Feel like a fajita? Sure! Craving a quesadilla? Go for it. Yup, you can even have fish tacos and crispy nachos. And nope, we’re not going loco.
Some Mexican dishes may not be very diet-friendly (full-fat cheese and sour cream, we’re looking at you!). But with some simple tweaks and substitutions, you can still enjoy those unique and inspired south-of-the-border flavors without derailing your health goals. Check out these figure-friendly, mucho yummy recipes for quick mid-week meals, tasty snacks and crowd-pleasing apps. They’re also all perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
Helpful hint: Just click on the name of the dish, its image or the link in the caption to access the full recipe.
Here are 20 Mexican recipes that get the food fiesta started:
1. 10-Minute Shrimp Fajitas >
You get shrimp that’s crisped and coated in cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika, along with brightly colored bell pepper slices and sweet onions—all roasted to perfection in 10 tiny, little minutes. Wrap all that deliciousness up in a warm whole wheat tortilla for the perfect high-protein, high-flavor meal on a night when you’re short on time. Click here for the full recipe >
2. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas >
Looks like the quesadilla of your dreams. It’s got shredded cheddar and chunks of chicken, like a quesadilla should. And most importantly: It tastes like the quintessential kind you know and love. However, with low-fat cheese and lots of vegetables to plump up the filling, this healthier version can be worked into the perfect flex dinner for your Nutrisystem plan. Click here for the full recipe >
3. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Yogurt Sauce >
What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with tasty tacos?! This Mexican classic can easily go from a diet-friendly option to diet destruction if you aren’t careful. Stay on track this holiday while enjoying these healthy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Yogurt Sauce. Your favorite Mexican restaurant can’t compete with the nutritional profile of this delicious dish.
4. Healthy and Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos >
Dig into this delicious, healthy sheet pan nacho recipe with a unique twist. Instead of fried tortilla chips as the base for our delicious toppings, we used a tasty low-carb swap for our nachos: cheesy cauliflower!
5. Party-Perfect Pico de Gallo >
A fiesta isn’t a fiesta without salsa on the spread. Made with fresh veggies, herbs and a few squirts of lime juice, Pico de Gallo is the perfect healthy dip for your favorite whole grain chip or cracker. For a little heat, add a splash of hot sauce. Click here for the full recipe >
6. Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potato >
Uno potato, dos potatoes, tres potatoes, cuatro! The sweet spuds take center stage in this dish, as a great source of vitamins A and C, plus fiber. Not to mention, these sweet potatoes are loaded with chicken, cheese, salsa and avocado, so they’re muy delicioso. Side it with a salad, and dinner is served. Click here for the full recipe >
7. Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Bake >
Add this dish to your weekday rotation for three very good reasons: It takes minimal effort to make, it tastes like a Mexican party in your mouth and it provides wide-ranging nourishment. On Nutrisystem, it counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels, one Vegetable and three Extras. Need more convincing? You can sub in your favorite veggies, tweak seasonings and experiment with spices for a different flavor every time you make it. Click here for the full recipe >
8. Mango Salsa >
Go citrus with your salsa! This tropical fruit packs a healthy dose of vitamin C and folate, and helps provide the perfect blend of sweet and tangy that you can use on top of grilled chicken or shrimp, or alongside a serving of baked whole wheat tortilla chips. And before you say you hate peeling mangoes, we make it easy with these simple tips. Click here for the full recipe >
9. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower “Rice” >
It looks like regular rice. It’s got the same texture and soaks up sauces and marinades, like regular rice would. But “rice” made from cauliflower is super healthy, super easy to make and when mixed with fresh lime juice and cilantro—super delicious to eat! Consider this alternative the next time your recipe calls for rice. On Nutrisystem, cauliflower is an unlimited vegetable—you can have as much of it as you like! Click here for the full recipe >
10. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Fajitas >
Toss a few basic fajita ingredients—chicken, salsa, onions, garlic and beans—into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe makes several servings, perfect to feed the whole family. Or, freeze the leftovers for when you’re hankering for your next fajita. Click here for the full recipe >
11. Shrimp Taco Bites >
They’re cute, they crunch and they taste delicious—perfect appetizers to take the “hostess with the mostess” title at your next fiesta! Click here for the full recipe >
12. The Best Guacamole Ever >
Next up, the gold star of Mexican fare—the one, the only, the smooth, the creamy… guacamole! Guacamole provides lots of vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and fiber. However, high in calories, it’s easy to overeat. Thankfully, this lighter version is made with nonfat Greek yogurt and extra veggies, so you can enjoy a little more without worrying about diet destruction. If you’re feeling adventurous, add pineapples for a touch of sweetness. Click here for the full recipe >
13. Mini Chicken Taco Salad Bowl >
Rubbed with taco seasoning, tossed with tomatoes and black beans and then drenched with cilantro lime crema and pico de gallo, these tiny taco delights are just 190 calories per serving. Get the recipe here >
14. Fish Tacos >
Give your tacos a tasty twist with these delicious fish tacos. Featuring tender halibut, a variety of veggies and a homemade tomatillo sauce, they’re a creative and colorful take on the classic taco. Get the recipe here >
15. Tofu Taco Bowl >
Don’t worry plant-based dieters! We didn’t forget about you in this round-up of healthy Mexican recipes. Our Tofu Taco Bowl will satisfy your fiesta cravings without sabotaging your healthy diet. It features a delicious trio of tofu, basmati rice and peppers. Add your favorite toppings! Get the vegetarian recipe here >
16. Crunchy Turkey Taco Wrap >
Another creative twist on tacos, our crunchy taco wraps are packed with turkey, sour cream, iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese. They’re a much healthier alternative to a popular fast food option! Get the healthy recipe here >
17. Bell Pepper Nachos >
This is “nacho” average nacho recipe! Our Bell Pepper Nachos are low-carb and packed with flavor. We stuff mini peppers with classic nacho toppings, including black beans, Pico de Gallo and avocado. Covered in melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect simple starter for your weight loss menu. Get the recipe here >
18. Mexican Zucchini Boats >
Call all low-carb lovers! These Mexican Zucchini Boats are the perfect dish to enjoy when you’re craving Mexican food but want to stick to your diet. Stuffed with peppers, kale, black beans and shredded cheese, it’s a vegetarian meal that everyone will love. Get the full recipe here >
19. Easy Chicken Enchiladas >
Using some shredded chicken and cheese, a few dried herbs and some canned goods, you can create a delicious family style meal for Cinco de Mayo. This healthy spin on a Mexican classic is sure to become a top pick on your healthy household menu. Get the recipe here >
