Mexican cuisine doesn’t exactly have a great reputation nutrition-wise (especially when it comes in an overstuffed burrito). But it doesn’t have to be super heavy and greasy. And it can still include all the cheese, avocado, and margaritas you love.These healthy versions of south-of-the-border favorites use whole-food ingredients and cut back on the grease for more flavor and nutrition and less food coma. So the next time you get a craving for a burrito, quesadilla, marg, or churro (or all of the above), head to the kitchen rather than going out. Your body will thank you.
Appetizers
1. Grilled Sweet Potato Nachos
There’s really no wrong way to make nachos, but we can’t get enough of this plant-topped version. Sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn mean these are packed with fiber, and there’s both crumbled cojito and gooey cheese sauce on top.
2. Dos Caminos' Guacamole
No party is complete without guac, and this recipe is sure to be devoured in a flash. Follow these easy expert tips for making sure your dip turns out so perfect (no watery, flavorless mush here!), you’ll want to dive in with a spoon.
3. Jalapeño Popper Quinoa Bites
Turn greasy poppers into bites that are just as cheesy and spicy but better for you. These mini muffins combine quinoa with the peppers, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack for an app that’s like Mexican mac and cheese you can eat with your hands.
4. Pico de Gallo
No need to buy salsa, especially since many brands add sugar and too much salt. If you can chop and stir, you can make your own. For more heat, include the seeds from the jalapeño. Or skip it all together if you prefer mild pico.
5. Easy Ceviche
Ceviche is intimidating, in part because some people say that the lime juice cooks the fish, but really the acidity of the lime changes the proteins in the seafood, which causes the change in texture. So it’s still raw—and oh-so-tasty. If you don’t like white fish, try shrimp.
Mains
1. Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
No tortillas? No prob. Get all the enchilada flavor (and cheese!) you love without any wheat in this easy bake. Stir together quinoa, enchilada sauce, green chiles, corn, black beans, spices, and two kinds of cheese. Then top it with even more cheese (yum). After 15 minutes in the oven, you’ve got a colorful, healthy dinner.
2. Vegetable and Goat Cheese Quesadilla
Let’s face it, the key thing in a quesadilla is the cheese. The goat cheese in this recipe is a salty option that may be easier to digest. Pair it with sautéed onions and tomatoes and pack it all in a whole-wheat tortilla for a simple and quick dinner.
3. Crispy Black Bean Quinoa Burritos
Burritos aren’t only (over)stuffed with rice, beans, and meat. This recipe fills the wrapper with cilantro-lime quinoa, black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a colorful, hearty meal that won’t leave you with a food baby. Bonus: The avocado-yogurt topping doesn’t cost extra!
4. Paleo Tacos
Paleo eaters don’t need to give up Mexican. Just put all that tasty seasoned beef and your favorite taco toppings in a lettuce leaf rather than a tortilla. It doesn’t take any more time to make—and it’s no less messy either!
5. Baked Chiles Rellenos With Smoky Tomato Sauce
Get the same crispy outside and gooey center as the traditional recipe with less fat by baking these chiles rellenos. This meal takes time, so it’s good for a weekend when you have guests over. They’ll love the cheesy zucchini and corn filling and easy chipotle sauce.
Side Dishes
1. Spiralized Jicama Avocado Salad
You’ve had zoodles, now try joodles! OK, we made that up, but it sounds good, right? Jicama “noodles” are added to a salsa-like mix and topped with avocado for this zesty and satisfying salad. If you don’t have a spiralizer, simply cut the jicama into thin strips.
2. Healthier Elote
Elote—that famous Mexican corn on the cob—is traditionally made by smothering the vegetable with a mayo-based mixture. Here, Greek yogurt works just as well with the usual suspects of tart lime, smoky paprika, and salty cojita. Prepared on the grill or in the oven, these are the perfect size for Taco Tuesday.
3. Healthy “Refried” Beans
Is it just us or is the word “lard” incredibly unappetizing? Rather than using pig fat, butter, or other grease, this recipe calls for heart-healthy olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic, then mashes in the pinto beans for a quick side that has five grams each of protein and fiber per serving.
4. Creamy Avocado Rice
Avocados made everything better, including tangy lime rice. Whether you use quick-cooking or regular brown rice, this turns up nice and creamy. It’s almost like a Mexican risotto, with far less stirring involved.
5. Mexican Restaurant-Style Black Beans
If you don’t like refried beans or prefer legumes with more texture, go with this recipe. You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen, so it’s a great option for when you realize last minute that you need something to go with those amazing enchiladas you slaved over.
Drinks
1. Frozen Pineapple Strawberry Margaritas
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| Frozen Pineapple Strawberry Margaritas |
It’s not a Mexican meal without a margarita! These will cool you down fast with frozen pineapple and strawberries, plus lime and pineapple juice. It’s a sweet way to get some vitamin C and set the tone for party time.
2. The Perfect Paloma
Palomas aren’t as well known as margaritas, and that’s a shame. They’re super refreshing (and pretty) thanks to ruby red grapefruit juice, which is a source of lycopene. Use some muscle and juice your own for the best tasting beverage.
3. Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca
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| Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca |
Spanish for “fresh water,” agua fresca is a combination of water, fruit, sugar, and lime juice. All you have to do is blend everything and strain. And if your berries are sweet enough, use less sugar or leave it out completely.
Palomas aren’t as well known as margaritas, and that’s a shame. They’re super refreshing (and pretty) thanks to ruby red grapefruit juice, which is a source of lycopene. Use some muscle and juice your own for the best tasting beverage.
4. Sriracha Margarita
Mexican food is spicy, so why not heat up the drinks too? Sriracha adds a nice contrast to strawberries in these addictive drinks.
5. Horchata
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| Horchata |
Mexican horchata is basically rice milk with spices added in. After soaking the grain with cinnamon sticks overnight, blend it, then strain it through cheesecloth (probably the only thing you’ll need to buy to make this). Add some milk (non-dairy, if you prefer), vanilla, and optional sweetener, and you have a nice, creamy drink.
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