Oh, churros! It takes superpowers to resist such sugary fried goodness. And don’t even get us started on frozen flavored margaritas, refried beans, dulce de leche, flan, fried plantains…we could go on and on. But for the sake of our arteries, we won’t. Instead, we present to you 16 dishes that give classic Latin fare a healthy makeover. That’s right, good-for-you churros are actually a thing! And for social media fiends, we’ve included some seriously Instagramable avocado options. Paleo? Sugar-free? Low-carb? Gluten-free? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Healthy Makeovers on Classic Latin Dishes
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Healthy Baked Churro Donut Holes
These gluten-free doughnuts are made with almond flour, giving them a fluffy texture. They're also naturally sweetened with stevia and mashed banana.
Image: Pinterest via Nutritionist in the Kitch
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Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken With Avocado Salsa
Gluten-free and Paleo, this is a versatile recipe. Just add spices to suit and you can seamlessly swap out protein. Better yet, it's a dish that tastes as good warm as it does cold.
Image: Pinterest via Cooking Classy
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Quinoa Chili Verde
This recipe is not only simple and healthy, it's hearty because it's made with quinoa and three types of beans. If you're looking for something that will fill you up, this is it.
Image: Pinterest via Noming thru Life
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Homemade Arepas
If you're looking for a bread replacement, try this three-ingredient recipe. You can use these for sandwiches, but also as tortilla replacements or pizza bases.
Image: Pinterest via Homegrown & Healthy
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Baked Chicken Chimichangas
This recipe makes crispy chimichangas without frying. Just make sure you have fresh guacamole and salsa on hand and skip the sour cream when making this recipe.
Image: Pinterest via The Girl Who Ate Everything
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Mango Yogurt Popsicles
This is a quick and easy recipe (especially if you use stevia over honey/sugar and opt for a Zoku) for creamy mango yogurt ice pops. For those looking to avoid dairy, opt for an almond or coconut milk-based yogurt.
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Mexican Beef Soup
While this recipe calls for a broth with lots of vegetables and herbs, you can alter it to suit your taste (and pantry). Similarly, while it's made with beef, you can opt for a different cut of meat.
Image: Pinterest via Mexico in my Kitchen
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Healthy Peruvian Chicken Skewers With Cilantro Sauce
This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, meaning you can slather as much as you like on your chicken and rest easy knowing you're getting plenty of gut-healthy probiotics.
Image: Pinterest via Yahoo! Style
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Plantain Lasagna
This Latin-style lasagna combines sweet and savory elements for a flavorful bite each time. If you want to make it Paleo, just leave out the cheese.
Image: Pinterest via Immaculate Bites
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Cuban Mojo Shrimp
Mojo sauce is made with garlic and sour oranges (you can buy sour orange juice if you don't have fresh sour oranges handy). It's a simple recipe that goes as well over seafood as it does beef, pork or vegetables.
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Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa Bake
With this dish we get all the Mexican flavors we know and love, but paired with nutritious quinoa and protein-packed black and pinto beans. It's vegetarian and filling on its own, but if need be, you can add a protein.
Image: Pinterest via Cooking Classy
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3-Ingredient Skinny Margaritas
This margarita clocks in at under 70 calories. Skip the salt and simply serve a mix of tequila, Fresca and lime juice over ice or blend it with ice if it's a particularly hot summer day.
Image: Pinterest via Happy Food, Healthy Life
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Dulce de Leche Popsicles
We all love Häagen-Dazs' version, but the cholesterol, saturated fat and calories make it better saved for moments of conscious indulging. For something more heart-healthy (though note this is still a dessert!), check out this simple five-ingredient (bourbon is optional...) naturally sweetened recipe.
Image: Pinterest via Minimalist Baker
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Low-Cal Coconut Margarita
Perfect for a hot summer day, this low-calorie margarita is made with nothing besides tequila, sparkling water and Bai5 (which adds both flavor and antioxidants without adding many calories).
Image: Pinterest via My Crazy Good Life
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Healthy Baked Churros
Made with Greek yogurt, banana, oat flour, cinnamon and stevia, this is a great alternative to traditional white sugar churros.
Image: Pinterest via FitnessRX for Women
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Coconut Milk Flan
Proof positive that indulging doesn't need to be unhealthy, this recipe is free of gluten, refined sugar and dairy, while still being rich and flavorful.
