Mexican classics like tacos and burritos are a fantastic comfort food, but sadly, common ingredients like cheese, beans, and corn are not part of a paleo diet. Fortunately, you don’t need to give up all of your favorite Mexican foods just because you have switched to the paleo diet. The focus on fresh ingredients and complex herbal seasonings in Mexican cooking is actually ideal for paleo recipes. As long as you apply Mexican cooking techniques to paleo ingredients, you can enjoy a variety of healthy, flavorful dishes. These 50 easy paleo Mexican recipes satisfy Mexican cravings while being healthy and diet-friendly.
Put a Mexican Spin on Paleo Foods With These 50 Amazing Recipes!</>
1. Paleo Nachos with Sweet Potato Chips
You do not have to give up on yummy nachos just because they are primarily made out of two non-paleo ingredients. The mildly sweet flavor of sweet potatoes works well with the spicy beef and creamy guacamole. It is finished off with a tasty, paleo cheese sauce made by flavoring a thickened stock with nutritional yeast flakes that taste just like real cheese. This recipe is so good you will not miss the old, non-paleo version.
2. Paleo Stuffed Avocados with Cilantro Cream Sauce
The combination of cilantro lime cream sauce and ripe avocadoes means that this recipe is loaded with heart-healthy fats. Not only does it taste great, but it also looks fantastic thanks to the clever presentation idea of putting the shredded Mexican chicken into halved avocados. Instead of making a dairy sauce to top these adorable stuffed avocadoes, coconut milk is combined with flavorful cilantro and sour lime. This easy recipe contains almost no cooking, so it is great for a quick dinner after a long day.
3. Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken
When you don’t want to mess up your kitchen with a bunch of pots and pans, the slow cooker is definitely the way to go. It is incredibly fast and easy; all you have to do is dump a few ingredients in a crock pot and wait until it’s ready! This classic Mexican recipe can be served on a nice bed of cauliflower rice or wrapped up in paleo tortillas to create a full meal.
4. Spicy Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Rice is a classic Mexican side, so making a paleo substitute for rice is always handy when cooking Mexican items. Anyone following the paleo diet has probably heard of cauliflower rice before, and it works perfectly hear. The combination of yummy cauliflower rice and tasty spices makes this one of my favorite paleo Mexican recipes. This versatile recipe works great in a variety of Mexican meals.
5. The Best Paleo Beef Enchiladas (YUM!)
Enchiladas are always a great choice for Mexican food because it combines tasty burritos with a rich, slowly baked sauce. To make it, all you have to do is fill up tortillas with a delicious beef filling, smother them in a tasty sauce, and stick them in the oven for a few minutes. This paleo recipe is actually incredibly similar to a traditional enchilada recipe. All you have to do is switch out regular tortillas for your favorite brand of paleo tortillas.
6. Sizzling Cilantro Lime Fajita Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Fajita salads may not be a traditional Mexican food, but this American twist on fajitas is very yummy. It is also extremely well suited to being a paleo meal, since it is essentially just fajita toppings spread on a bed of fresh lettuce and other vegetables. This recipe really stands out from other similar ones because of the delicious honey lime vinaigrette dressing.
7. Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats
Zucchini boats are a classic paleo food that lets you serve up a bunch of yummy toppings in a paleo-friendly zucchini that is packed with vitamins and minerals. This recipe puts a Mexican spin on zucchini boats by treating them almost like an enchilada. After stuffing them with shredded chicken, you cover them in a yummy enchilada sauce and top them with your favorite paleo cheese. If you want to find a way to serve the slow cooker shredded Mexican chicken, these enchilada zucchini boats are a great choice.
8. Mini Pepper Nachos
This is such a brilliant idea that I’m surprised it’s not more popular. When making your favorite nacho recipe, try substituting tortilla chips for mini peppers. Not only do the bright peppers make a prettier and more colorful dish than traditional corn chips, but they are also a great source of nutrients that protect your eyesight. The natural shape of the mini peppers makes them perfect for scooping up piles of toppings.
9. Paleo Tortillas Recipe
It is possible to get paleo tortillas in the store, but if you want to avoid preservatives while following the paleo diet, then it is better to make your own. The combination of coconut flour and tapioca flour adds body without carbs, and the eggs and olive oil help to make the tortillas soft and pliable. These tortillas are a great addition to any paleo mexican recipes that require a wrap.
