Shrimp Enchiladas VerdeEven if you don't live in a place like California or Texas with a large Mexican population, everyone in the U.S. has a fabulous reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo-the food. Today, Mexican food has made its way to most corners of the country. Salsa outsells ketchup, you can buy tortillas in the grocery store and McCormick sells chipotle chile powder.
Thirty years ago, my grandpa, who grew up on the Mexican border in El Paso, used to travel with cans of Herdez salsa in his suitcase when he visited my family in Vermont. You couldn't get good salsa here.
Thank goodness times have changed. Break out the Corona or stir up one of these Salty Chihuahuas and get ready to party.
EatingWell has plenty of mouth-watering Mexican recipes that are perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. And the best news about all of these recipes is that they're far healthier than traditional versions. We skip the heavy-handed cheese and sour cream and opt for plenty of bright fresh cilantro, vegetables and seafood.
• Our Shrimp Enchiladas Verde is an easy, layered casserole with shrimp, tomatillo sauce and melted cheese that only takes about 45 minutes to make.
• If that's not fast enough, Shrimp Veracruzana is ready in 30 minutes with only 9 ingredients.
• Grilled Salmon Soft Tacos with a creamy Cilantro Crema and Citrus Salsa is an irresistible option.
Any of these recipes is great with Calabacitas, a simple summer squash sauté or Easy Fiesta Beans.
By Jessie Price
EatingWell food editor Jessie Price's professional background in food started when she worked in restaurant kitchens in the summers during college. She started out testing recipes for EatingWell and then joined the staff here full-time in 2004 when she moved to Vermont from San Francisco.
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Try these recipes with a side of Easy Fiesta Beans.
Serve your perfect party food with Calabacitas, a simple summer squash sauté.
Get more great party recipes from EatingWell's Healthy Mexican Recipe Collection.
Nothing tops Mexican food better than Fresh Tomato Salsa.
