When it comes to Mexican food, there’s so much more to explore than just tacos and enchiladas.
In fact, the country’s cuisine is incredibly varied, and includes a wide range of salads and soups.
If you’re looking to add some new and exciting dishes to your repertoire, then look no further than this list of 20 Mexican salads and soups.
From light and refreshing options to hearty and filling ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get cooking!
See Also: What Salad Goes With Mexican Food? 15 Best Salads
20 Mexican Salads and Soups
Mexican food will always be a favorite of mine.
The bold flavors, the variety of ingredients, and the overall feeling of comfort that it provides; there’s just nothing else like it.
And while I could eat Mexican food every day, I know that it’s not always the healthiest option.
So, in an effort to lighten things up a bit, I’ve put together a list of 20 delicious Mexican salads and soups.
These recipes are packed with flavor, but they’re also light and healthy.
So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a festive dish for your next party, these recipes will fit the bill.
1. Pozole Rojo
Pozole Rojo is a Mexican soup typically made with pork, hominy, and red chiles.
It is often served with shredded cabbage, radishes, lime, and oregano.
The soup itself is quite simple, but the toppings really make it shine.
2. Ensalada de Nopalitos
This salad is made with cactus, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
It is a refreshing and healthy salad that is perfect for a hot summer day.
My favorite thing about this salad is the crunchy texture of the cactus.
3. Menudo Rojo
Menudo rojo is a spicy soup made with tripe, hominy, and red chiles. It is often served with lime, oregano, and onions.
This soup is not for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely delicious.
You either love it or hate it, there is no in between.
4. Creamy Potato and Corn Soup with Poblano Peppers
In autumn, when the weather starts to cool down, I crave this soup.
It is made with potatoes, corn, and poblano peppers, and it is absolutely delicious.
The soup is creamy and comforting, and the poblano peppers give it a nice kick.
5. Sopa de Fideos
This is a soup made with noodles, tomatoes, and chicken broth.
It is a simple soup, but it is so comforting and tasty.
I always add a little bit of hot sauce to mine to give it a little extra flavor.
6. Spicy Black Bean Soup
This soup is made with black beans, onions, garlic, and jalapeño peppers.
It is a hearty and filling soup, and it is perfect for a cold winter day.
The soup is also vegan and gluten-free, so it is perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
7. Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup)
After feasting all through the holidays on tamales, pozole, and menudo, I always need a good chicken soup (See Also: 17 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Soup) to reset my palate.
This soup is made with chicken, vegetables, and cilantro. It is a light and healthy soup that is perfect for a post-holiday detox.
You can even add a little bit of hot sauce to it if you want to spice things up.
8. Sopa de Lima (Lime Soup)
This soup is made with chicken, lime juice, and vegetables.
It is a light and refreshing soup that is perfect for a hot summer day.
The lime juice really brightens up the flavors, and the soup is also very healthy.
9. Creamy Plantain Soup with Cacique
If you’ve ever been to sunny Puerto Rico, you’ve probably had this soup.
It is made with green plantains, chicken broth, and Cacique (a type of cheese).
The soup is creamy and comforting, and the Cacique gives it a nice salty flavor.
I love to mix things up by adding a little bit of hot sauce to mine.
10. Sopa de Pescado (Fish Soup)
This soup is made with fish, shrimp, and vegetables.
It is a light and healthy soup that is perfect for a hot summer day.
The soup is also very low in calories, so it is perfect for those watching their weight.
11. Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)
This soup is made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and tortillas.
It is a hearty and filling soup, and it is perfect for a cold winter day.
The soup is also very easy to make, so it is perfect for those who are short on time.
Try adding a little bit of shredded cheese to your soup for an extra cheesy flavor.
12. Turkey Albondigas Soup Seasoned with Red Quinoa and Mint
This soup known for its ability to fight the common cold, has an array of ingredients that come together to make a delicious and hearty soup.
The turkey meatballs are seasoned with red quinoa, mint, cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
The soup also contains carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and tomatoes.
13. Jicama & Watermelon Salad
There are few things more refreshing than a watermelon salad on a hot summer day.
This salad is made with watermelon, jicama, cucumber, red onion, mint, and lime juice.
It is a light and healthy salad that is perfect for a potluck or barbecue.
14. Ensalada De Espinacas, Jicama Y Manzana (spinach, Jicama, and Apple Salad)
Not only is this salad incredibly healthy, but it is also very tasty.
The combination of sweet apples, crunchy jicama, and nutritious spinach is a winner in my book.
This salad is also very easy to make, so it is perfect for those who are short on time.
15. Mango, Jicama, and Lime Salad
This salad is a little bit sweet, a little bit sour, and a whole lot delicious.
The combination of mango, jicama, and lime is absolutely perfect.
This salad is also very healthy, so it is perfect for those who are watching their weight.
16. Watermelon & Tomatillo Salad
In Southern Mexico, watermelon is often used in savory dishes.
This salad is a perfect example of that.
The watermelon is combined with tomatillos, jicama, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
It is a refreshing and healthy salad that is perfect for a hot summer day.
17. Red Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Grilled Corn
Every time I make this salad, I am blown away by how good it is.
The combination of grilled corn, creamy avocado, and nutty red quinoa is absolutely perfect.
This salad is also very healthy, so it is perfect for those who are watching their weight.
18. Cucumber, Jicama, & Mango Salad
This salad is a refreshing and healthy alternative to a traditional fruit salad.
The combination of cucumber, jicama, and mango is absolutely delicious.
This salad is also very easy to make, so it is perfect for those who are short on time.
19. Sopa De Camarones (shrimp Soup)
Although not all people are fans of shrimp, I absolutely love it.
I like to make mine a little different by adding a little bit of corn and diced tomatoes.
This soup is perfect for a hot day.
20. Caldo De Res — a Hearty Mexican Beef Soup
Growing up, this was always my mom’s go-to soup when she wanted to make something hearty and filling.
The soup is made with beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery.
It is a very hearty soup, and it is perfect for when you’re feeling extra hungry.
20 Mexican Salads and Soups
Ingredients
- Pozole Rojo
- Ensalada de Nopalitos
- Menudo Rojo
- Creamy Potato and Corn Soup with Poblano Peppers
- Sopa de Fideos
- Spicy Black Bean Soup
- Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup)
- Sopa de Lima (Lime Soup)
- Creamy Plantain Soup with Cacique
- Sopa de Pescado (Fish Soup)
- Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)
- Turkey Albondigas Soup Seasoned with Red Quinoa and Mint
- Jicama & Watermelon Salad
- Ensalada De Espinacas, Jicama Y Manzana (spinach, Jicama, and Apple Salad)
- Mango, Jicama, and Lime Salad
- Watermelon & Tomatillo Salad
- Red Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Grilled Corn
- Cucumber, Jicama, & Mango Salad
- Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Sopa De Camarones (shrimp Soup)
- Caldo De Res — a Hearty Mexican Beef Soup
Instructions
- Pick a soup or salad from this list to serve with your meal.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy your meal(s) in no time!