Fish & Seafood/ Gluten-Free/ Mexican cuisine/ Paleo/ Whole30

Tilapia Fiesta Bowl

tilapia fiesta bowl

When I’m in the mood for fish tacos but not looking to feel weighed down or bloated afterward, I turn to these creamy and healthy tilapia fiesta bowls. Whole30 and paleo compliant, these are gut and waist friendly… and perfect for summer.

Make this your own…

This is the kind of recipe that you can totally make your own. I made my bowls look “pretty” by deconstructing the ingredients but you can completely mix the bowl ingredients together before plating with the fish. Just mash the avocado and toss in with the rest of the bowl ingredients (coleslaw-salsa).

You can also skip the avocado all together and toss the bowl ingredients in with the crema itself. Super creamy and loaded with flavor. But to each their own.

tilapia fiesta bowl
Tilapia Fiesta Bowl

Dairy-free Mexican crema…

This dairy-free crema is an essential because it adds a nice tangy counterpoint to the fish and veggies. The addition of the cilantro in the crema keeps it bright and fresh tasting. I love to experiment with crema flavors so feel free to change the spice/pepper ingredient in the crema. I have a complete list of great flavor ideas in my Whole30 & Paleo Mexican Crema post. I settled on an ancho chili powder and cilantro crema for this dish but the sky is the limit with flavor combinations.

I hope you savor every last bite of this light and refreshing tilapia fiesta bowl!

Tilapia Fiesta Bowls
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Tilapia Fiesta Bowl

Print Recipe
Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs of tilapia (or your favorite flaky white fish)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp ghee (or avocado oil)
  • 1-2 medium zucchini, julienned into ribbons
  • 4 cups watercress (can use baby kale, chopped romaine)
  • 4 cups coleslaw mix (can use shredded cabbage or shredded broccoli)
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 4-5 radishes, sliced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 cup salsa (clean or Whole30 versions)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • FOR THE CREMA:
  • 1/2 mayo (Whole30, paleo)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp almond milk (can use more if you want a thinner crema)
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/4 salt

Instructions

1

Pat the fish dry.

2

Mix the garlic powder, salt, paprika, ancho chili powder, cumin, and black pepper together.

3

Coat both sides of the fish fillets in the spice mix and place on a plate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

4

Meanwhile, make your crema: combine mayo, cilantro, garlic, almond milk, lime juice, ancho chili powder, and salt into a small food processor or a small bowl to use an immersion blender to combine. Set aside in the refrigerator.

5

Combine bowl ingredients (zucchini ribbons thru salsa) in a bowl and toss to combine- or for a deconstructed bowl, divide bowl ingredients between 4 serving bowls.

6

Heat ghee in a skillet over medium heat.

7

Once sizzling, cook tilapia for about 2-3 minutes per side.

8

Serve on top of bowl ingredients. Top with crema and cilantro.

Notes

If you want a thinner crema, add more almond milk a tsp at a time.

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9 Comments

  • Reply
    AshleyGivens.com
    July 25, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    I am suddenly hungry for some Tilapia!!!

    • Reply
      egrant.salvi
      July 25, 2019 at 10:52 pm

      Ha! Ha! I know the feeling 😉

  • Reply
    Romina
    July 25, 2019 at 5:09 pm

    Ooh this looks good! I’ve never had tilapia

    • Reply
      egrant.salvi
      July 25, 2019 at 10:54 pm

      You must try it! Delicious, mild, flaky fish that works with almost any flavor combo!

  • Reply
    Ceci Rey
    July 26, 2019 at 9:47 am

    Love this! I love seafood…all kinds. I also like the use of Almond milk with your Crema. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      egrant.salvi
      July 26, 2019 at 9:35 pm

      Thanks so much! I love all kinds of fish and seafood too! Especially in the summer. The crema really adds a great new dimension to the bowl – and my son loves it too 🙂

  • Reply
    Christina
    July 30, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    Anything seafood and I’m sold 🙂. Great read

    • Reply
      egrant.salvi
      July 30, 2019 at 11:50 pm

      Thanks so much! I’m with you- you had me at seafood:)

  • Reply
    My Healthy Summer Go To Recipes | Make n Curate
    August 6, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    […] Tilapia Fiesta Bowl […]

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