35 Healthy Mexican Recipes (2024)

Make these easy and delicious healthy Mexican Food recipes this weekend! These are our most popular Mexican recipes that you will absolutely love with lots of protein-packed, gluten-free and plant-based options.

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Post first published May 26, 2022. Last updated August 31, 2022.

I think one thing we can all agree on is that we love traditional Mexican food. Mexican cuisine is bursting with vibrant flavors and is a joy to eat. Take a look at the healthy Mexican recipes below and gather your ingredients because these Mexican dishes are real crowd pleasers.

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Our Favorite Healthy Mexican Food Recipes

1. Sweet Potato Nachos with Smoked Cheddar

Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and smoked cheddar cheese are a healthy alternative to nachos made with tortilla chips.

2. Easy Chamoy Sauce

Looking for the best Mexican food? Chamoy Sauce is the answer. Make a batch of this sweet, sour, spicy, sauce for rimming margarita glasses or drizzling over fresh fruit to serve as an appetizer. It is really so easy to make and you’ll find a million ways to use it. Vegan and gluten-free.

3. Pickled Red Onions {Cebollas Curtidas}

Looking to add a bright zing to just about anything? ThesePickled Red Onionsor Cebollas Curtidas add phenomenal color and crunch, not to mention sweet vinegary bite to tacos, sandwiches, and tostadas.

4. Vegan Ceviche with Avocado and Lime

A very goodvegan cevicherecipe with creamy avocado, small bites of cauliflower, chile, tomato, and cucumber soaked in loads of lime and toasted cumin.

5. Seafood Ceviche

If you are looking for a more traditional Mexican food ceviche, this recipe has tons of citrus, shrimp, scallops, fish, and octopus. It isperfect for a light dinner or an impressive appetizer at your next get together.

6. Homemade Salsa Morita {Morita Chile Pepper Salsa}

Authentic Mexican food needs a good salsa. This Salsa Morita is a brick red spicy salsa recipe made from dried morita chiles, roasted garlic, and charred tomatoes. Vegan and gluten free! .

7. Cilantro Lime Slaw

This mayonnaise-free Slawhas crunchy thinly sliced cabbage with lots of fresh-squeezed lime juice, cilantro, and carrots. Super fresh and easy to make. Goes with all your favorite Mexican food recipes.

8. Calabacitas {Cheesy Mexican Zucchini}

Zucchini is anything but boring when when given the Mexican treatment of a quick sauté then a showering of melty cheese like this classicCalabacitasrecipe.

9. Crock Pot Borracho Beans {Frijoles Borrachos}

You can’t have a list of the best Mexican food and not include frijoles borrachos. This is a simple, easy recipe that can be made in theCrockPot. Even better when made ahead. No soaking necessary.

10. Sofrito Black Beans

The ultimate recipe for making restaurant-style, ultra-flavorfulSofrito Black Beanswith dried black beans, onions, garlic, jalapeños, and spices.Make this recipe up to 4 days in advance and rewarm when you are ready to eat!

11. Papas Con Chile {Crispy Potatoes in Red Sauce}

Papas con Chileis a simple, delicious vegan and gluten-free dish made with crispy fried potatoes cooked in a fresh tomato sauce with jalapeños. Enjoy as a side with your favorite Mexican foods or stuffed into tacos.

12. Perfect Pot of Beans

Here’s how to make the most DELICIOUS, authenticpinto beans recipe—tender beans in a complex and flavorful broth with lots of comforting goodness. Make this on Labor Day and everyone will be asking you to repeat it all year long.

13. Vegan Refried Bean Recipe

All you need is a few simple ingredients and time for the beans to get tender for restaurant-stylerefried beanscooked right on the stovetop.The most requested Authentic Mexican food side. Give this healthy, vegan refried bean recipe!

14. Citrus Chicken Fajitas

This citrus marinated chicken fajita recipe is a Tex-Mex favorite. Serve in a warm flour tortillas or corn tortillas for a gluten-free version. A super kid-friendly weeknight dinner.

15. Salt and Pepper Shrimp Tacos

Hello Taco Tuesday! Quick and easy shrimp tacos sautéed in lots of garlic and black pepper. These come together in minutes and are gluten-free and low in calories.

16. Huaraches

This plant-basedHuaraches recipetakes you step-by-step through how to make this Authentic Mexican food in the shape of the traditional Mexican sandal. These heavenly bean-filled masa cakes are topped withtomatillo salsa, sautéed squash blossoms, and chipotle aioli. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable!

