20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (2024)

Updated on 5/5/2016 at 11:48 AM

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.

Vegetarian Taco Salad

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Green Juice Margarita

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

Grapefruit and Basil Margarita