Eight Ideas for Raw Dishes in Mexican Cuisine

Mexican food is famous for its spicy hotness and diversity of ingredients. Many dishes, from the Yucatán to Tijuana, have risen from indigenous roots, and build upon wholesome ingredients, but sometimes you want to go the extra step. Skip the deep-fried meats and dairy-dominated cheese bombs and treat your body to raw recipes with a Mexican twist. And more often than not, they’re a cinch to make. But remember—always use the freshest market ingredients to impress your guests with these mouth-watering, simple-to-do ideas.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD 

1. Guacamole

Aztec in origin, guacamole is an institution in Mexico. And in this universal topping, simple is a good thing. Avocados are crucial here, and they are one of the most nutritious foods available anywhere. If you can squish vegetables together, you can make guacamole. For the perfect dip, make sure to include the right amount of cumin, garlic and lime. Guacamole is actually a word from the Aztec language of Nahuatl, combining “avocado” and “sauce”.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD 

2. Spicy Mango Salsa

The sublime mix of sweet and spicy in this salsa sets it apart. