Feel like a fajita? Sure! Craving a quesadilla? Go for it. Yup, you can even have fish tacos and crispy nachos. And nope, we’re not going loco.
Some Mexican dishes may not be very diet-friendly (full-fat cheese and sour cream, we’re looking at you!). But with some simple tweaks and substitutions, you can still enjoy those unique and inspired south-of-the-border flavors without derailing your health goals. Check out these figure-friendly, mucho yummy recipes for quick mid-week meals, tasty snacks and crowd-pleasing apps.
Helpful hint: Just click on the name of the dish, its image or the link in the caption to access the full recipe.
You get shrimp that’s crisped and coated in cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika, along with brightly colored bell pepper slices and sweet onions—all roasted to perfection in 10 tiny, little minutes. Wrap all that deliciousness up in a warm whole wheat tortilla for the perfect high-protein, high-flavor meal on a night when you’re short on time. Click here for the full recipe >
Looks like the quesadilla of your dreams. It’s got shredded cheddar and chunks of chicken, like a quesadilla should. And most importantly: It tastes like the quintessential kind you know and love. However, with low-fat cheese and lots of vegetables to plump up the filling, this healthier version can be worked into the perfect flex dinner for your Nutrisystem plan. Click here for the full recipe >
Bell peppers get Southwestern flair when they’re filled with rice, black beans and vegetables. And when that base is brown rice or quinoa, the meal is even healthier and more filling. Serve these stuffed beauties at your next gathering. Or, if you prefer a little meat in your peppers, try this loaded version, which includes ground turkey breast. Click here for the full recipe >
We did say you could have nachos. But did we mention that the whole wheat chips would be topped with sweet and tangy barbecue chicken, zesty peppers and smoky bacon? It seems so wrong for your diet, but when you use the Nutrisystem BBQ Seasoned Chickendinner entrée, this crowd-pleaser tastes so, so right. Just add some extra veggies, fat-free cheese and a burst of fresh cilantro for guilt-free noshing. Click here for the full recipe >
A fiesta isn’t a fiesta without salsa on the spread. Made with fresh veggies, herbs and a few squirts of lime juice, Pico de Gallo is the perfect healthy dip for your favorite whole grain chip or cracker. For a little heat, add a splash of hot sauce.Click here for the full recipe >
Take a long whiff while it’s cooking: The aroma of this simmering pot of peppers, onions, kidney and pinto beans, spinach and celery, (of course) lean turkey and a whole lot of spices is sure to get your belly grumbling. Good thing it’s as hearty as it is healthy! For a twist on this warm-your-bones recipe, try the Butternut Squash Turkey Chili. Click here for the full recipe >
Uno potato, dos potatoes, tres potatoes, cuatro! The sweet spuds take center stage in this dish, as a great source of vitamins A and C, plus fiber. Not to mention, these sweet potatoes are loaded with chicken, cheese, salsa and avocado, so they’re muy delicioso. Side it with a salad, and dinner is served. Click here for the full recipe >
Start with a crisp base of shredded lettuce, and pile on the goodness: Fresh diced tomatoes, a prepared package of the Nutrisystem Chili With Beans dinner entrée, shredded cheese and crunchy baked tortilla chips for one satisfying salad. Click here for the full recipe >
Add this dish to your weekday rotation for three very good reasons: It takes minimal effort to make, it tastes like a Mexican party in your mouth and it provides wide-ranging nourishment. On Nutrisystem, it counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels, one Vegetable and three Extras. Need more convincing? You can sub in your favorite veggies, tweak seasonings and experiment with spices for a different flavor every time you make it. Click here for the full recipe >
Not for the faint of heart, these tacos pack in some heat: Chili powder is the star of the mahi-mahi seasoning blend, with cumin, coriander, garlic and salt taking supporting roles. Jalapenos make their debut in the southern slaw to gives these tacos a zesty crunch. Click here for the full recipe >
Go citrus with your salsa! This tropical fruit packs a healthy dose of vitamin C and folate, and helps provide the perfect blend of sweet and tangy that you can use on top of grilled chicken or shrimp, or alongside a serving of baked whole wheat tortilla chips. And before you say you hate peeling mangoes, we make it easy with these simple tips. Click here for the full recipe >
Maybe not the prettiest of dishes, but we’ll go out on a limb and say you’re really not going to care once you stick a forkful in your mouth. Between the chunks of sautéed peppers, tomatoes, onions and corn, the cumin, paprika and Tabasco seasoning, this baby’s got flavor. All of this mixes into the southwestern taste of the Nutrisystem Sante Fe Style Chickenentrée and is topped with creamy avocado slices, so…. trust when we say looks can be deceiving. Click here for the full recipe >
It looks like regular rice. It’s got the same texture and soaks up sauces and marinades, like regular rice would. But “rice” made from cauliflower is super healthy, super easy to make and when mixed with fresh lime juice and cilantro—super delicious to eat! Consider this alternative the next time your recipe calls for rice. On Nutrisystem, cauliflower is an unlimited vegetable—you can have as much of it as you like! Click here for the full recipe >
Toss a few basic fajita ingredients—chicken, salsa, onions, garlic and beans—into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe makes several servings, perfect to feed the whole family. Or, freeze the leftovers for when you’re hankering for your next fajita. Click here for the full recipe >
They’re cute, they crunch and they taste delicious—perfect appetizers to take the “hostess with the mostess” title at your next fiesta! Click here for the full recipe >
The list of ingredients may be long, but the combination of tastes and textures is worth every shred, chop and dice. Plus, the homemade dressing—featuring fresh cilantro, avocado, lime juice and garlic—elevates this salad to epic, Mexican-flavored proportions. Restaurant quality all served at your house. Click here for the full recipe >
Never heard of a chili casserole? Your taste buds will be happy to make its acquaintance: Savory chili, topped with a layer of creamy polenta and all covered in melted cheese. The Nutrisystem Vegetarian Chili–complete with four beans, zesty tomato sauce and spices–works perfectly as the base to this satisfying meal, or you can make your own Savory Turkey Chili instead. Click here for the full recipe >
Last, but certainly not least—the gold star of Mexican fare—the one, the only, the smooth, the creamy… guacamole! Guacamole provides lots of vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and fiber. However, high in calories, it’s easy to overeat. Thankfully, this lighter version is made with nonfat Greek yogurt and extra veggies, so you can enjoy a little more without worrying about diet destruction. If you’re feeling adventurous, add pineapples for a touch of sweetness. Click here for the full recipe >