17. Chicken Mole Verde

ChickenMole Verde–Avibrant green mole made with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, and thickend with pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.Serve withthe Sofrito black beans aboveand steamed rice for a delicious Mexican dinner. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly!

18. Chicken Tomatillo Stew

Soul-satisfying comfort food right here. This vibrant Chicken Tomatillo Stew has butternut squash, tender chicken, carrots, tomatillos, and chiles. Dairy and gluten-free!

19. Veracruz-Style Hominy Recipe

Loaded with veggies this vegan main course is super nutritious. Chewy, toothsome hominy is the star here simmered with tomatoes, lemon, and green chiles. Serve with Coconut-Cilantro Rice!

20. Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Chipotle Black Bean Chili with sweet onions, peppers, and tomatoes. A delicious way to load up on vegetables! Garnish with shredded cheese and serve with cornbread for a completely plant-based meal.

21. Mushroom and Cheese Vegetarian Enchiladas

Vegetarian Enchiladaswith sautéed shiitake mushrooms and a blend of creamy Oaxaca cheese and sharp Gruyere. Top with guacamole and sour cream for an easy, healthy Labor Day recipe!

22. Grilled Cilantro Garlic Pork Chops

These delicious and lean grilled Cilantro Garlic Pork Chops take just a few minutes of prep and makes for a perfect weekend barbecue recipe.We’ll walk you step-by-step through exactlyhow to cook perfect pork chops every time.

23. Coconut Quinoa with Roasted Squash

This epic quinoa dish is full of Mexican-inspired flavors like toasted pumpkin seeds, coconut, and avocado. High in lean proteins and fiber and vegan too!

24. Chicken Tinga Tacos

TheseChicken Tinga Tacosare healthy, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes! This traditional Mexican food recipe could not be easier. Serve as tacos with sliced avocado and scallions or over rice in a burrito bowl.

25. Healthy Taco Salad with Sweet Citrus Dressing

Taco Salad is technically salad, but not always healthy. This version really lives up to its name swapping seasoned ground turkey for the beef and lots of crisp vegetables.

26. Grilled Fish Tacos with Sweet Corn Salsa

A terrificgrilled fish tacosrecipe topped with fresh sweet corn salsa. This super healthy dinner is light, fresh, and perfect for summer. Ready in 30 minutes and gluten-free!

27. Huevos Rancheros

If your weekend celebrations include breakfast, Huevos Rancheros(or Rancher’s Eggs) are the way to go. Crisped corn tortillas covered with beans topped with fried eggs andranchero sauceis one of the best Mexican food recipes. Gluten-free and vegetarian!

28. Chorizo and Eggs

Another weekend breakfast option: This recipe featuresMexican chorizo (our homemade version is lower in fat than store-bought), sautéed onions, garlic, fresh tomatoes and scrambled eggs. You could also swap soy chorizo for the pork version. Serve with refried beans or as breakfast tacos.

29. Cilantro-Lime Corn

A lightened up version of street corn. The corn is steamed and then given a light brush of cilantro-lime butter and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.

30. Mangonada {Spicy Mango Slushy}

Is it a drink? Is it a dessert? The answer is yes! If you’ve ever had this sweet, sour, salty mango slushy than you know how perfect it is on a hot day. Layers of frozen mango smoothie and fresh ripe mango. A perfect place to use your homemade Chamoy Sauce.

31. Jugo Verde {Mexican Green Juice}

This all-natural, anti-inflammatory cold press juice is the perfect way to start your mornings.

32. The Best-Ever Canned Black Beans

Don’t miss my secret to making the most basic of ingredients (canned beans) taste incredible!

33. Roasted Green Hatch Chile Salsa

A party favorite, this is a stunning salsa when Hatch chiles are in season. Serve as a dip with baked tostadas or drizzle over your favorite healthy Mexican food recipe.

34. Pico de Gallo

An easy, authentic recipe for Pico de Gallo. This salsa is fast and simple and loved by everyone!

35. Oaxacan-Style Chicken Picadillo

This lightened up Picadillo recipe uses rotisserie chicken and is super simple to make but every bit as delicious. This is one of our all-time favorite healthy Mexican food recipes.

More Authentic Mexican Foods To Try!

