20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

Looking to lighten things up a little for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations? The fun and festive holiday is on its way, but all the food can get a little overwhelming. If you're planning a big bash or you want healthier versions of calorie-laden favorites, tempt your taste buds with these 20 recipes.

01
Mini Mexican Pizzas
Dashing Dish

Mini Mexican Pizzas

I love that this reader knows just how crave-worthy one of those Taco Bell Mexican pizzas can be and translated those delicious flavors and textures into these cute little mini Mexican pizzas.

02
Vegetarian Taco Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegetarian Taco Salad

This layered vegetarian salad is a colorful and protein-rich dish that offers 25 grams of protein and fiber.

03
Mexican Chicken Stew
Generation Y Foodie

Mexican Chicken Stew

Lean chicken breast, fresh corn, black beans, and brown rice combine for a lower-sodium version of a typically salt-heavy Mexican chicken stew.

04
Grilled Fish Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Fish Tacos

Skip the fryer, and grill up fresh and tasty fish tacos that are topped with tons of fresh produce like radishes, mango, and cubed cukes!

05
Vegan Tortilla Pie
Oh She Glows

Vegan Tortilla Pie

Another dairy- and meat-free savory Mexican treat comes in the form of this vegan tortilla pie from Oh She Glows. I would love to dig into a big piece of that.

06
Chipotle Citrus Tacos
Healthy. Happy. Life.

Chipotle Citrus Tacos

Instead of building heavy tacos smothered in cheese, sour cream, and refried beans, try these vegan chipotle citrus superfood tacos. Meatless, fruit-filled, and with superfood power to boot, these tacos bring a whole different colorful vibe to this quintessential Mexican dish.

07
Polenta and Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Polenta and Beans

Riff on the flavors of a traditional burrito and opt for a plate of vegan and gluten-free polenta and beans instead. It takes less than 30 minutes to cook and is under 300 calories per serving.

08
Mexican-Style Crockpot Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Mexican-Style Crockpot Chicken

Let your slow cooker serve as a healthy resource for Cinco de Mayo, and try this delicious Mexican-style crockpot chicken recipe full of fresh ingredients. This preparation results in an absolutely delicious, fall-off-the-bone piece of meat.

09
Healthy Seven-Layer Dip
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Seven-Layer Dip

Tons of dairy and refried beans keep traditional seven-layer dip heavy on digestion. Try this lightened-up recipe that keeps the same festive look with much less fat and far more fiber.

10
Quinoa Burrito Bites
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Quinoa Burrito Bites

Skip the full burrito with all the fixings on Cinco de Mayo, and bake up a batch of these fiber- and protein-rich quinoa burrito bites instead. At just 100 calories a pop, they're a much healthier option than your standard Mexican fare.

11
Mexican Breakfast Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Gluten-free, protein-rich, and under 400 calories, this Mexican breakfast casserole is the perfect slow-cooked recipe to whip up for a big Mexican brunch! I cannot reiterate how delicious and filling this recipe is — I already have requests to make it again.

12
Healthy Burrito Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Burrito Bowl

It may seem like a low-calorie meal, but a chicken burrito bowl with all the fixings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream can weigh in around 745 calories. Cut more than half the calories from the average fast-food bowl with this quick and delicious burrito bowl you can make at home in less than 10 minutes.

13
Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken
Running to the Kitchen

Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken

Four-ingredient pulled chicken is simple, fresh, and a perfect pick to satisfy a big crowd of hungry friends.

14
Crustless Chickpea Quiche
Sprint 2 theTable

Crustless Chickpea Quiche

Even if you're not on a vegan diet, you'll love a slice of Mexican crustless chickpea quiche spiced with cumin, onion, and peppers. Feel free to cook ahead of time, since the flavors only get better after a day or two.

15
Roasted Pepper and Black Bean Salad
Healthful Pursuit

Roasted Pepper and Black Bean Salad

For a fresh start to a Mexican feast, kick things off with inventive roasted red pepper and black bean salad in endive boats, a party snack that's easy to grab and enjoy.

16
Guacamole Cups
Vegetarian Times

Guacamole Cups

I know I could spent hours chowing down a big bowl of guacamole with tasty tortilla chips, but sometimes all I'm really jonesing for is the freshness of the dip. Reinvented guacamole cups from Vegetarian Times would make for a beautiful appetizer or delicious side dish.

17
Mango Red Pepper Salsa
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Forget that jarred salsa laden with extra salt and preservatives. Freshen things up with a bowl of mango red pepper salsa; it's sweet and tangy with the right hint of heat.

18
Healthy Margarita
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Healthy Margarita

Instead of a frozen or sugar-filled margarita that makes your lips pucker at the sweetness, try to lighten it all up with our healthy margarita recipe.

19
Green Juice Margarita
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Green Juice Margarita

Kale, ginger, and lime give this spicy margarita a green juice boost. Detox, retox, anyone?

20

Grapefruit and Basil Margarita

Add a little antioxidant power to the tequila classic with Cynthia Sass's green tea and basil margarita.