Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Dairy

Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to get together, enjoy the warmer weather and celebrate with family and friends.  This year, instead of going out to eat, skip the long wait and host your own fiesta at home. Here’s an added bonus: you will save mucho calories! A typical meal at a Mexican restaurant can add up to more than 1,000 calories. That’s at least half the amount most Americans should eat in one day. This easy, festive menu is one that everyone can enjoy guilt free and without the need of a siesta afterward.

• Banana-Strawberry Licuados. A 12-ounce frozen margarita typically contains over 80 grams of sugar! That’s the equivalent of 4 Snickers bars. Not to mention it’s all empty calories with zero nutritional benefit. Skip the sugar-filled margaritas and get your frozen fix by mixing up a batch of Banana-Strawberry Licuados instead. Made with milk and real fruit, they’re naturally sweet and provide the health benefits of dairy. Plus, the fresh squeezed lime juice, provides a similar, satisfying margarita flavor.
• Cheesy Guacamole. This recipe offers up a twist on the popular Mexican dip. Avocado is blended with pureed cottage cheese and cheddar cheese, giving it a rich flavor and creamy consistency. The combination of the healthy fat in avocado and the protein-packed cheeses gives you a nutrient-dense dip. Plus, the cottage cheese I used is lactose-free, which is a great option if you or your guests are lactose intolerant. Skip the fried chips, and serve your guacamole with baked tortilla chips and fresh veggies instead, this will increase the fiber and decrease the calories.
• Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Yogurt Sauce. These are a real crowd pleaser and will fill up hungry guests. The cool yogurt sauce provides the perfect balance to spicy salsa. Serve with black beans, brown rice and a simple salad on the side for a well-balanced meal.

Check out more of our dairy recipes for your Cinco de Mayo menu.

Laura Marbury, MS, RD, LD