Healthy Mexican Recipes: 5 Dishes to Spice Up Your Week

Mexican cuisine is known for being hearty, flavorful, and often indulgent. However, it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. With a few simple substitutions and tweaks, you can enjoy all the flavors of Mexican food without sacrificing your health goals. In this article, we will share five healthy Mexican recipes that are easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for any day of the week.

Healthy Mexican Recipes

Mexican food doesn’t have to be synonymous with greasy tacos and calorie-laden nachos. There are plenty of ways to make it healthy and nutritious. Here, we have gathered five of the most delicious and nutritious Mexican recipes that you can enjoy without feeling guilty.

Spice Up Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast: Huevos Rancheros

If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast recipe that’s packed with protein and flavor, huevos rancheros is the perfect dish. This classic Mexican breakfast consists of fried eggs, salsa, beans, and avocado on top of a crispy tortilla. To make it even healthier, use whole-grain tortillas, and cook your eggs in a non-stick pan instead of frying them.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole-grain tortillas
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of canned low-sodium black beans
• 1 cup of fresh salsa
• 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions:

1. Toast the tortillas in the oven for 5 minutes or until crisp.
2. In a non-stick pan, fry two eggs to your liking.
3. Heat the black beans in a small saucepan.
4. Top each tortilla with a fried egg, 1/2 cup of black beans, 1/2 cup of fresh salsa, and avocado slices.

A Healthy Twist on a Mexican Favorite: Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Corn Salsa

Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, but they can be heavy and high in calories. This recipe for black bean tacos with avocado-corn salsa is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The black beans are a great source of protein, and the avocado-corn salsa adds a fresh and colorful touch to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 whole-grain taco shells
• 1 can of low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup of frozen corn, thawed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the taco shells.
2. In a medium pot, heat the black beans over low heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the red onion, red bell pepper, thawed corn, avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix well.
4. Assemble the tacos by adding a spoonful of black beans to each taco shell, followed by the avocado-corn salsa.

A Healthy and Hearty Lunch: Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. This recipe is packed with vegetables, lean protein, and fiber-rich beans. To make the dish even healthier, use baked tortilla chips instead of fried ones and opt for low-sodium chicken broth.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 can of low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Baked tortilla chips, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the cilantro, and serve the soup in bowls. Garnish with baked tortilla chips if desired.

A Healthy and Flavorful Dinner: Chicken Fajita Skewers

Fajitas are a classic Mexican dish, but they can be high in fat and calories. This recipe for chicken fajita skewers is a healthier alternative that’s just as tasty. The chicken is marinated in a citrus and herb mixture, then grilled with peppers and onion for a delicious and low-calorie dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into cubes
• 1 red onion, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 8 wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers.
3. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred.
4. Remove the skewers from the grill, and serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole if desired.

A Healthy Mexican Dessert: Mango-Lime Sorbet

Who says you can’t enjoy a healthy and delicious dessert on a Mexican-themed night? This recipe for mango-lime sorbet is refreshing, sweet, and low in calories. Mango is a great source of vitamin C and fiber, while lime adds a tangy twist to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of honey

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen mango chunks, lime juice, water, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Pour the mixture into a container with a lid and freeze for at least 3 hours or until firm.
3. Serve the sorbet in bowls or cones, and enjoy!

Conclusion

Mexican cuisine doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. With these five healthy recipes, you can enjoy all your favorite flavors while still sticking to your health goals. From a hearty tortilla soup to a refreshing mango-lime sorbet, there’s something for everyone. So, why not give these recipes a try and spice up your week with some healthy Mexican flavors!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope it has inspired you to try some new healthy Mexican recipes. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. With a little creativity and some simple substitutions, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that support your health and wellbeing.