- Fitness
- Healthy Living
By
Lizzie Fuhr
Updated on 5/5/2016 at 11:48 AM
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (1) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (1)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/cF4v6ucT9PQWr5GOhtEjs9jww6o=/fit-in/728x728/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2014/04/30/924/n/1922729/1ced6b56199bfcaf_mexican-food-cover.jpg)
Looking to lighten things up a little for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations? The fun and festive holiday is on its way, but all the food can get a little overwhelming. If you're planning a big bash or you want healthier versions of calorie-laden favorites, tempt your taste buds with these 20 recipes.
01
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (2) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (2)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/iqLGGhuwWvP3si-SwkQNlCqhvuA=/fit-in/550x367/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2012/04/16/1/192/1922729/a70cdd7da3707ee6_10.jpg)
Mini Mexican Pizzas
I love that this reader knows just how crave-worthy one of those Taco Bell Mexican pizzas can be and translated those delicious flavors and textures into these cute little mini Mexican pizzas.
02
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (3) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (3)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/Fb8NpPf2Cyzo28kEoTAO-aahASo=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2015/04/10/971/n/1922729/d9989eaf2fc14e98_2bfea784938a32d8_taco-salad.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Vegetarian Taco Salad
This layered vegetarian salad is a colorful and protein-rich dish that offers 25 grams of protein and fiber.
03
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (4) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (4)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/I_Yapq02DkalPnYAt4btG7UhXIY=/fit-in/550x394/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2012/04/16/1/192/1922729/022f819927b462e1_6.jpg)
Mexican Chicken Stew
Lean chicken breast, fresh corn, black beans, and brown rice combine for a lower-sodium version of a typically salt-heavy Mexican chicken stew.
04
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (5) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (5)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/XtdKGHV32gh8ylGx1jNx6rIMQnU=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2015/04/10/966/n/1922729/d6f5a4d77250f991_2600044ef9bf9719_grilled-fish-tacos.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Grilled Fish Tacos
Skip the fryer, and grill up fresh and tasty fish tacos that are topped with tons of fresh produce like radishes, mango, and cubed cukes!
05
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (6) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (6)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/GMjpUENBls_lkWncCpgcEmp3W8A=/fit-in/550x367/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2012/04/16/1/192/1922729/2eaa957df9e4f417_2.jpg)
Vegan Tortilla Pie
Another dairy- and meat-free savory Mexican treat comes in the form of this vegan tortilla pie from Oh She Glows. I would love to dig into a big piece of that.
06
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (7) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (7)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/BDSeECYEUwbhu4Fbxpciy3FJGwU=/fit-in/550x550/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2012/04/16/1/192/1922729/a2aa91c68f9340d4_1.jpg)
Chipotle Citrus Tacos
Instead of building heavy tacos smothered in cheese, sour cream, and refried beans, try these vegan chipotle citrus superfood tacos. Meatless, fruit-filled, and with superfood power to boot, these tacos bring a whole different colorful vibe to this quintessential Mexican dish.
07
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (8) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (8)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/ftiYnNBfnrZ51kvYbCMhW0_VOis=/fit-in/550x468/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2013/04/29/830/n/1922729/b0e5d8c385fbe636_polenta-and-beans.jpg)
Polenta and Beans
Riff on the flavors of a traditional burrito and opt for a plate of vegan and gluten-free polenta and beans instead. It takes less than 30 minutes to cook and is under 300 calories per serving.
08
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (9) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (9)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/fk4AojIrC0-P1-OfGUVtIS2IGi8=/fit-in/550x555/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2014/04/30/894/n/1922729/de20d257f286b439_crock-pot-chicken.jpg)
Mexican-Style Crockpot Chicken
Let your slow cooker serve as a healthy resource for Cinco de Mayo, and try this delicious Mexican-style crockpot chicken recipe full of fresh ingredients. This preparation results in an absolutely delicious, fall-off-the-bone piece of meat.
09
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (10) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (10)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/5kc6gAHeSOg5pCANrN9zsE4-0Aw=/fit-in/550x426/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2013/04/29/830/n/1922729/a174a020936cef6f_healthy-seven-layer-dip.jpg)
Healthy Seven-Layer Dip
Tons of dairy and refried beans keep traditional seven-layer dip heavy on digestion. Try this lightened-up recipe that keeps the same festive look with much less fat and far more fiber.