10. Easy Slow Cooker Chili-Lime Mexican Shredded Beef
This easy recipe just requires you to throw six ingredients into a crockpot and then leave the slow cooker alone in your kitchen for hours. The addition of soda might seem odd, but it helps to tenderize the meat while adding some subtle sweetness. The end result is moist, flavorful shredded beef that can be used in many meals. You can add the beef to tacos or serve it as a main dish with a side of Mexican cauliflower rice.
More paleo Mexican recipes on the next page…
11. One Pot Paleo Mexican Chicken Stir Fry
When you do not want to dirty up a lot of pots, this easy recipe is the perfect choice. The chicken, veggies, and spices are all cooked together so you just need one big pan. It might be a stir fry, but it is packed with tasty Mexican flavors like cumin and cayenne. You can serve it over cauliflower rice to make it more filling or just enjoy a bowl of this delicious stir fry.
12. Cilantro Lime Chicken
Cilantro and lime are classic flavors in northern Mexico, and they work together particularly well in this cilantro lime chicken recipe. The recipe calls for chicken thighs, which are more flavorful and moist than chicken breasts, and this choice really makes a difference. It also adds a little chili for a bit of spice. The end result is incredibly juicy, tasty chicken that can be used in any Mexican meal.
13. Paleo Nachos Recipe
Plantain chips may be more common in Cuban cuisine than Mexican, but they work surprisingly well as a substitute for nacho chips. The thick chips are sturdy enough to scoop up big chunks of spicy beef and creamy guacamole. If you follow a version of the paleo diet that allows goat cheese, this recipe is a great place to use it. Otherwise, you can top it with a tasty, paleo nacho sauce.
14. Paleo Taco Skillets & Paleo Taco Bowls
A taco skillet or bowl is just like a regular taco, but it skips the tortilla part of the meal. This makes taco bowls almost instantly into a paleo treat. The recipe is really great because it provides a versatile spice mix that can be used with ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey. They are also very easy to eat since you do not have to worry about your taco breaking or falling apart.
15. Mexican Chocolate Pots de Crème
No list of Mexican paleo recipes would be complete without some amazing Mexican desserts. Central and South America are the birthplace of chocolate, and they typically serve more rich and less sugary chocolate desserts than European meals. This recipe combines coconut milk, egg yolks, and a lot of delicious chocolate to make a rich dessert that is completely paleo. You can customize the level of agave syrup to make it as sweet as you like.
16. Mexican Roasted Zucchini
Many side dishes for Mexican meals are packed with non-paleo items, so it can be a little tricky to actually create a meal with multiple side dishes. This recipe puts a paleo twist on the favorite roadside food truck treat of roasted corn topped with cheese, chili, and lime. In this version, zucchini is cut up into bite sized bits, roasted, and topped with a tasty blend of spices and seasonings.
17. Grilled Salmon With Avocado Salsa
Salmon may not be extremely common in Mexico, but the heart flavor of this fish makes it very tasty when paired with Mexican toppings. To make it paleo, the battered coating that is common in most Mexican fish dishes is skipped. Instead, it is crunchy due to the spice rub and cooking method. The topping of a fresh, zesty avocado salsa makes the easy recipe for salmon into a quick and filling meal.
18. Low Carb Paleo Tortillas with Flaxseeds and Eggs
This is another paleo tortilla recipe, but it is more reminiscent of the tiny corn tortillas used for tacos instead of the big flour tortillas used in burritos. Only three ingredients are needed to make these tortillas, so you most likely have everything you need to make them already in your kitchen. The simple mixture of flaxseeds and eggs provides an excellent tortilla that does not have an overwhelming flavor.
19. Pork Carnitas
Pork carnitas is one of the staples of Mexican foods, and it is added to many different dishes. The dish is naturally paleo since it just consists of a big shoulder of pork marinated in citrus juice before being slowly cooked in its own fats. The slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, since the carnitas needs to be cooked at a low, steady temperature for several hours. This recipe makes a lot of carnitas, so you will definitely end up with a lot of tasty leftovers!
20. Mexican Cauliflower Rice
This cauliflower rice is a great side dish, but it is also filling and complex enough to work as a quick and simple meal. The addition of sauteed onion, garlic, and spices helps to keep the rice from tasting to bland or cauliflower-flavored. Though the recipe author suggests using premade cauliflower rice to save on time, you can make your own and use it in this recipe if the premade option is not available in your local store.
