Why Tex-Mex is Perfect for Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and nothing goes better with summertime cookouts and barbecues than Tex-Mex food. It’s perfect for weekend or holiday gatherings. With a few substitutions, you can make something good and good for you. And, what’s best, these dishes are quick and easy to make.

Summer is  a time for walks on the beach…and Tex-Mex food!

Here are a few healthy summertime Tex Mex ideas from Phoebe Lapine of Feed Me Phoebe. You can find the recipes for each of these dishes at feedmephoebe.com.

1. Ceviche fish tacos with avocado and lime

The fish is not battered and fried, but instead cooked in a marinade of lime juice. In fact, it’s not really cooked at all. The fish is marinated in a mixture of tomatoes, citrus juices and chilies. The marinade turns the fish white, cooking it without using any heat.

2. Chipotle mango salsa

This dish uses fresh mango, diced with chipotle, which gives it a sweet and savory flavor. You can use it as a topping for food or a dip for your tortillas.

3. Big apple guacamole

This has a lot of your traditional guacamole ingredients, but, as the name indicates, it also has apples.

4. Broccoli cheddar quesadillas

These are your traditional cheese quesadillas, but also loaded with healthy broccoli.

5. Mushroom tacos with Mexican brown rice

Here’s a strictly vegetarian dish that’s light and tasty. It’s made with corn tortillas and one pound of wild mushrooms. It also includes poblano and jalapeno peppers.

6. Sweet and savory baked tortilla chips

Instead of those store-bought, heavily processed tortilla chips, try these instead. They are made with healthy olive oil, and a mixture of tasty spices, including cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

7. Green chile enchiladas

When you think of enchiladas, light summer fare is not the first thing that springs to mind. They are a heavier dish, full of cheese. But by making a few substitutions, these green chile enchiladas are perfect for summer.

Instead of the usual sauce, this recipe uses Greek yogurt and green chile salsa for the enchilada sauce. And, in addition to cheese, they are filled with spinach, squash, and cherry tomatoes.

With Memorial Day – the unofficial start of summer – coming up soon, make a date with Mattito’s during the long holiday weekend. Visit one of our locations near you.