Nachos: The easiest way to turn nachos into dinner is to pack them full of protein. Pulled pork and pulled chicken are classics, but there’s no reason plant-based eaters should miss out on the fun. Here, a spiced walnut-based crumble stands in for pan-seared ground lamb with irresistible Greek-style nachos.
To make this, you’ll pulse California walnuts with chickpeas, lemon zest, olive oil, and dried spices until they’re finely chopped, then cook until they’re crisp and heated through. The nutritious combination of chickpeas and walnuts means every bite of the rich and satisfying filling is packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s.
This nutty meat would be at home in any Mediterranean dish, so you don’t have to limit yourself to nachos. Add it to a fat salad, put it in pitas with hummus, or crumble it on shakshuka. You can do this up to four days in advance, helping you stick to your meal plan even on the busiest of weeks.
2 smart tips for easier nachos
The easiest nachos start with a few staples from the store—just give them a little love. First, warm the pita chips in the oven before layering the toppings on them. Not only does this give them a fresh-baked quality, but it also helps revive any stale chips.
Second, you add lemon juice to the pre-made tzatziki sauce to thin it out and make it easier to drizzle. The juice also plays out the lemon zest in the nut meat, creating a cohesive dish full of bright citrus flavor. Maybe it will transport you to Greece.
