Easy Mexican Recipes - Healthy & Plant-based (2024)

10 Easy Mexican Recipes to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Easy, plant-based, nutritious, and delicious. I picked the most authentic recipes that remind me of my family, culture, and roots.

10 Easy Mexican Recipes

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! This time of the year is about honoring my culture in a way that reminds me of my ancestors. It is also a time to learn more about my Mexican culture, whether it’s through exploring music, reading, connecting with family, or cooking. Of course, my favorite way to celebrate is to make delicious vegan Mexican recipes. The lack of animal products in these recipes does not make them any less authentic, anyone that has tried these can describe them as authentic Mexican recipes! I hope you try at least one of these because they are all some of my favorite recipes on the blog 🙂 Click the name of each dish to get directed to the full recipe.

1. Jackfruit Birria

This vegan birria is a saucy, flavorful, and authentic Mexican dish that is popular at weddings and big celebrations. There are multiple meat substitutes to pick from within this recipe; jackfruit, hibiscus flower, mushrooms, seitan, and more.

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2. Chilaquiles Verdes

Vegan chilaquiles are the perfect Mexican breakfast or brunch! Made with crispy tortillas, savory tomatillo salsa, vegan egg, and vegan queso fresco. This hearty Mexican breakfast will be so easy to put together that you’ll want to make it every week! If salsa verde is not your preference, check out my chilaquiles rojos.

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3. Vegan Menudo

Vegan Menudo is just as comforting as authentic Mexican Menudo soup. It’s made with a savory chili broth, two different kinds of mushrooms, and hominy. It’s perfect for a cold winter day or as a hangover cure. I have made this dish for my picky parents and they LOVED it and said that they would be making this instead of regular menudo because it is a lot easier to prepare.

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4. Enfrijoladas

Enfrijoladas are corn tortillas soaked in a black bean mixture and topped with queso fresco (fresh cheese), avocado, and cilantro. This dish is authentic, very simple, delicious, and easy to make! I grew up eating enfrijoladas and I’m pretty sure I was eating them everyday at one point! There are different versions but the most authentic is the most simple; made with just beans, broth, onion, pepper, and tortillas. They are so easy, only 5 main ingredients and about 15 minutes of time. They are also super picky eater and kid-friendly!

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5. Huaraches de Nopal

Huaraches de Nopal are a recreation of the typical Mexican “Huaraches” made from masa harina (corn flour). The nopal replaces the huarache and then it is topped off with refried beans, savory “Pollo (tofu) Asado, avocado, salsa, and cilantro. It’s flavorful, authentic, diabetes-friendly, and easy to make! You definitely don’t have to replace the masa harina with nopal but it does add extra nutrients and is still authentically Mexican.

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6. Tetelas

Tetelas are delicious triangle-shaped pockets of corn masa stuffed with beans and cheese. They are easy to make and can be topped with salsa, avocado, queso fresco, and even nopales.Tetelas are originally from the state of Oaxaca Mexico so don’t be surprised if some folks from Mexico have never heard of them or tried them. What makes tetelas unique is their shape and that they can be stuffed. Aside from that, there aren’t any ingredients that differ from a bean and cheese taco. The experience is definitely worth it though and they are perfect for taking on the go as an easy snack or meal.

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7. Vegan al Pastor Tacos

A homemade seitan recipe marinated in an authentic al pastor marinade made with guajillo chiles, achiote pepper, pineapple, garlic, and onion. Impress anyone with these tacos, meat-eaters, and everything in between! These vegan al pastor tacos provide all the flavor with none of the heartburn or slump! They are so satisfying and perfect for those wanting to eat less meat or go plant-based. This is also one of the best seitan recipes I’ve ever tried! It takes a bit longer than most of the other recipes but the steps are simple, easy-to-follow, and well worth it.

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8. Frijoles Charros

Charro Beans or Frijoles Charros are hearty beans stewed in a flavorful Mexican broth with a spicy kick. This satisfying recipe is a vegan version without the cholesterol but all the flavor. Made with only 8 main ingredients and can be ready in under 20 minutes! Charro beans are a Mexican bean stew recipe that is mainly consumed in northern Mexico and served at parties or alongside carne asadas. It is typically made with pinto beans, bacon, chorizo, and hot dogs/beef franks. It is hearty and flavorful but packed with saturated fats that can spike cholesterol levels. Which is why I made a plant-based version that tastes as good as the real deal!

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9. Vegan Ceviche

Vegan ceviche is an authentic, coastal, Mexican dish that is refreshing, light, and super easy to make. Hearts of palm make for a perfect fish replacement and make this dish extra nutritious! Save this recipe for a hot summer day and enjoy with a side of tortilla chips. This Mexican-style vegan ceviche withhearts of palmwill leave you wanting more! It tastes delicious on a hot summer day when you’re craving a light meal. It is also great for family gatherings, appetizers and picnics.

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10. Sopa de Fideo

Fideo Recipe or Sopa de Fideo is a simple yet comforting pasta soup that is a staple in every Mexican household. It’s a an easy 6-ingredient, short angel hair-style pasta in a light and savory tomato broth.This simple Fideo Recipe/Sopa de Fideo was every Mexican kid’s favorite meal! It is super picky-eater friendly, easy to make, affordable, and very delish. You can make an entire pot of fideo soup for about $5.00. Growing up, I had no idea that this simple dish would be so meaningful to me. When I’m having a rough day, I can just take 15 minutes to whip it up and curl up on the couch watching telenovelas and sipping my sopita de fideo.

