35+ Healthy Mexican Recipes
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Published Apr 19, 2022, Updated Oct 03, 2023
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Mexican food that’s colorful, calorie-friendly and very flavorful. Get inspired with these healthy Mexican recipes.
Mexican food is delicious, flavorful and everyone loves it. Although there are a ton of options when it comes to healthy Mexican recipes, it can be a tad difficult to keep things on the lighter side when dining at a Mexican restaurant.
The typical scenario: you’re on your way to the restaurant and have all intentions of sticking with healthy options. Then you arrive, the server puts a sombrero on your head and your plan gets thrown out the window faster than you can say tamale!

Hello unlimited chips and salsa — can’t stop, won’t stop! Sure, I’ll have a margarita. And what the heck, why not get the Guadalajara Especial and then some fried ice cream to finish off the meal. You’re all fiesta, fiesta at the restaurant and end up leaving feeling a little tipsy and ready for a siesta. 😉
Okay, that example is a little over the top, but I also know that it happens. Been there, done that!
But it doesn’t have to be. there are plenty of lightened up to choose from. From tacos and drinks to dips and soups, these recipes are sure to satisfy your craving for Mexican in a healthy way. There’s a little something for everyone and as you’ll see many of the recipes are vegan and gluten-free.
Dips & Appetizers

Guacamole

Healthy Guacamole (with Frozen Peas)

Vegan Queso

Easy Black Bean Dip

Southwest Sweet Potato Black Bean Dip

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Healthy 7 Layer Dip

Easy Corn Salsa

Pineapple Salsa
Salads

Healthy Taco Salad

Kale Mexican Street Corn Salad

Avocado Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Corn, Avocado and Quinoa Salad

Black Bean Fiesta Mason Jar Salad

Mango Jicama Slaw

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Tomatillo Avocado Dressing
Soups

Chicken Fajita Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

Mexican Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

Taco Soup

Easy Black Bean Soup
Breakfast

Red Chilaquiles
Lunch & Dinner

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas

Healthy Chicken Tacos

Vegan Enchiladas

Ground Turkey Tacos

Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

Cilantro Rice

Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Healthy Fish Tacos

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tempeh Tacos

Spaghetti Squash Taco Bake

Taco Zucchini Boats

Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchilada Bake

Slow Cooker Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Loaded Sweet Potato Nacho Salad Bowls

Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos
Drinks

Skinny Paloma (no sugar added)

Skinny Margarita

Chili Lime Mango Margaritas
Desserts

Healthy Baked Churro Donut Holes
How to Eat Healthy at a Mexican Restaurant:
Last but not least, here are some of my best tips for eating healthy when out at a Mexican restaurant:
- Skip the chips — this one is so dang hard. But once you start munching on chips it’s really difficult to stop and often times you’ve eaten so many you’re too full to enjoy your meal.
- Skip the margaritas and sangria — both are usually made with mixes and contain a shocking amount of calories and sugar. Lighter options include tequila with grapefruit juice and soda water or a light Mexican beer. You can also ask if they can make you a skinny margarita.
- If you simply gotta have the chips or an adult beverage, here’s a good rule of thumb = pick one and enjoy it, just don’t do both.
- Go with guacamole instead of queso — at least you’ll be loading up on healthy fats rather than processed cheese. Just watch your portions with the guac because one serving is only about 2 tablespoons.
- Share a dish — Mexican restaurants usually serve massive portions. Order something you really want and spilt it with a friend. Bonus, you’ll save $ as well!
- When looking at the menu, look for items that are baked, steamed, roasted or grilled and skip things that say fried (fritos), crispy, creamy or stuffed, covered or smothered. Chimichangas, taquitos, gorditas and tostadas are all fried. Enchiladas, burritos and tacos aren’t usually fried.
- Ask for black beans as a side instead of refried beans.
- Look for something with a grilled protein and lots of veggies — fajitas and salads fit the bill.
- Keep it simple and stick with tacos. Grilled fish, shrimp or chicken tacos are great options. Pile on the lettuce, tomato and salsa and skimp on the cheese and sour cream.
- Watch out for taco salads. They’re usually loaded with ground beef, cheese, sour cream and tortilla strips or served in a fried tortilla bowl. Ask for the salad without the tortilla strips and bowl, a grilled protein option, extra veggies, light cheese and pico de gallo or salsa for your dressing.
- Even if you’re not gluten-free, opt for authentic corn tortillas over flour tortillas. They’re usually house-made and sans refined flour.
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35+ Healthy Mexican Recipes + Mexican Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- 3 cups sweet potato, peel and diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
- One 14-oz can black soybeans or black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 ½ cups prepared salsa, mild, medium or hot
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2% Greek yogurt, avocado, extra green onion and cilantro (for topping)
Instructions
- Bring the water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the covered saucepan cool for 4-5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9″x 13″ dish and spread the sweet potato, bell pepper, and onion in the bottom. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the taco seasoning.
- In a bowl combine the beans, cooked quinoa, green onion, cilantro and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning; mix well.
- Place the bean and quinoa mixture over the veggies in the baking dish. Spread salsa on top of the quinoa mixture. Top with cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Removed cover and bake for another 20 minutes or until cheese has melted, the sweet potatoes are cooked and everything is hot throughout.
- Serve immediately topped with greek yogurt, avocado slices, green onion and cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was such a great post! I’ve been on a Mexican kick, glad to have some healthy alternatives!
https://theweekdaytable.wordpress.com/
Great healthy eating tips! And what delicious recipe roundups! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to chow down on those paleo taco shells!
Don’t they look delicious!?!
The grilled fish tacos look delicious!
Thanks Millie!
We are having pot luck at work. Thank you for this….helps me alot on what to eat.
Oh fun! Enjoy!! 🙂
Thanks for the link love my dear!
Of course!
My favorite mexican dish is fajitas loaded veggies like mushrooms, peppers, onions, jicama and topped with guacamole! YUM! Thanks for sharing all of these tips and awesome recipes xo C
Thanks for your advice about how to enjoy healthy Mexican food. I really like your suggestion about looking for something that has a grilled protein and lots of vegetables. Grilled vegetables can have a very rich and nuanced flavor. I’ll keep that in mind next time I’m at a Mexican restaurant.
This looks great! Thanks for sharing it and the other recipes at the Pinterest Power Party – we’ll be featuring this in tomorrow’s party!
This is a toppic that’s near to my heart… Many thanks!
Exactly where are ypur contact details though?
I loved that you said that you could consider tempeh tacos that are loaded with Mexican flavor. As you said, your favorite topping could be used to load them up. My husband and I are interested in eating at a Mexican restaurant with the kids for a bonding moment. Since we want something that everyone will enjoy, we will consider your tips.