As registered dietitians, one of the first things that we learned during our undergraduate studies was the importance of family mealtime.  Although we have fond memories of growing up and having fun family dinners, it hadn’t yet dawned on us how much we’d notice this personally when we had our own kids.

If you’re like us, you look forward to sitting down to dinner with your family for so many reasons. But we know that the modern American family still faces challenges that impact family mealtime, such as a lack of time and financial concerns. So any time that we find delicious, quick, easy and heart-healthy recipes and meal makeover tips we love to share them.  Here’s one of our favorite new recipes:

Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos with Tomato and Grape Juice Salsa

Ingredients (Tacos)

• 8, 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
• 1 lb. cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups dark mixed greens
• 1 1/2 cups tomato and grape juice salsa (recipe below)
• Cilantro, if desired

Ingredients (Tomato and Grape Juice Salsa)

•  3/4 cup low-sodium salsa
• 3/4 cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice made with Concord grapes
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Juice of 1 lime

Directions

Place corn tortillas in a 200° F oven to warm.

While tortillas are warming, in a small saucepan stir together salsa, grape juice and cumin. Heat gently until warmed throughout.

Remove from heat. Add lime juice and stir to incorporate.

Remove corn tortillas from oven. Top each tortilla with mixed greens. Add chicken. Spoon salsa over the chicken. Add cilantro, if desired.

Serving suggestion: Serve tacos with 1/2 cup black beans and 1/2 cup brown rice for a balanced meal. Sauce can also be served over flank steak, fajita meat or rice for added flavor.

Makes 8 servings

Nutrition per serving (1 taco with sauce)
200 calories, 3g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 20g protein, 21g carbohydrate, 0mg cholesterol, 270mg sodium, 3g fiber
(sauce only, 3 tbsp): 15 calories, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g protein, 4g carbohydrate, 0mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, less than 1g fiber.