More paleo Mexican recipe ideas on the next page…
21. Paleo Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
Barbacoa beef is a style of Mexican shredded beef that is known for its signature tangy flavor. It was originally cooked in massive earthen pit, but you can mimic the lengthy, low temperature cooking process in your kitchen with a slow cooker. The key to making it extremely tender is to wait until it is falling apart before you start shredding it with your forks. Though there is no added liquid in this recipe, the fat from the roast should be enough to keep it juicy.
22. Clean Eating Mexican Taco Meat
If you are trying to monitor your protein levels, this tasty taco meat is the perfect way to make sure that you are getting enough protein. Gently simmering the mixture in tomato salsa adds extra flavor and spice, so it is extremely tasty. You can use either turkey or chicken and it will turn out perfectly every time. This taco meat works equally well in tacos, burritos, salads, and nachos.
Must see: Tasteful Paleo Wrap Recipes
23. Chile Colorado
A Mexican chili is a little different from most North American chilis because it does not include a lot of beans. Instead, it gets the name “Colorado” from the red sauce that tender chunks of beef are cooked in. This makes it ideal for paleo Mexican recipes. The sauce gets its color and spicy flavor from Fresno chiles, and it is a truly unique dish. Though the chile colorado is originally written as just a gluten-free recipe, swapping out coconut flour for rice flour will make it into a paleo food.
24. Twice Baked Chicken Fajita Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is a mash-up of several different meals, and it is truly delicious. Traditional twice baked potatoes are turned into twice baked sweet potatoes so they will be paleo, and instead of a normal cheesy stuffing, the filling for these twice baked sweet potatoes is a yummy fajita blend of chicken, onions, and peppers. You can top them with chunks of avocado and a squeeze of lime juice for even more flavoring.
25. Paleo Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bang bang shrimp tacos are common over in the Baja area of California, and they are the perfect blend of Mexican and Asian flavors. Normally, they involve shrimp breaded, fried, and tossed in a creamy chili sauce concoction. This recipe provides a great method of making paleo tortillas, and the coating for the shrimp is altered slightly to turn into into a paleo food. The best part of this recipe is definitely the sweet, spicy flavors from the sauce.
26. Pico de Gallo Recipe
Pico de gallo is the classic Mexican salsa that is served as a dip or sauce in a variety of situations. This paleo recipe for pico de gallo combines the perfect amount of tomatoes, onions, and peppers to create a well balanced salsa. It is recommended that you let it sit in the refrigerator for a while before serving so that all of the flavors can blend together.
27. Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Paleo Mexican recipes are the perfect place to make fruity salsas because the fruit adds some natural sweetness to any meal. The pineapple is mixed with peppers and onions, so it does not end up being too sugary. This easy recipe works equally well with either fish or chicken, and it is also yummy enough to just eat with a big handful of sweet potato or plantain chips. Since you can serve the pineapple salsa in the hollowed out rind of the pineapple, it makes a lovely centerpiece at a dinner party. For more options try out our top tasty Paleo dinner recipes ever!
28. Mexican Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Avocados are often eaten as a savory vegetable in North America, but they are actually a fruit. In Mexico, many people add a little cacao powder and chocolate to pureed avocado to make a sweet treat. If you are craving a nice airy mousse while on the paleo diet, this traditional treat is an excellent option. The avocado is blended with coconut milk to make a chocolatey dessert that is light, airy, and creamy.
29. Paleo Mexican Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles is a tasty egg dish that slowly cooks eggs within a tasty sauce made of sweet potatoes, chilies, and adobo. The end result is slightly crunchy sweet potatoes, perfectly cooked eggs, and a tasty, spicy sauce. It can be great for a hearty breakfast or a quick, no-fuss dinner. Since the whole thing is cooked in a cast iron skillet, you do not have to worry about cleaning up a big mess in the kitchen.
30. Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce
None of the mexican paleo recipes for fish tacos are more traditional than this one. Unlike American tacos, these fish tacos are served with nothing more than perfectly seasoned fish, a crunchy cabbage slaw, and a simple creamy sauce. To make it paleo, substitute some coconut cream for the sour cream that the recipe originally calls for. You can use one of the many available paleo recipes for tortillas or buy your favorite brand of paleo tortillas.
