Eat the Rainbow

You’ve probably heard the phrase “eat the rainbow”, and it’s great advice! Different colors in fruits and veggies aren’t just pretty, they actually mean those foods have different phytochemicals, natural plant compounds that each do something special for your body. I made a super colorful recipe packed with tons of veggies! It’s not just beautiful to look at, it’s also a nutrition powerhouse!

Garden Fiesta Taco Bowl with Greek Yogurt Ranch

1. Protein- I like to use lean ground beef for a higher protein-to fat ratio, but if you prefer a richer flavor, a slightly fattier cut works too. Either way, beef provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 — all crucial for energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.

   
   

2. Base- Romaine is my go to base because it’s crisp, easy to prep, and holds up perfectly in a taco bowl. It’s also a solid source of vitamin K and folate, which play important roles in cell function and repair.

   
   

3. Veggies! Here’s where the “eat the rainbow” magic happens! I used a colorful mix of bell peppers (three colors to maximize phytochemical variety), black beans, corn, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado. Each color brings its own unique set of bioactive compounds, like carotenoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols, that support antioxidant defenses, reduce inflammation, and promote gut and brain health.

   
   

4. Greek Yogurt Ranch- This dressing is a simple swap that gives you the same creamy flavor as bottled ranch, but with a nutrition upgrade. I combined ½ cup of whole-milk Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of milk, and ranch seasoning. The result? More protein, less fat, and a satisfying tang that pairs perfectly with the seasoned beef and crisp veggies.

It’s fast, fresh, and functional. From start to finish, it took less than 45 minutes to cook the beef, prep the veggies, and mix the dressing. It’s high in protein and fiber, supports a wide range of nutritional pathways, and, of course, goes great with a side of chips. 😉