11 Clean-Eating Recipes That Do Tex-Mex Right

By Carl Hanson
Updated February 05, 2021

OK, maybe Tex-Mex isn't the first cuisine you think of when you think healthy diet. But really, turning Tex-Mex healthy isn't such a big lift. All you need are healthy proteins, fresh and delicious whole ingredients, and maybe a judicious hand with the cheese. These recipes are the clean-eating way to do Tex-Mex, deliciously.

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Spiralized Cucumber and Jicama Tostada Salad with Avocado

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Spiralized jicama, cucumber, red onion, and jalapenos combine with bell peppers atop a creamy avocado spread. "Change up the veggies or the dressing to suit your taste," suggests bd.weld.

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Authentic Enchiladas Verdes

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"These enchiladas are made with a fresh green salsa," says PattiVerde. "Just like you would find in a Mexican restaurant or better yet, in a Mexican home."

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Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad

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A grilled chicken salad ready in less than 30 minutes? "Yes, it's possible," confirms Baking Nana. "Garnish this low-carb, sizzling-hot grilled fajita salad with lime wedges and chopped cilantro."

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Grilled Chicken Taco Salad

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Fresh ingredients really make the meal here. If you like, make your own homemade fresh salsa or pico de gallo.

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Slow Cooker Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos

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You'll rub a whole chicken with fresh garlic and sprinkle it with seasoning salt, and then cook it low and slow bathed in lime juice and a little white wine until the meat just falls away. "Amazing!" says Chris and Britni. "Super fresh and clean ingredients."

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Instant Pot® Vegan Tex-Mex Bowls

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These vegan Tex-Mex bowls feature beans, corn, and brown rice combined with salsa, fresh lettuce, avocado, and fresh cilantro. "A complete meal using from-scratch ingredients," says Buckwheat Queen.

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Cauliflower Rice and Beans Fajita Bowls

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Riced cauliflower, red bell peppers, onions, and garlic get together to Tex-Mex it up with pinto beans, pepitas, green onions, and fresh cilantro. "Serve bowls topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream," says Julie Hubert.

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Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

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Jumbo shrimp are seasoned with Tex-Mex seasonings, grilled,  and served with a homemade grilled salsa. "I serve this as a main dish but it would make a great appetizer as well," says Soup Loving Nicole.

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Swanny's Killer Fajitas

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Marinate strips of chicken or cubes of tofu in a mixture of lime juice, cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne and black pepper. Pile into corn tortillas along with sauteed bell peppers and onion. Serve with fresh cilantro, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and salsa.

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Grilled Fajita Steak Salad with Pickled Pink Onions

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Colorful bell peppers and lean beef go from grill to salad bowl, topping fresh arugula or baby greens (or both!). Add your quick-pickled red onions and dress things up with a simple vinaigrette starring fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil.

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Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Credit: Kim
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These healthy quesadillas feature microwaved sweet potatoes combined with feta cheese and red onions, for a super quick vegetarian meal. "These savory and easy-to-make quesadillas make a perfect fall lunch or dinner," says Kelsey Hunter. "Serve with salsa and sour cream."

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By Carl Hanson