11 Mexican Food Recipes for a Healthy Cinco de Mayo

We could all use some happy right now and holidays are happy. To Mexicans, Cinco de Mayo is all about sweet victory and tradition. To Americans, it means we celebrate what we know and love about Mexico: the food. Luckily for low carb dieters, Mexican food features lots of proteins like chicken, cheese and fish paired with fresh vegetables (as you’ll see in the recipes below). That means you can party without pause. De nada!

Here are 11 Mexican food recipes for a healthy Cinco de Mayo:

1. Stuffed Pepper Tacos >

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Taco Tuesday this year. However, these tacos will make you want to fiesta every Tuesday! Thanks to the raw pepper base, these colorful, flavorful tacos offer a similar hard-shell “crunch.” The classic Mexican food flavors of the spiced meat and toppings bring it all together.

2. Shrimp Fajita Skillet >

You can’t eat everything on Cinco de Mayo, so why not fiesta all week? Your grocery list won’t get much longer with this dish because a lot of the ingredients you bought for the last recipe are used here. Virtually any meat works—shrimp, fish, chicken, steak or pork. Add some beans and soy chorizo to make a protein-rich, vegetarian skillet.

3. Mexican Veggie Egg Muffins >

Still social distancing? Then you’ve actually got time to make a Cinco de Mayo breakfast! How fun! This recipe makes four egg muffins. While you’ve got the extra time, we suggest tripling the recipe so the whole family can dig in. They’ll freeze really well—up to one month in a freezer-safe baggie. Reheat in the microwave for one minute.

4. Keto Friendly Chicken Enchiladas >

Who doesn’t love enchiladas? The cheese. The chicken. The spices. The toppings. All of those delicious ingredients are included in this recipe. We simply swapped the tortillas for zucchini, which gives your body lots of stay-full-and-regular fiber, part of your daily vitamin A, manganese and vitamin C, plus antioxidants. This nutrient-packed, family-style dinner will quickly become a regular on your healthy menu.

5. Tomato Salsa with Avocado and Onion >

Is it a dip? A topping? Dinner? It’s your Cinco de Mayo—make it whatever you want it to be. This salsa and guacamole hybrid is the perfect addition to any of these Mexican food recipes. Just try and remember one recipe makes six servings. Want to up the yummy ante? Use our Parmesan Crisps (no carbs, btw) as dippers. Wow!

6. Black Bean and Goat Cheese Tostadas >

Sometimes you just need a tortilla, which is why we developed this classic bean and cheese tostada dish. Whole wheat tortillas, black beans, creamy goat cheese, tomatoes, scallions and lime unite for this lighter, healthier, yet still comforting and filling dish.

7. Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Melon Salsa >

Bored with plain old beef tacos? Spice things up with these fish tacos made with sea bass, cantaloupe, cilantro, scallions, jalapeño and lime. They’re ready in minutes and are the perfect balance of sweet, salty and spicy. Another welcome addition to your Taco Tuesday menu.

8. Southwest Bean Salad >

Not a big salad fan? There’s not one piece of lettuce in this “salad,” which means you can—and should—give it a shot. Serve it with another entrée on this list or have it for lunch. The beans and fiber-rich veggies fill you up and keep you satisfied.

9. Southwest Latin Flatbread >

Flatbreads are so versatile, you can literally make any kind of cuisine. This Southwest Flatbread serves up a serving of veggies plus a Healthy Fat. Add grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu for extra protein.

10. Mexican Chicken Soup >

Serve up some comfort with this warm, spicy soup and plan ahead for future cravings. Double or triple the recipe and freeze. Really into baking right now? Our Almond Flour Keto Bread would make a perfect companion to this soup. Tear off a slice and dunk it into the hot, spicy broth.

11. Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Shake >

Milkshakes may be off the table but protein shakes are 100 percent approved on the South Beach Diet. A dash of cayenne and cinnamon add a warm, spicy kick. This special shake is a far cry from the canned options at the supermarket. Add ice and you can shake, shake, shake.