54 Heart-Healthy Mexican Recipes That Let You Eat Your Favorites
These 54 heart-healthy Mexican food ideas will take the place of the loaded nachos, over-stuffed burritos and greasy tacos we normally think of as our South of the Border favorites. You can definitely enjoy spicy flavors and authentic Mexican ingredients while still thinking about meals that are both wholesome and less caloric. Be inspired with, lighter versions of the classics and creative twists like these gluten-free, vegan, and paleo and overall healthy Mexican recipes.
Related: Easy Mexican Dessert Recipes
My mom is the biggest Mexican food fan in my family. She could eat Tex-Mex fare every day of the week, however the bottomless bowls of chips, cheesy appetizers and entrees aren't always kind to the waistline—or your cardiovascular system. But it's easy to bring the fiesta home while reinventing these dishes into fresher, heart-healthy recipes.
Related: Low-Carb and Keto Mexican Recipes
What Mexican food is heart-healthy?
Opt for lean protein. Choosing chicken, shrimp, beans, and even leaner cuts of steak will reduce the unhealthy fats you'll find in the richer pork, stewed beef and fried items.
Go for low-fat dairy. When you make your own Mexican food, you can reduce the amount of cheese or make swaps like using non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Choose corn over flour tortillas. Not only is this an easy way to turn your dishes into gluten-free Mexican recipes, but it also reduces the fat and refined carbohydrates. And don't forget options like brown or cauliflower rice bowls and salads or lettuce wraps, instead of burritos and enchiladas.
Watch the dips and sauces. Salsa is a light and fresh, veggie-packed option, and guacamole, although high in calories, if loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats that a good for you when eaten in moderations. But beware of queso and other creamy sauces.
Keep the beans, but pass on the refried ones. Beans are a great way to add fiber and plant-based protein to your diet, but some of those refried beans use large amounts of lard or shortening. You can either make them yourself and use smaller amounts of healthier fats, or try stewed pinto beans or even a bean salad.
These swaps, suggestions, and more are incorporated into the tacos, salads, skillets, casseroles and even a few sweets you'll find in this collection of healthy Mexican recipes.
More healthy recipes to try:
This taco recipe swaps fried fish for sauteed salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids known for reducing blood pressure and triglycerides, and the slaw adds extra crunch and nutrients.
Get the recipe: Heart-Healthy Salmon Tacos
Joe Keller
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