While Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican holiday celebrating it’s 1862 victory over France, it might be safe to say that Americans enjoy celebrating it just as much!  At least according to some statistics, Mexican/Hispanic food remains one of the most popular cuisines among Americans. But the ‘Americanized’ tex-mex restaurants we know and love often leave us feeling ‘heavy’ and overstuffed.

Flavorful, amazing tex-mex dishes are not off limits.  In fact, you can cook up some mouth-watering dishes that are good for you without a lot of time or energy.  A few keys to lightening up your tex-mex favorites:

• Choose lean cuts of protein (skinless poultry, lean beef/pork, fish and seafood)
• Select beans and refried beans that do not have added lard, fat or oil
• Buy 100% whole grain or corn tortillas that have a simple ingredient list AND do not have hydrogenated oils
• Use sharp, flavorful cheeses so that a little bit will give a big flavor boost
• Watch out for sodium- cheese, jarred salsa, enchilada sauce, condiments, seasoning packets, prepared beans- all of these contribute a significant amount of sodium to a recipe
• Use lime for an acidic punch to reduce the need to add salt
• Make up your own seasoning blend at home and avoid the packaged ones
• Don’t forget to add fresh herbs like cilantro for vibrant flavors
• Avoid the bottomless bowls (or bags) of chips on the table

Most individuals I know enjoy tex-mex at least 1 night each week so whether you are hosting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta or just looking for some new recipes for ‘Taco Tuesday’, here are 19 healthy tex-mex recipes you and your family are sure to love!

 

Lightened Up Mexican Lasagna

by Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD at Healthy Inspiration

 

Mexican Cauliflower Rice 

by Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD at Healthy Inspiration

 

Tex-Mex Breakfast Taco

by Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD at Healthy Inspiration

 

Easy Vegan Tacos with Refried Beans & Corn Salsa

by Sharon Palmer, RDN at The Plant-Powered Dietitian

 

Chicken Fajita Sweet Potato Nachos 

by Whitney E Tabaie, RDN at Whitney E. RD

 

Apple Pie Breakfast Tacos 

by Lauren Harris-Pincus MS, RDN at Nutrition Starring YOU

 

Chicken Mole

by Judy Barbe, RDN at LiveBest

 

Rockin’ Guacamole with Baked Tortilla Chips 

by Chef Catherine Brown, Culinary Nutritionist at Chef Catherine Brown

 

Healthy Migas Breakfast Bowl 

by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD at Lively Table

 

DIY Taco Cups 

by Dixya Bhattarai, MS, RD, LD at Food, Pleasure & Health

 

Fiesta Lime Black Bean Salsa 

by Josten Fish, RDN at Muscle and Manna

 

Mexican Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes 

by Jessica Penner, RD at Smart Nutrition

 

Seared Scallop Tostadas 

by Jenny Shea Rawn at My Cape Cod Kitchen

 

Easy Guacamole 

by Jenna Braddock, RDN at Make Healthy Easy

 

Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw 

by Laura Rutledge, RDN at Nourishing Plate

 

Mango Cucumber Salsa

by  Judith Scharman Draughon, MS, RDN, LD at Foods with Judes

 

 

Gluten Free Black Bean & Jalepeno Cauliflower Tostadas 

by Kara Lydon, RDN at The Foodie Dietitian

 

 

Gluten Free Vegetable, Bean and Cheese Enchiladas 

by E.A Stewart, RDN at The Spicy RD

 

Baked Cod Fish Tacos with Creamy Mango Guacamole

by Jodi Danen, RDN at Create Kids Club

Easy and flavorful, these healthy Tex-Mex recipes are perfect for your Mexican fiesta!  Which one will you try first?

“Life without Mexican food is like no life at all.”