More paleo Mexican meals on the next page…
31. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup
This comforting soup tastes just like fajitas, and it is the perfect cozy meal on a chilly day. Since it is made in the slower cooker, this paleo recipe can be made ahead of time. Most of the flavor comes from a variety of peppers, some fresh salsa, and a blend of spices. After dicing up all of the ingredients and dumping them into the crock pot, you don’t have to do anything but enjoy it once it is ready.
32. Paleo Sticky Shrimp
These shrimp get their name from the soft, sweet, tasty coating that clings to their surface after they are cooked. They are seasoned with a very mild blend of oregano, cumin, and paprika, so they work well in many different options. You can fold them into a paleo tortilla to make a yummy burrito or use them as a topping on a shrimp fajita salad. The sticky shrimp are also great as a main dish served with one of your favorite paleo Mexican recipes for side dishes.
33. Paleo Low Carb Taco
Most Mexican paleo foods use tortillas made from coconut or tapioca flour, but this does not have to be your only option. If you are eating from a version of the paleo diet that allows cheese, then these cheese crisp taco shells are perfect for your taco night. Just be sure to shape them while they are still warm, so they will hold taco fillings. The cheesy flavor of these taco shells perfectly complements a beef or chicken filling.
34. Paleo Mexican Churros
Churros are a fried twist of dough that is often referred to as a “Mexican donut.” You might think this could never be a paleo food, but it is actually possible to get the light, fluffy texture of the dough even with nut flours. The key is whipping the eggs until fluffy before folding them into the churro dough. After frying, the churros are topped in a yummy mixture of cinnamon and sugar that turns them into the perfect paleo Mexican treat.
35. Mexican Tuna Steak, Sweet Red Peppers & Avocado Salsa
This recipe might look like a small, gourmet dish, but it is actually hearty enough to make a filling dinner. The tuna steaks are seasoned with coriander and lime before being cooked in coconut oil, and then they are topped with a tasty mixture of red peppers and avocado. Both tuna and avocado are packed with omega 3 fatty acids, so this Mexican recipe is very good for your health.
36. Baked Chicken Fajita Roll-Ups
This adorable spin on fajitas uses the chicken as the wrap instead of the filling. After making a tasty filling of bell peppers, thin chicken cutlets are rolled around the fajita filling. Baking them in the oven allows the flavor of the peppers and the chicken to blend together into a yummy, fajita-flavored dish that is very filling with a side of paleo cauliflower rice. This is one of the cleverest paleo Mexican recipes that I’ve seen!
37. Pressure Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Enjoy all of the flavors of chicken enchiladas without having to worry about whether or not the tortillas are a paleo food. This recipe combines several different ingredients to create one tasty, filling soup. The butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and chicken give this enchilada soup some body while the lime, garlic, and taco spices give it that classic enchilada taste. This soup version of a favorite Mexican food is tasty as a side, but it’s definitely hearty enough to be a full meal.
Must see: Paleo crock pot granola recipe that will satisfy your cravings.
38. Paleo Mexican Hot Chocolate Pancakes with Salted Dulce de Leche
This delicious and easy recipe makes paleo pancakes that taste just like yummy Mexican hot chocolate. The pancakes are seasoned with some cinnamon, cayenne, and cocoa powder to create a complex, spice-filled flavor. These hot chocolate pancakes are already incredibly delicious by themselves, and the pancakes get even better when topped with the salted dulce de leche sauce included in this Mexican recipe.
39. Fish Taco Bowls
Fish taco bowls loaded with tasty fish and piled up with yummy toppings are extremely delicious. This paleo Mexican recipe includes a yummy cabbage slaw that is far more filling than basic iceberg lettuce. It also contains a great mix of other delicious vegetables for toppings that are far better than non paleo foods like sour cream. These taco bowls are extremely customizable, so each member of the family can load up a bowl with all of their favorites.
40. Better-For-You ‘Chipotle’ Burrito Bowl
Everyone loves Chipotle, but unfortunately, that Mexican food restaurant is not always healthy. This Chipotle variant is made from paleo foods, and it contains a detailed recipe for every aspect of a yummy burrito bowl at Chipotle. The pork is extra tender and flavorful thanks to its citrus seasoning, and the cauliflower rice tastes just like the cilantro lime rice used in Chipotle burrito bowls.
