Step into summer with these lettuce-wrap fish tacos topped with a peach and strawberry salsa. Paleo, gluten-free and Whole30-approved, this recipe is a lighter, seasonal spin on traditional fried fish tacos.
Unpopular opinion: I don’t like traditional tacos. I don’t like typical Mexican food. I, wait for it, don’t like Chipotle.
I hope you still like me.
Oh, and hello to recipe-Friday’s again. More on my cooking-revival next week.
Actually, no one in my family really does either. We all get cravings for certain foods, but tacos and Mexican food are not typically on the list. I think it stems from my aversion to onion, garlic, beans, cheese and super high-FODMAP foods that appear in most Mexican cuisine. What I DO like, however, is eating with my hands. I think that comes in second to eating food out of a bowl in terms of food “fun.” Enter: wraps.
Side note: I had all intentions of making jicama tortilla shells again, but the jicama I bought ended up being moldy so I couldn’t use it. Third time will be the charm.
I could have made these semi-traditional with ground chicken or turkey, but with summer around the corner (as in, this weekend), I thought fish fit the bill. More importantly, I wanted the salsa to shine. I’m ALL ABOUT fresh fruit now. I *almost* used watermelon in this but I was being a good-girl and using what we already had.
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I didn’t intend for this recipe to be Whole30-approved, but I didn’t use any added sweeteners so it worked out that way. My dad made it non-Whole30 approved by using an actual taco shell so adapt as you’d please :)
- Four 6 oz pieces of cod*
- Juice of a lime
- 1/4 cup of pineapple white balsamic**
- 1 tsp of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- One head of Boston bib lettuce
- Avocado
- 3 peaches
- 8 large strawberries
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- A dash (a shake or two) of salt
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, mix fish with the lime juice, white balsamic, Dijon, salt and pepper. Let sit while pan heats.
- Add fish to pan, 2 pieces at a time, and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Fish will mostly likely fall apart when flipping, but that's fine. You want it to shred anyway.
- Once finished, set aside and repeat cooking instructions for the second batch.
- Chop peaches and strawberries. Squeeze lime and mix.
- Wash bibb lettuce, and separate to form the "shell" template.
- Add fish to lettuce, top with salsa and avocado.
- *You can use any fish of choice, however, a different white fish like tilapia or snapper will be a more evenly matched substitute.
- **I purchased this balsamic at a local speciality olive oil store. Feel free to omit or substitute with a dressing of choice. Not necessary, just for a touch of added flavor when cooking.
What is your least favorite cuisine?
Favorite summer fruit?
PIN FOR LATER:
This is why we are perfect for each other–I don’t like the heavy Mexican food either. You need to do Mexico with me–we will have nothing but ceviche, salsa, guac, and fresh veggies. And ALL the jicama.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Summer is Here, and I am Ready (?) For It!
Actually, you reminded me that I don’t hate all Mexican food. I do like FRESH and colorful food. When we were in Mexico earlier this year I got on a jicama kick!
yum! these look delicious and so refreshing for summer!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…Goody Bags for a Two Year Old’s Birthday Party
Thanks, Linz! That’s exactly what I was hoping for :)
I’ll forgive you for not liking Mexican food (or Chipotle!) because you made these beautiful tacos ;) Summer time always screams strawberries 24/7 for me so this is the perfect way to include them in my dinners. I absolutely love the look this recipe — pinned!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…10 Post-Run Workouts under 20 Minutes
We go through an embarrassing amount of strawberries in my house. I don’t hate it :) Thanks for pinning!!!
These pictures are GORGEOUS! I can’t wait to make these! PS: I love Mexican food. It’s hard not to when you live in San Diego :)
Kellen McAvoy recently posted…How to Master the Running Selfie
I bet it’s THE cuisine there! Same thing with Cuban/Spanish food here in Florida. Thanks, Kellen! I’m very slowly improving my photography :)
We really are similar – I am not a Mexican food fan either unless by “Mexican” you mean grilled chicken and some melted Colby or Cheddar in a GF or lettuce wrap. My boyfriend’s family is obsessed with Chipotle and I’ve eaten there begrudgingly once. These look so much better!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Touring the Met with Museum Hack
I’m glad I’m not the only one! I don’t think I’ve ever “celebrated” Taco Tuesday haha. Thanks so much, Alyssa :)
Fish tacos are my kind of tacos! I’d rather use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas anyway. These look delicious :)
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Brussels Sprouts {GF + Vegan Option!}
Thanks, Rachel! We tend to go for the lettuce wraps as a family too. And always go back for seconds!
