23 Beachy Choices at Rubio’s

There is just something special about a fish taco. It has a flavor that brings to mind the beach, the sun, and fresh seafood, all with a California…make that Baja California…flare. Ralph Rubio and his father, Ray, knew this from the very beginning, and in 1983, they set out to share the fish taco and similar SoCal (that’s Southern California for those not from this area) specialties with the rest of the nation when they opened the first Rubio’s.

The restaurant started in San Diego and has since grown throughout CA, AZ, CO, NV and UT. Rubio’s regularly adds tasty new items to the menu for guests to fall in love with, just like The Original Fish Taco®—the restaurant’s popular and classic dish.

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, flavorful, and dietitian-recommended, whether it’s for a quick lunch before you head back to the office or take-out before you head to the beach, stop by Rubio’s for a Healthy Dining menu choice like these (just a few of our staff favorites!):

Balsamic & Roasted Veggie Salad with Chicken (310 calories, 11 g fat)
This salad is loaded with savory marinated grilled chicken, sweet fire-roasted corn, roasted peppers and onions, buttery Hass avocado slices, a cilantro/onion mix, and creamy cotija cheese on a butter and spring lettuce mix. If that isn’t enough flavor for you, Rubio’s then drizzles the salad with light balsamic vinaigrette to really make your meal! This salad is packed with 2 cups of veggies and plenty of lean protein to keep you satisfied.

One Grilled Atlantic Salmon Taco with Side of Black Beans & Rice 
Sure, the regular fish tacos are good, but this salmon taco takes your meal to a whole new level with fresh-from-the-sea flavor, omega-3 fatty acids, and our dietitians’ stamp of approval. Sustainable Atlantic salmon is grilled or house blackened on an authentic comal with a special garlic marinade, then topped with fire-roasted corn, a pinch of ancho chile, a creamy chipotle sauce, a cilantro/onion mix, and red and green cabbage and served on a warm stone-ground corn tortilla. To round out your meal, the taco is served with a side of black beans and rice. Black beans are a great way to get both protein (without the saturated fat) and diet-friendly fiber.

One Grilled Mango Habanero Mahi Mahi Taco with Side of Black Beans & Rice
This taco includes seasoned Pacific mahi-mahi topped with mango pineapple habanero salsa, a smoky red chile sauce, crema, and serrano cabbage slaw. It’s a perfect blend of fiery heat and cool creaminess, and it is served on a warm flour tortilla with a side of black beans and rice.

Three Steak Street Tacos with Side of Black Beans & Rice
If you’re looking for something a little meatier, try one of the street taco options, like these steak street tacos. They’re served on a small stone-ground corn tortilla and then topped with handmade guacamole and a cilantro/onion mix and served with a side of black beans and rice. If you close your eyes, you might think you just ordered them off a food truck in Ensenada…almost.

HealthMex® Chicken Burrito
This Healthy Dining choice is a favorite not only because it’s so tasty, but also because it includes lean protein, whole grains, and veggies all in one hand-held, edible package! Grilled chicken, rice, black beans, red tomatillo salsa, and salsa fresca are all wrapped in a whole grain tortilla. Whole grains, like those in this tortilla, can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal to help with a healthy heart and a healthy weight.

What’s your favorite Healthy Dining choice at Rubio’s?