Healthy Mexican Recipes and Menus

Featured Recipes

Strawberry-Mango Margarita Compote

Mangoes and strawberries make a magical marriage. Splashes of tequila, Triple Sec and lime add a subtle kick to the mix. For a nonalcoholic or kid-friendly version, substitute fresh orange juice for the tequila and Triple Sec.

» Strawberry-Mango Margarita Compote

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This refreshing drink is served by roadside vendors all over Mexico. Not too much fruit, not too much sugar, just a beautiful way to quench your thirst on a summer day.

» Watermelon Agua Fresca

Chilaquiles Casserole

Our version of this enchilada-style chilaquiles casserole is packed with nutritious beans and vegetables. Canned prepared enchilada sauce has great flavor and keeps the prep time quick. It can vary in heat level so find one that suits your taste. If you want to eliminate the heat altogether, try a green enchilada sauce (which is often milder than red) or substitute two 8-ounce cans of plain tomato sauce.

» Chilaquiles Casserole

The EatingWell Taco

Building the perfect taco is a very personal task—cheese under meat, cheese on top, no cheese at all? This is just our recommendation.

» The EatingWell Taco

Lean & Spicy Taco Meat

A combination of lean ground beef and ultra-lean ground turkey breast makes a less-greasy filling. Bypass taco-seasoning packets in favor of making your own full-flavored filling.

» Lean & Spicy Taco Meat

Grilled Salmon Soft Tacos

Fish tacos have become all the rage in recent years and are a specialty of the Pacific coast of Southern California and Mexico. This is a simple recipe: all the components can be made ahead of time and the fish grilled at the last moment. You can also use halibut, sea bass or tilapia in place of the salmon.

» Grilled Salmon Soft Tacos

Shrimp Veracruzana

Veracruzana is a dish full of onions, jalapeños and tomatoes from the Mexican state of Veracruz. Here we pair the zesty sauce with shrimp, but it can be served with any type of fish or chicken. The heat of fresh jalapeños varies depending on growing conditions. Be sure to taste yours as you're adding them to the dish and adjust the amount according to your taste. For pepper flavor without the heat, use a thinly sliced green bell pepper in place of the jalapeños. Serve with: Rice or potatoes and an avocado salad.

» Shrimp Veracruzana

Enjoy the fresh flavors of Mexican cuisine!

When you’re craving ethnic food—without all the fat—look no further than our neighbors to the south for healthy, mouthwatering inspiration. Many Mexican staples—beans, corn, tomatoes and peppers—are bursting with important vitamins and nutrients. Often thrown into the broad “Latin” category, Mexican cuisine has distinctive qualities, such as its many uses of corn; complex moles and salsas; and a variety of chiles that perfectly accentuate their intended dishes. The tantalizing flavors of these rich and piquant recipes will help you kick-start whatever fiesta you have planned—and to drink, don’t forget the cerveza!