Cantina power bowls from Taco Bell are a popular menu item that offers a customizable bowl with rice, beans, protein, salsa, and other fresh ingredients. With so many possible combinations, you may be wondering exactly what goes into a cantina power bowl and how the nutritional content can vary. This article will break down the key ingredients in a cantina power bowl, provide nutrition facts, and give tips for customizing your own power bowl.
Bases
The base of a cantina power bowl starts with either rice or lettuce. These two options provide the foundation that the other ingredients build upon.
Rice
The rice used in cantina power bowls is Taco Bell’s Mexican rice. It has a warm, seasoned flavor from spices like garlic and onion powder. A standard serving of rice contributes about 150 calories and over 1 gram of protein to the power bowl.
Lettuce
Shredded romaine lettuce can be substituted as the base if you want a lighter, lower-carb option. The lettuce itself is very low in calories and contains vitamins A and K. Using lettuce instead of rice reduces the calorie count by about 150 calories.
Beans
Another key component is the beans. Cantina power bowls allow you to choose between pinto beans or black beans. Both varieties provide fiber, plant-based protein, and nutrients like folate, magnesium and potassium. A serving of beans adds around 110 calories and 7-8 grams of protein to the power bowl.
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans have a mild, earthy flavor and tender texture. They are a staple of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisines. In addition to protein and fiber, pinto beans contain iron, phosphorus and B vitamins.
Black Beans
Black beans have a slightly stronger, richer taste compared to pinto beans. They are popular in Latin American cooking and provide plenty of fiber. Black beans are an excellent source of phytochemicals like anthocyanins which have antioxidant effects.
Proteins
Adding a protein takes the cantina power bowl to the next level. You have your choice of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, steak, or grilled chicken. The meat options supply a hefty dose of protein while also boosting the flavor and satisfaction of the bowl.
Seasoned Ground Beef
The seasoned ground beef adds a meaty, savory component to the bowl. A standard serving contributes about 140 calories and 14 grams of protein. It’s also a good source of iron and zinc.
Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken breast is a lighter poultry option. It has a delicate texture and mild flavor. A serving of shredded chicken has around 70 calories and provides 12 grams of protein.
Steak
For a heartier, more filling protein, you can opt for shredded steak. It has a robust, beefy flavor. A typical serving of steak adds 150 calories and 14 grams of protein to the cantina power bowl.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken breast is another lean source of protein. It has a lightly charred and smokey taste. You’ll get about 80 calories and 13 grams of protein in a serving of grilled chicken.
Salsas
What really brings everything together is the salsa. Salsas add moisture, flavor, and freshness to the bowl. There are three main salsa choices for cantina power bowls:
Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa
This bright green salsa is made from tomatillos and green chilies. It has a tangy, mildly spicy flavor. The tomatillo salsa is low in calories and contains no added sugar.
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
With sweet corn, zesty onions, and poblano peppers, this salsa has a sweet and savory taste. It brings a delicious charred flavor and texture to the bowl.
Pico de Gallo
Fresh pico de gallo salsa is made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It adds a cool, refreshing finish with a punch of flavor from the seasoning.
Toppings
Adding extra toppings allows you to customize your cantina power bowl even further. Some tasty choices include:
- Guacamole
- Reduced-fat sour cream
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Fajita veggies (peppers and onions)
These toppings incorporate more flavor, texture, and nutrients like healthy fats from the guacamole and probiotics from the sour cream.
Nutrition Information
With all the possible ingredient combinations, nutrition can vary widely in cantina power bowls. Here is an overview of the nutrition profiles for two sample bowls:
| Bowl with Rice, Beans, Chicken, Salsa & Toppings | Bowl with Lettuce, Beans, Steak, Salsa & Toppings |
|---|---|
| Calories: 670 | Calories: 500 |
| Total Fat: 11g | Total Fat: 15g |
| Protein: 41g | Protein: 43g |
| Carbs: 93g | Carbs: 44g |
| Fiber: 12g | Fiber: 10g |
| Sugar: 5g | Sugar: 6g |
As you can see, cantina power bowls can range from around 500-700 calories depending on the ingredients used. They offer a substantial amount of protein, making these bowls a satisfying meal. The rice and lettuce bases keep net carbs in check. And you get a vitamin and antioxidant boost from all the fresh salsa and veggie toppings.
How to Customize Your Own Cantina Power Bowl
One of the best things about cantina power bowls is you can truly make it your own. Follow these tips to build the perfect bowl for your tastes and diet:
Pick your base
Decide if you want the starchy, warming comfort of rice, or the lighter crunch of lettuce. Rice will be higher in carbs, while lettuce has barely any.
Choose your beans
The subtle flavor of pinto beans pairs especially well with bolder meats like ground beef or steak. Rich black beans complement chicken or vegetarian bowls nicely.
Select your protein
Leaner proteins like grilled or shredded chicken provide lots of protein without too much saturated fat. Fattier meats like ground beef or steak give more flavor and richness.
Load up on salsa
The more salsa, the better, as far as I’m concerned! It adds nutrition without a lot of calories and provides most of the flavor. Try different salsas to see which you like best.
Finish with toppings
Take your bowl to the next level with extras like guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and sautéed veggies. This is where you can really customize the bowl to your taste.
Try new ingredient combos
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different proteins, salsas, and toppings each time you visit. Trying new flavor combinations keeps things exciting.
Benefits of Cantina Power Bowls
There are many nutritious advantages to building your own cantina power bowl, including:
- High protein – Power bowls provide 20-40g protein to keep you full.
- Lots of fiber – Beans, rice, veggies and salsas supply 5-15g fiber.
- Nutrient-rich ingredients – Fresh salsas and produce boost vitamin and mineral intake.
- Customizable – You control the ingredients so you can make it fit your diet.
- Satisfying – With protein, fiber and toppings, power bowls are very filling.
Cantina power bowls make it easy to get a fast, convenient meal that still provides balanced nutrition. When customized mindfully, they can be an incredibly healthy lunch or dinner option.
Sample Cantina Power Bowl Creations
To give you some inspiration for crafting your own cantina power bowl, here are a few tasty combinations to try:
Fajita Chicken Power Bowl
- Shredded lettuce base
- Pinto beans
- Shredded chicken
- Roasted chili corn salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Fajita veggies
Savory Steak Power Bowl
- Rice base
- Black beans
- Marinated steak
- Tomatillo green chili salsa
- Reduced-fat sour cream
- Shredded cheese
Vegetarian Power Bowl
- Rice base
- Black beans
- Fajita veggies
- Roasted chili corn salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
Mix and match your favorite tastes and textures for an energizing, nutritious cantina power bowl meal. The options are endless!
Conclusion
Cantina power bowls make it easy to customize a fast, filling, and flavorful meal. With healthy bases, proteins, beans, salsas, and toppings there are endless combinations to suit any diet or tastebuds. Power bowls provide a solid nutritional foundation with the added benefit of being able to choose your own ingredients. So next time you’re looking for a convenient but wholesome lunch or dinner, build your own satisfying cantina power bowl.