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There are many authentic Mexican dishes that have become staples for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. From homemade chips and antioxidant-rich salsas to mezcal- and tequila-inspired cocktails, making your own, healthier Cinco de Mayo food traditions with these flavor-packed (and mostly vegetarian) recipes is simple. For inspo, we also include three low-sugar and low-calorie margarita recipes for a little conscious indulgence. Salud!
Read on for our take on traditional Mexican-American inspired Cinco de Mayo recipes with a healthy twist.
Your Healthy Cinco de Mayo Menu
Baked Homemade Tortilla Chips
(Image: Healthy Nibbles And Bits)
Store-bought chips can be full of highly-refined oils and sodium. Create your own healthier version by making tortilla chips at home. These chips are baked, not fried and use heart-healthy olive oil. Top these baked chips sparingly with sea salt to minimize sodium content.
Spicy Guacamole
(Image: Rick Bayless)
No celebration of Mexican food could be complete without guacamole. Guacamole’s main ingredient–avocados–are full of nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. Add in some onions and peppers to give your guacamole a flavorful kick, alongside anti-inflammatory benefits. This authentic recipe contains avocados, green chiles, garlic and onions. Instead of the standard cilantro, chef Rick Bayless (who has traveled extensively across Mexico to school himself on its authentic cuisine), suggests other Mexican herbs such as pipisa or papalo.,
Avocado and Mango Salsa
This avocado and mango salsa is part guacamole, part salsa and fully delicious. Avocados are a great source of potassium and rich in folate, a B vitamin necessary for proper brain function and healthy pregnancy. Mangoes are brimming with vitamins A and C. Combine them for a simple yet deliciously nutritious treat for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Mexican Ceviche
(Image: My Latina Table)
Ceviche is a light and refreshing dish often served along the coasts of Mexico. Containing fish, citrus fruits, fresh vegetables and spices, Mexican ceviche is full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Keep in mind that ceviche is not cooked, so it is imperative to purchase high-quality fish and be aware of the risks of eating raw fish (though ceviche does contain a high amount of citric acid that decreases risk).
Vegetable-Stuffed Tamales
(Image: In Mama Maggies Kitchen)
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa stuffed with various toppings. Though making them can be a bit labor-intensive, their flavor makes it so worth it. You can stuff tamales with almost anything, but we love veggie-stuffed tamales for obvious reasons. These mushroom-stuffed tamales are slightly smoky, delicious and full of healthy ingredients.
Healthy Mexican Frittata with Pico de Gallo
If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo all day, try this frittata that features Mexican flavors. Frittatas are a delicious way to pack your breakfast full of veggies. We also love fresh, organic eggs due to their protein and nutrient content (vitamin D and choline!). Flavored with herbs and Mexican spices, this dish will start your day in the fiesta spirit.
Tacos!
Everybody loves tacos! Create your own delicious versions with a homemade spice blend. Packaged spices often contain added sugars and preservatives, while fresh blends full of fragrant and healthy spices are so easy to make. This spice blend contains chili powder, cumin and oregano, which all have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Low-Sugar Cinco de Mayo Libations
Margaritas have become synonymous with Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. and for good reason! Americans love its mix of sweet, sour, salty and boozy flavor. But margaritas need to be done right, not laden with sugary mixes and bastardized recipes from chain restaurants, which are often full of artificial flavors, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup.
Here are some low-calorie, low-sugar margarita recipes crafted with care to keep your Cinco de Mayo celebration on the healthy side. Tequila (or mezcal) is strong, so if you’re like us, just one of these tasty margaritas will do the trick. Keep in mind that all alcohol is diuretic, so make sure to drink a glass of water (or two) after your margarita.
Grapefruit Jalapeño Margarita
This tasty margarita might be low in sugar but it’s high in flavor and fun. Fresh grapefruit provides a sweet, yet tangy kick alongside vitamin C and antioxidants. Jalapeños contain a substance called capsaicin, which not only gives peppers their spice, but also provides anti-inflammatory properties.
Light and Spicy Margarita
This margarita is simple, yet delightful. It contains fresh lime juice, a little kick by way of fresh jalapeños and a subtle sweetness from just a touch of agave. This recipe requires that you infuse the tequila overnight, so make sure to plan ahead.
Blackberry-Thyme Margarita
This made-from-scratch margarita will elevate your Cinco de Mayo party with fruity effervescence. It contains fresh herbs, antioxidant-rich blackberries and sparkling water—a sophisticated twist on a seasonal favorite.
Looking for more Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipes? Check out our Cinco de Mayo Food Traditions: Your Healthier Menu Straight From Puebla
(Images: Shutterstock)
Jacqui Somen is a freelance writer who explores topics in fitness, wellness, sustainability and adventure. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer with trauma-informed training.
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