Don’t worry, I still like you even though you don’t like regular tacos:) These look so good! I’ve never thought of pair a fruit salsa with fish but I just pinned this to make this summer. Looks super easy to make too! I could eat fish tacos everyday of my life.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Another weekend in a cool city that I go to a lot
Phew, I’m glad :) I wish I had leftovers from this meal. I could have easily eaten it the next night too.
Can sushi be considered a “cuisine”? I used to love it and eat A LOT of it, but lately I just am not interested in it. I LOVE fish tacos and I think they are something that just screams summer! Favorite summer fruit is definitely peaches! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Thursday Thoughts
Oh no, sushi is a family favorite! But I go through waves of it too :) Just had grilled peaches with dinner!
Yay for beaches. I think I’ve been on the most beaches in a short 10 day period here in Ireland, that I’ve ever done in my life. And isn’t fresh fruit one of the BEST parts about summer? I can’t wait to have the first watermelon of the summer. These tacos? YUM, and I love the idea that of using lettuce boats, because we don’t always have tortillas, but we pretty much always have lettuce.
Emily recently posted…What Katie Taught Me About Life
Man, I’d love to go to all those beaches! So happy you’re having a great trip :) I just had my first full watermelon this weekend and it was heaven. Summer has begun!
Your photos look gorgeous!! These are so fun and fresh looking. I’ll take a few!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…German Sweet Potato Salad
Slowly (slowly) improving my photography, but thank you! Yeah, I took like four for dinner after taking these pictures. So good!
Yum! This is a perfect recipe for Memorial Day! xo, Kristina
Kristina @ Ms.Modify recently posted…Where & How to Donate Your Hair
I thought so too! Thank you!
This is the epitome of summer in a meal! Looks delicious, Emily.
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…My heart is heavy. Please continue to fight.
It felt perfect for the season! Especially leading up to MDW!
Our tastes diverge a bit when it comes to Mexican food, but we can still absolutely agree on these beautiful tacos/lettuce wraps ? Fish and fruit salsa is so fresh and summery! I love it.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 05/27/16
Ha I know you’re a traditional taco lover but I’m glad you think this looks good :) :)
This is totally summer on a plate! YUM!
My least favourite cuisine has to be Indian – after two horrible food poisoning experiences when I was younger!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Naked Ears, Pained Expressions and FIRE!
Food poisoning ruins foods. I got it once from a burger place (that I used to love) and will never ever go back. But yay for summer food, right?!
Yummm. I love fish tacos and these are such a creative twist on the usual fish-slaw-corn tortillas recipe! Pinned! :)
My least favorite cuisine? Indian food. I love the flavors, but I can’t take the heat when it comes to the spices!
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…12 Easy Ways to Live Greener
Thanks so much, Claire! Ohh, I’m not big on Indian food either…just the spice that gets me too!
My least favourite cuisine is super spicy food…I just can’t deal. Everyone keeps raving about fish tacos, I’m a little confused by them but I think I trust you Emily so I might have to try them at some point!
Megan recently posted…The secret life of a recovering disordered eater
I’m not big on spicy food either. I know it’s not summer where you are, but these are so light and flavorful :)
So simple, so delicious, and so perfect for summer!
Exactly what I was hoping to get across! Thanks, Jessica!
These look so fresh and yummy, Emily! Your photos are beautiful and so colorful. Just pinned because I’m realllyyyyyy trying to get over my fish aversion!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Perfect Pie Class at Sur La Table + Pie-Making Tips
Thanks, Liv! White fish is a good starting point…tilapia, cod, snapper. My all-time favorite is salmon though :)
Mmm!! I’ve just gotten into fish tacos more recently. So refreshing and tasty!
heather @Fitncookies recently posted…Friday Favorites 5/27/16
Right? Perfect for summer!
This looks INCREDIBLE! I don’t eat fish – but I’m totally doing this with chicken. That salsa looks so good!
I plan to do with with ground chicken/turkey next time :) Thank you!