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Easy Mexican Recipes - Healthy & Plant-based (2024)

FAQs

What Mexican food is plant-based? ›

Mexican cuisine is some of the most vegan-friendly, as most dishes can be easily made vegan. With maize, chili, beans, guacamole, salsa, and nopales (cactus) by your side, you can never be hungry and bored.

What Mexican food is healthy for you? ›

Other healthier options at a Mexican restaurant could include Tamales, Gazpacho ( a tomato-based soup traditionally served cold), grilled seafood-based dishes, salsa and Picante sauce, soft tacos with chicken or beef, fish tacos, or chile con carne (minus cheese and chips).

What is the best heart healthy Mexican food? ›

Grab a few corn tortillas and fill them with grilled spicy shrimp or fish, such as salmon, which is packed with protein heart-healthy omega-3 oils, for seafood tacos. Bank on beans. Mexican cuisine features a vast array of beans, including black beans, pinto beans, black eyed beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

What are the 4 ingredients that feature in many Mexican dishes? ›

The most popular Mexican ingredients are beans, rice, avocado and limes. They're utilized in nearly every dish, from hearty enchilada casseroles to creamy drinks like horchata. Read on to learn the top ingredients in Mexican cooking and to find some recipe inspiration for your next taco or burrito night at home!

Can you eat corn tortillas on a plant-based diet? ›

Corn tortillas are invariably vegan since they contain nothing but ground up corn. They have a small diameter since, lacking gluten to help them stick together, they would break apart if made too large. The large tortillas used for burritos and quesadillas are made of wheat flour, either white or whole grain.

What is the healthiest Mexican dish to order? ›

10 Healthy Orders at Mexican Restaurants, According to Registered Dietitians
  1. Cactus. ...
  2. Seafood. ...
  3. Salsa. ...
  4. Guacamole. ...
  5. Tacos. ...
  6. A Margarita (Yes, Really!) ...
  7. Agua Fresca. ...
  8. Ceviche or Salad.
May 2, 2023

What is the most unhealthy Mexican food? ›

Worst: Chimichanga

This is code for “deep-fried burrito.” Think that sounds unhealthy? You're right. The dish has more than 1,500 calories and 93 grams of fat. Factor in toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and you'll get most of your day's calories and sodium in one meal.

What Mexican food is anti-inflammatory? ›

Spices: Mexican food features a variety of spices and flavors that can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This includes spicy chiles, as well as oregano, cumin, and garlic, among others (5,6,7,8).

What is the healthiest Mexican meat? ›

Grilled meat is an excellent option if you're looking for something low-calorie at a restaurant. Go for grilled protein tacos like chicken, beef, or steak — and of course — fish! It's also crucial that you choose healthy sides with your proteins like Mexican coleslaw, black beans, or veggies.

What is the number one food for your heart? ›

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , the following foods are the best for your heart: Vegetables: such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots. Fruits: such as apples, bananas, and oranges. Whole grains: such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread or tortillas.

What is the lowest calorie Mexican food? ›

Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods you will get at a Mexican restaurant as long as they are paired with the side smart dishes. Choose grilled seafood, chicken, or steak with a side of black beans, grilled or sauteed vegetables.

What oil do Mexicans use? ›

When it comes to using fats in recipes, you won't find butter in classic Mexican cuisine. Today, most cooks will use vegetable oil, but the more traditional fat to cook with is lard. Lard, which is pig fat, gives a wonderful flavor to refried beans and the masa (cornflour dough) used for tamales.

What are 5 Mexican dishes? ›

Top 20 Mexican foods to try
  • Tacos al pastor. These tacos are made with marinated pork that is cooked on a spit and then sliced thin. ...
  • Enchiladas. These rolled tortillas are filled with meat or cheese and topped with a flavourful sauce. ...
  • Tamales. ...
  • Chiles rellenos. ...
  • Pozole. ...
  • Guacamole. ...
  • Sopaipillas. ...
  • Tortas.
Jan 29, 2023

What to order at a Mexican restaurant if you are vegan? ›

But then, if you're committed to a vegan life, certain accommodations are called for. That said, the tacos and burritos are tacos and burritos — in appearance, in texture and, more or less, in taste. There's a good order of flautas as well (with jackfruit), and pozole verde stew (with jackfruit as well).

Is Taco Bell using plant-based meat? ›

Taco Bell's newest creation is instead filled with a “proprietary” vegan beef (made from pea protein and soy), plus “cool vegan blanco sauce and warm vegan nacho sauce.” The chain has long been known as one of the few big fast-food operations where vegetarians could easily eat, but this is the company's first fully ...

What Mexican food does not have meat in it? ›

More Vegetarian Mexican Recipes
  • Black Bean Quinoa Enchilada Bake.
  • Vegetarian Fajitas.
  • Roasted Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos.
  • Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos.
  • Butternut Squash Enchiladas.
  • Enchilada Stuffed Mushrooms.

Does Chipotle have plant-based food? ›

plant-powered

Supergreens, Sofritas, White Rice, Fajita Veggies, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa, and Guac. Our Sofritas is made with organic soy protein, braised with fresh peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Get your greens on for real.

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