and high energy afternoon meal.

Deborah serves as a board member of the American Heart Association and is author of the popular book “Weight a Minute!” Transform your Health in 60 Seconds a day. She has appeared on NBC, ABC and FOX News, and has been featured in The Costco Connection, Parade Magazine, Self Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping and USA Today.