Plenty of Mexican staples are gluten-free: corn tortillas, salsa, rice and beans. The list goes on! It's easy to make gluten-free Mexican-inspired recipes like enchiladas, fajitas, salads and bowls.
34 Gluten-Free Mexican Recipes We Love
Updated May 18, 2024
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Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you’ll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
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Easy Chili Verde
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Chicken Tomatillo Soup
I had tomatillos to use and wanted to make something more exquisite than salsa verde. I combined two favorite recipes, added my own special touches and made chicken tomatillo soup. Feel free to add cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce to spice it up. —Katrina Krumm, Apple Valley, Minnesota
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Paloma
Soon after I learned about this cocktail, I brought the ingredients to a family dinner at my parents’. The next time we got together, my dad had the fixings set out and ready to go. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Carne Adovada Sopes
I call this “dude food,” as my husband and son would eat this weekly. The tender pork is great. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Instant Pot Black Beans
Instant Pot black beans are so delicious and easy to make, you may never want to order black beans from a restaurant again. Bonus: You control the seasonings, for a completely customizable taste.
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Seasoned Taco Meat
I got this recipe from the restaurant where I work. It's famous in our town for the blend of seasonings, and now the secret is out! —Denise Mumm, Dixon, Iowa
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Pico de Gallo
This pico de gallo recipe creates a fresh, bright salsa filled with chunky tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cilantro. The secret behind how to make pico de gallo is preparing it about an hour before dinner so the flavors can meld and come together.
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Southwest Smothered Chicken
There's a party in every bite of this fiesta chicken dish. Let it spice up dinner tonight! If you're worried about the heat, simply reduce the amount of jalapenos. —Debbie Schaefer, Durand, Michigan
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Mexican Street Corn Bake
Mexican street corn casserole is easy to make and bursting with fresh flavor and spicy notes.
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Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding)
Sweet and simple, this arroz con leche recipe is real comfort food in any language. You’ll love the warm raisin and cinnamon flavors. It’s great served cold, too. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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Beef Flautas
If you love tacos, you’re in for a treat with this beef flautas recipe. Braised brisket, onions and peppers are rolled inside flour tortillas and fried to crispy perfection.
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Effortless Guacamole
Here’s one delicious, extra-easy classic you’ll turn to again and again. “I’ve been making this recipe since I started cooking, and that was a long time ago.” —DeAnn Lokvam, Tijeras, New Mexico
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Cilantro-Lime Chicken
A bright cilantro-lime chicken marinade soaks bone-in chicken thighs in flavor before they're slow-cooked till they're fall-apart tender.
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Vegan Tortilla Soup
Quinoa may be an unconventional ingredient, but it adds protein in this vegan tortilla soup, making it hearty enough for a main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Minty Mango Salsa
I originally made this colorful mango salsa to garnish a smoked turkey my husband made. We have since tried it on chicken and fish. It also makes a fun snack or party appetizer scooped up with your favorite tortilla chips. —Diane Thompson, Nutrioso, Arizona
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Taco Bowls
An utterly satisfying, one-dish dinner, taco bowls make for a fabulous weeknight meal with beef, black beans and an assortment of toppings. The best part is their versatility—customize with lentils, sweet potatoes, sautéed bell peppers or corn for a nutritious, filling, and family-friendly meal.
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Texas Red River Margaritas
When I lived in Texas, I decided to create a cocktail that represented my new home. I’ve found that blood orange juice works just as well as the grapefruit juice in this spicy margarita recipe. —Danny Schneider, Omaha, Nebraska
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole
The combination of pork and cherries has long been a favorite of mine. The hint of spice and chocolate in the salsa mole makes the combination even more special. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Peppered Cilantro Rice
This colorful confetti rice is a traditional dish in Puerto Rico. We enjoy it in the summer alongside grilled shrimp kabobs, but it is good with most any entree. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
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Creamy Caramel Flan
A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida
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Peppy Peach Salsa
Garden-fresh salsas are one of my favorite condiments. So when I saw a recipe for peach salsa in the newspaper, I couldn't think of anything that sounded better. —Jennifer Abbott, Moraga, California
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Chicken Fajita Salad
This recipe came from Texas, which is famous for its Mexican food. I love to cook, even though it's just for me and my husband now. I invite our grown kids over a lot, and they just love this chicken fajita salad. I'm happy to share it! —Lois Proudfit, Eugene, Oregon
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Restaurant-Style Salsa
We're all partial to the chips and salsa at our favorite Mexican joint. Learn how to make salsa at home that's just as good.
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Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole
Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage. hominy and more. It all goes into the pressure cooker, so you can come home at night and dinner is ready in a flash. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
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Creamy Jalapeno Corn
This comforting and creamy corn side dish is appealing to almost everyone. It gets its spicy kick from jalapeno peppers. —Judy Carty, Wichita, Kansas
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Quick Watermelon Salsa
On hot days, this sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and fresh cilantro has everything you want. The flavors blend beautifully, it’s pretty, and it comes together in no time. —Betsy Hanson, Tiverton, Rhode Island
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Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Super Fast Mexican Soup
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
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Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
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Vegetarian Skillet Enchiladas
Whether served for meatless Monday or your family's everyday vegetarian meal, these unconventional enchiladas will leave everyone asking for more. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers
My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad. —Donna Gay Harris, Springdale, Arkansas
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Fresas con Crema
This refreshing dessert is wonderful when berries are in season. Media crema is a rich, unsweetened cream found in the baking aisle or ethnic food section of the grocery store. It’s similar to creme fraiche and sour cream, although sour cream is quite a bit tangier. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGluten-free Mexican Recipes FAQ
Are tortillas gluten-free?
Yes, corn tortillas are gluten-free. Both corn tortillas and tamales use masa harina, a type of gluten-free corn flour. You should avoid recipes that use flour tortillas, like certain soft tacos and burritos.
Is enchilada sauce gluten-free?
It depends, so check the labels when you’re shopping for enchilada sauce. Some brands use flour as a thickening agent. To be on the safe side, make your own enchilada sauce from scratch. Who doesn’t love an extra homemade touch?
Is rice gluten-free?
Rice is not a gluten-containing grain. This means copycat Chipotle rice, bright orange Spanish rice and other dishes like burrito bowls are great contenders for gluten-free Mexican recipes. Different types of rice (including quinoa) offer different nutrients, so use the kind that best suits your health needs.
Originally Published: June 22, 2020
