Spice Up Cinco de Mayo with Two Healthy Recipes
Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 2 min read
Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day for margaritas and tacos; it commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite its historical significance, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. While a Mexican holiday, it’s embraced as a big celebration in the United States. In 2021, Americans were expected to consume 70 million pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo alone.
One iconic dish that embodies the fresh flavors of Mexican cuisine is shrimp ceviche. This vibrant appetizer is perfect for Cinco de Mayo gatherings, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. It's light, nutrient-packed and easy to prepare, making it a favorite among hosts and guests alike.
Tostadas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of crispy tortillas topped with various ingredients. In this recipe, lean chicken breasts get tossed in a rich marinade made of traditional Mexican spices. Layered on a crispy baked tortilla and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and other fresh ingredients, these chicken tostadas are a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Traditional tostadas are made up of fried corn tortillas, topped with refried beans and beef and toppings. In this lighter version, flour tortillas are baked with spray oil to achieve a crispy base. Lighter in saturated fat and overall calories, this recipe is made with saucy pulled chicken.
Ceviche means fish or shellfish marinated in citrus and seasoning. The very definition of the dish is “refreshing” and makes it perfect for a hot summer day. In this shrimp ceviche recipe, crisp water chestnuts add a crunch to the dish.
