29 Mexican-Inspired Recipes for People with Diabetes
Updated: Nov. 08, 2023
Hungry for tacos? How about enchiladas? These diabetic-friendly recipes will satisfy any craving. We have dietitian-approved dishes inspired by all of your Mexican favorites.
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Halibut Soft Tacos
I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This warm-weather recipe is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
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Turkey and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
When I don’t feel like pulling out the slow cooker, my next favorite weeknight meal is this warm black bean enchilada casserole! This recipe is easy and tasty. What’s even better is that it's gluten-free, and could also be made dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan. —Kristine Fretwell, Mission, British Columbia
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Air-Fryer Steak Fajitas
Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these steak fajitas extra special. Using an air fryer helps to cut down on fat. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Pressure-Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
These pressure-cooker stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist! The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we like cold as a sandwich with cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
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Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
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Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup
My family loves this stew, and I’m happy to make it since it’s so simple! Skip the sour cream and tortilla chips if you’d like to make the meal even lighter. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
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Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli Enchiladas
I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It’s quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! Plus, you’re getting a ton of healthy veggies! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
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Tasty Lentil Tacos
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
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South-of-the-Border Chicken Salad with Tequila Lime Dressing
Add a burst of color to your table with this fresh main-dish that's topped with homemade tequila lime salad dressing. For a simple garnish sprinkle salad with lightly crushed tortilla chips.—Annette Hottenstein, Cockeysville, Maryland
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Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers
These well-seasoned ground-turkey-stuffed peppers are so tasty, you won’t even miss having real cheddar cheese. Round out the meal with a salad or a side of rice. —Judy Hand-Truitt, Birmingham, Alabama
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Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Homemade Guacamole
Ever wonder how to make guacamole? Just whip together this delicious blend of your favorite fresh ingredients. To cut down on carbs, serve this dip with fresh veggies instead of chips. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Quick Tacos al Pastor
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
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Chicken Burrito Skillet
We love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is ready for the table in almost no time! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Grilled Beef Chimichangas
I created this recipe when I didn’t have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! Grilling the chimichangas instead of deep-frying saves a lot of fat and calories. —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington
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Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa
Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. As a treat, I give my coworkers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
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Contest-Winning Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas
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Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Easy Fish Tacos
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Skillet Beef Tamales
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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Bacon-Corn Stuffed Peppers
Filled with corn, salsa, green onions, mozzarella cheese and bacon, these grilled pepper halves are sure to liven up your next cookout. They have a wonderful taste and give a fun twist to the usual corn on the cob. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
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Mexican Cabbage Roll Soup
I love sharing our humble and hearty soup made with beef, cabbage and green chiles. A blast of cilantro gives it a sunshiny finish. Bonus: Each serving has just 10 grams of carbs! —Michelle Beal, Powell, Tennessee
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Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
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Mexi-Mac Skillet
This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Spinach Quesadillas
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
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Naked Fish Tacos
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
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Mexican Chicken Fajita Pizza
This Mexican chicken pizza has always been a hit with my kids and it’s such a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
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Enchilada Pie
This impressive, hearty dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. —Jacqueline Correa, Landing, New Jersey
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Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, CaliforniaOriginally Published: August 04, 2020
