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 weight loss-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 healthy and delicious Mexican food recipes for quick mid-week meals, tasty snacks and crowd-pleasing apps. They’re also all perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
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.
Get the 10-Minute Shrimp Fajitas recipe.
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.
Get the Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla recipe.
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.
Get the Avocado Lime Shrimp Tacos recipe.
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!
Get the Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos recipe.
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.
Get the Party-Perfect Pico de Gallo recipe.
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.
Get the Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potato recipe.
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.
Get the Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Bake recipe.
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.
Get the Mango Salsa recipe.
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!
Get the Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe.
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.
Get the Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Fajitas recipe.
They’re cute, they crunch and they taste delicious—perfect appetizers to take the “hostess with the mostess” title at your next fiesta!
Get the Shrimp Taco Bites recipe.
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.
Get the Best Guacamole recipe.
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 Mini Chicken Taco Salad Bowl recipe.
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 Zesty Cajun Fish Tacos recipe.
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 Tofu Taco Bowl recipe.
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 Crunchy Turkey Taco Wrap recipe.
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 Bell Pepper Nachos recipe.
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 Mexican Zucchini Boats recipe.
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 Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe.
Heading to a Cinco de Mayo party? Whip up this Mexican Street Corn Dip to ensure you stay on track with your weight loss meal plan. It features charred corn, jalapeno, red onion, avocado and cheese tossed in a homemade mayo-based dressing.
Get the Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe.
Bonus: Ready for a drink? Try our Virgin Jalapeno Lemon Margarita recipe!
Refreshingly spicy and deliciously diet-friendly, it’s the ultimate Cinco de Mayo sip. Even after the fiesta is over, you’ll want this sweet and spicy drink jalapeno cup all season long! While the classic margarita is filled with sugary simple syrup, we lighten up this classic cocktail by swapping in light lemonade, plus some fresh jalapeno slices.
