Do you know what the healthiest foods of all time are? When TIME.com released their big list, I was excited to find that so many of our Latin favorites were on it! Of course, no healthy food list would be complete without recipes to go along. That's why we have created this collection of the 15 healthiest Latin foods of all time, featuring some of our favorite recipes! All of these recipes are great for weight loss, as well as your heart health and are delicious enough to satisfy your family while also keeping them healthy, too. Now, let's enjoy!
Read more in ¿Qué más? 9 Latin foods that are good for your heart & your waistline!
Black Beans: Spicy Black Bean Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayonnaise
They're cheap, easy to cook and, most of all, delicious. Packed full of protein, fiber and even a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids, black beans are a great food any day of the year. This low-fat sandwich is a yummy take on a classic dish.
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Kale: Caldo Verde, a.k.a. Portuguese “Green” Soup
Kale is absolutely FULL of fiber and antioxidants, plus it is full of vitamin K and one of the most nutrient dense veggies on the planet. It makes a delicious addition to any Latin soup, like this "green" soup with potatoes and sausage. Yum!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Salmon: Dry-Rubbed Salmon Tacos with Tomatillo-Avocado Slaw
Salmon (especially wild salmon) is rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart health.Try it in these mouth watering salmon tacos and your entire family won't even realize they're having a good-for-them dish!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Pumpkin: Spiced Pumpkin, Black Bean & Feta Salad
Pumpkin is a surprisingly low-calorie veggie that is high in fiber and vitamin A. Plus, the orange color means that it's got plenty of beta carotene, which is good for your heart. Serve it up in this healthy salad and you'll be enjoying it, too!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Bananas: Slow Cooker Banana Lovers' Oatmeal
Love bananas? Me too! The good news is that they're high in fiber, which helps keep you full longer, and also high in potassium, which is good for your blood pressure. Try them in the morning in this heart-healthy and naturally sweet oatmeal.
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Sweet Potatoes: Tortilla Española with Sweet Potatoes
The skin of sweet potatoes actually contains a ton of fiber, while the insides are full of potassium. Plus, they're a great substitute if you're looking to eat foods that will keep you full longer (instead of white potatoes). This take on the traditional tortilla is just amazing.
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Spinach: Spinach, Squash & Quinoa with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Want healthy skin and eyes? Then eat some spinach, which is full of iron, calcium and vitamin A. Plus, it's got folate, which helps the body form healthy red blood cells. This quinoa salad, with squash and spinach, is a great way to get those greens in!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Kidney Beans: Slow Cooker Kidney Bean Chili
What's NOT to love about kidney beans? They're full of fiber, iron, protein, potassium and magnesium, all of which keep our heart and many other organs healthy. Plus, this delicious chili is the perfect wintertime recipe for the whole family!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Lentils: Spicy Squash Salad with Lentils and Goat Cheese
Full of iron, fiber and protein, lentils are a favorite for anyone who doesn't love the gas-producing effects of beans or just isn't a fan of having to soak them overnight. This delicious salad really stands out with the addition of lentils, so eat up!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Brussels Sprouts: Spicy Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts
One of the biggest benefits of Brussels sprouts is the fact that they contain glucosinolates, which help lower the risk of prostate, lunch, stomach and breast cancers. Enjoy them roasted in this spicy Latino-approved recipe!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Tomatoes: Shrimp, Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Quesadillas
These little red fruits actually have a ton of nutrients, like vitamins A, C and K. Plus they have lycopene, which helps to lower cholesterol. There are many Latin recipes featuring tomatoes, but my favorite is this one with the sun-dried version. Yummy!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Quinoa: Latin Quinoa Salad in Collards Burrito
My love of quinoa is pretty epic, which is why I always depend on this seed as a rice substitute, like in this quinoa burrito. It's considered a whole grain, a complete protein (it contains all of the essential amino acids) AND it's delicious!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Steel-cut Oatmeal: Slow Cooker Coconut Banana Oatmeal
Oatmeal for breakfast is great, since it contains energy-producing B vitamins and carbohydrates (which is good for a morning workout) as well as the fiber beta-glucan (which lowers bad cholesterol). Plus, steel-cut oats are minimally processed and therefore better for you in this Latin-inspired recipe.
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Tuna: Ahi Tuna & Legumes with Mandarin Honey Glaze
Although pregnant women and small children should limit their intake of tuna, it's great for everyone else thanks to protein, vitamin B, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. This salad recipe is a nice way to enjoy it and feel great!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
Dark Chocolate: Dark Chocolate & Chipotle Chili
Hands down the absolute BEST treat is dark chocolate, especially if it is 70% cacao or more. Of course, it makes a nice snack thanks to plenty of antioxidants. However, if you're looking for a heartier recipe, then this chili is what your heart desires!
Get the full recipe directions from MamásLatinas.