  • Authentic Chile Relleno Recipe
  • Chicharrones de Harina
  • The Best Taco Salad Dressing
  • Authentic Mexican Chilaquiles with Scrambled Eggs
  • Shredded Beef for Tacos
  • Authentic Churros Recipe with Chocolate Sauce
  • Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Enjoy These Recipes For Healthy Mexican Food!

I hope you found a couple or 10 recipes you plan on trying. Leave me a comment below and let me know which ones you decided to make, ‘kay?

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  • Mexican Red Adobo Fries Recipe

35 Healthy Mexican Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest Mexican dish you can eat? ›

With a few simple switches and modifications, you can find nutritious food on just about every Mexican menu without skimping on taste and flavor. In general, more nutritious options include fajitas, bean burritos, grilled chicken dishes, and soft tacos.

What is healthy about Mexican food? ›

Lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and other vegetables found in Mexican foods are rich in essential nutrients. Packed with vitamin C, tomatoes and onions help to fight infection and boost immunity. Avocado is another superfood found in many Mexican dishes.

Can you lose weight on a Mexican diet? ›

Losing weight with a Mexican-inspired diet can be flavorful and fulfilling. Opt for dishes packed with fiber-rich vegetables like nopales (cactus paddles) and chayote, which can help you feel full longer.

What Mexican meat is the healthiest? ›

Order the grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a baked corn tortilla. Those have 70% more fiber and less than half the fat of their white flour counterparts. Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

What is the unhealthiest Mexican food? ›

What Is the Unhealthiest Dish You Can Order at a Mexican Restaurant? The unhealthiest dish you can order at a Mexican restaurant is… the chimichangas. A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. It is a Tex-Mex dish made with a large tortilla stuffed with multiple servings of rice, beans, cheese and meat.

What is the most eaten meal in Mexico? ›

Breakfast in Mexico is a big deal, and usually the largest meal of the day. Chilaquiles, one of the most popular breakfast dishes, feature lightly-fried tortillas cut into smaller pieces.

Are tamales healthy? ›

Tamales are rich in certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're generally a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin) since the nixtamalization process enhances niacin's bioavailability—the amount of niacin that can be absorbed by our bodies—, per a 2016 study.

What Mexican food is anti-inflammatory? ›

Spices: Mexican food features a variety of spices and flavors that can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This includes spicy chiles, as well as oregano, cumin, and garlic, among others (5,6,7,8).

Are refried beans healthy? ›

Refried beans are a nutrient rich food! They provide plenty of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. People who are at higher risk for heart disease may want to watch for the saturated fat content, but the average person can fit them into an overall healthy diet with minimal problem.

What is the least fattening thing to eat at a Mexican restaurant? ›

The experts say the healthiest Mexican menu options include grilled chicken dishes, which we offer in our tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled chimi, la tapatia, Pollo Jalisco, and more. The shredded chicken in our Flautas comes sautéed with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

What is the most important food in the Mexican diet? ›

Corn and beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Corn and beans, common ingredients in Mexican cuisine, are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in large quantities.

How many meals do Mexicans eat a day? ›

Mexicans typically eat three meals each day, though there are few hard-and-fast rules when it comes to eating. Breakfast (desayuno) is usually a light morning meal, often accompanied by hot chocolate or coffee. A larger breakfast or brunch is called almuerzo, typically eaten a bit later than a regular breakfast.

What Mexican food has the lowest calories? ›

Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods you will get at a Mexican restaurant as long as they are paired with the side smart dishes. Choose grilled seafood, chicken, or steak with a side of black beans, grilled or sauteed vegetables.

What Mexican food is good for your stomach? ›

Yes, Mexican food can benefit your digestive health for several reasons. It is rich in fiber: Many Mexican dishes are high in fiber, which is important for gut health. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system regular and can also help to reduce inflammation.

What is the best Mexican dish to eat? ›

In this article, we'll be sharing 20 of the best Mexican foods that you absolutely must try.
  • Tacos al pastor. These tacos are made with marinated pork that is cooked on a spit and then sliced thin. ...
  • Enchiladas. ...
  • Tamales. ...
  • Chiles rellenos. ...
  • Pozole. ...
  • Guacamole. ...
  • Sopaipillas. ...
  • Tortas.
Jan 29, 2023

What are the healthiest Latino foods? ›

A Latino-style eating pattern that includes foods common to Mexico and Central and South America can be very heart-healthy when it has black and red beans, avocado, colored vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, yams and plantains, grilled lean meats, brown rice, and corn oil or olive oil.

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