10
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (11) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (11)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/CkptigyeoVZwHvoOJpGFANHrxL4=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2014/04/30/067/n/1922729/4a5d830604846cd7_quinoa-bites.jpg)
Quinoa Burrito Bites
Skip the full burrito with all the fixings on Cinco de Mayo, and bake up a batch of these fiber- and protein-rich quinoa burrito bites instead. At just 100 calories a pop, they're a much healthier option than your standard Mexican fare.
11
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (12) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (12)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/C01a8ElKVu6DN1Ej4-FTGkV-VHQ=/fit-in/792x500/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2015/03/09/877/n/1922729/aebcbd5598048f91_mexican-breakfast-casserole.jpg)
Mexican Breakfast Casserole
Gluten-free, protein-rich, and under 400 calories, this Mexican breakfast casserole is the perfect slow-cooked recipe to whip up for a big Mexican brunch! I cannot reiterate how delicious and filling this recipe is — I already have requests to make it again.
12
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (13) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (13)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/L-X4H7n4phVkAN_y1c2TFP3Vl7U=/fit-in/550x667/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2014/04/30/894/n/1922729/78d4e38ac55be77f_burrito-bowl.jpg)
Healthy Burrito Bowl
It may seem like a low-calorie meal, but a chicken burrito bowl with all the fixings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream can weigh in around 745 calories. Cut more than half the calories from the average fast-food bowl with this quick and delicious burrito bowl you can make at home in less than 10 minutes.
13
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (14) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (14)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/f9T4lWZZwYLj2dhrmT4shKE3_5Q=/fit-in/728x631/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2014/04/30/893/n/1922729/d8812612d014948a_slow-cooker-chicken.jpg)
Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken
Four-ingredient pulled chicken is simple, fresh, and a perfect pick to satisfy a big crowd of hungry friends.
14
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (15) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (15)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/Eq3NJ1LYhzrLFRAgmLZpFuzxJCc=/fit-in/550x413/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2013/04/29/830/n/1922729/6cbe9854c298d3be_crustless-quiche.jpg)
Crustless Chickpea Quiche
Even if you're not on a vegan diet, you'll love a slice of Mexican crustless chickpea quiche spiced with cumin, onion, and peppers. Feel free to cook ahead of time, since the flavors only get better after a day or two.
15
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (16) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (16)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/u3f7qoib_nciAGwltkELSHzr0aM=/fit-in/630x420/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2013/04/29/830/n/1922729/e53c0b3b151f3d5d_Roasted-Red-Pepper-Bean-Salad-531.jpg)
Roasted Pepper and Black Bean Salad
For a fresh start to a Mexican feast, kick things off with inventive roasted red pepper and black bean salad in endive boats, a party snack that's easy to grab and enjoy.
16
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (17) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (17)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/J5SA-vGtY5IBde2SrThPHJCxwNE=/fit-in/550x391/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2012/04/16/1/192/1922729/951743c3ec34580d_11.jpg)
Guacamole Cups
I know I could spent hours chowing down a big bowl of guacamole with tasty tortilla chips, but sometimes all I'm really jonesing for is the freshness of the dip. Reinvented guacamole cups from Vegetarian Times would make for a beautiful appetizer or delicious side dish.
17
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (18) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (18)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/C9DL3CgqNB19Pvw9kJKyWwdZ40c=/fit-in/550x416/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2014/04/30/067/n/1922729/d20fcecd128361b9_red-pepper-salsa.jpg)
Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Forget that jarred salsa laden with extra salt and preservatives. Freshen things up with a bowl of mango red pepper salsa; it's sweet and tangy with the right hint of heat.
18
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (19) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (19)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/58o5HUrlWa6SLzH_vqqKC_6tce4=/fit-in/550x550/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2015/04/10/976/n/1922729/ac3255668e171142_margarita.jpg)
Healthy Margarita
Instead of a frozen or sugar-filled margarita that makes your lips pucker at the sweetness, try to lighten it all up with our healthy margarita recipe.
19
![20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (20) 20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo (20)](https://i0.wp.com/media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/W4OnP38W4kRjQlVcjqdDRj-zjSI=/fit-in/550x550/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2015/04/10/966/n/1922729/599fea6d417e7175_d2723339e902b29b_Green-Juice-Margarita.preview.jpg)
Green Juice Margarita
Kale, ginger, and lime give this spicy margarita a green juice boost. Detox, retox, anyone?
20
Grapefruit and Basil Margarita
Add a little antioxidant power to the tequila classic with Cynthia Sass's green tea and basil margarita.
- Healthy Living
- Cinco De Mayo
- Healthy Recipes
- Mexican food