20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo
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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.
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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.
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Vegetarian Taco Salad
This layered vegetarian salad is a colorful and protein-rich dish that offers 25 grams of protein and fiber.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken
Four-ingredient pulled chicken is simple, fresh, and a perfect pick to satisfy a big crowd of hungry friends.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Green Juice Margarita
Kale, ginger, and lime give this spicy margarita a green juice boost. Detox, retox, anyone?
Grapefruit and Basil Margarita
Add a little antioxidant power to the tequila classic with Cynthia Sass's green tea and basil margarita.