41. Pork Carnitas
A good pork carnitas recipe should contain lots of soft tender pork shredded and mixed together with all the crunchy bits along the outside of the pork shoulder. This easy recipe is simple to follow, so you get delicious, fully flavored pork carnitas every time. Though it can be cooked in the oven, you can also use a slow cooker if you want to leave the carnitas cooking in the kitchen throughout the day.
42. Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
Taco salad might seem healthy, but a lot of versions of this Mexican food are loaded with corn chips, fatty cheeses, and a lot of other unhealthy options. This paleo recipe manages to mimic the taste and look of a traditional taco salad without including all the unhealthy ingredients. Peppers, olives, tomatoes, and green onions all provide a lot of flavor and texture, and each ingredient tastes delicious with the creamy chipotle dressing.
43. Chipotle Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Aioli
This slightly fancier version of pulled pork tacos is absolutely delicious. Since it uses lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, you do not have to bother with any of the paleo Mexican recipes for tortillas. After loading up your lettuce cup with tasty, chipotle flavored pork and wedges of avocado, the lime and avocado aioli is the perfect finishing touch.
44. Cajun Shrimp Guacamole Bites
These cajun guacamole bites are a delicious fusion of Cajun and Mexican cuisine. Though the two cultures might be far apart, they share a love of seafood, complex flavors, and fresh herbs. The shrimp are flavored with a cajun chipotle seasoning, and then they are topped with a creamy avocado guacamole before being served on homemade sweet potato chips. The tiny bite sized shrimp can be an appetizer at your next party or a tasty midnight snack.
45. Stupid-Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken
This is truly one of the easiest paleo Mexican recipes available. After dumping three ingredients in your slow cooker, all you have to do is wait five hours and then shred the chicken which should be tender enough to fall apart. It is extremely customizable, so you can make a sweeter version or a spicier version. Once the chicken is ready, it can be used in burrito bowls, salads, or tacos.
46. Chicken Carnitas Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
You can stay full for hours after eating this hearty burrito bowl. It contains a lot of fresh veggies and tasty chicken, so it definitely makes a filling meal. The wide mix of toppings keeps it from being bland, and the cilantro lime cauliflower rice is really tasty. Just keep in mind that some versions of the paleo diet may not allow black beans.
47. Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
This easy slow cooker recipe uses flank steak, a cheap cut of beef that becomes meltingly tender when cooked at a slow temperature. The spice rub ensures that a lot of flavor gets into the beef, and the onions and peppers at a lot of tasty Mexican flavor. After letting it cook itself for a few hours, all you have to do is shred the meat, put it in a paleo tortilla, and top it with some tasty avocado wedges, pico de gallo, and cilantro.
48. Fajita Chicken Kebabs
This is a great paleo recipe for people who enjoy cooking on a grill. The combination of chicken chunks, onion wedges, and pepper slices may be simple, but it is also extremely tasty. The key to all this flavor comes from the marinade, which works best if you let the chicken sit in it overnight. After marinating, the chicken kebabs will cook in minutes!
49. Paleo Skillet Beef Fajitas
If you have a cast iron skillet, this recipe is a great chance to use it. After cooking all of the tasty vegetables, beef, and spices, you can serve these fajitas in paleo tortillas or lettuce cups. It only takes about 15 minutes to cook this entire recipe, so it is perfect for a quick, week night dinner. The beef fajitas are all cooked in a single pot, so it will also be quick and easy to clean up your kitchen.
50. Grilled Fajita Steak Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing
The marinade for this steak contains a lot of tenderizing ingredients, so the end result is truly tender slices of flank steak that are easy to bite through. To add some crunch to the salad, this recipe includes tasty, protein-packed pepitas. There are also some pepitas in the avocado and cilantro dressing to further enhance the delicious nutty flavor of this salad.
The Top 50 Mexican Recipes That Are Also Paleo-Friendly
With all these tasty recipes, you’ll never be tempted by Taco Bell again. You do not have to give up an entire genre of cultural meals just because you cannot use a few Mexican ingredients. A few simple substitutions for any non-paleo ingredients allow you to make amazing Mexican food that does not break your diet. The next time you want some Mexican comfort food, go to your kitchen and try out one of these recipes. They are simple enough for a weekday meal, but these great Mexican recipes are also tasty enough to wow guests at your next dinner party.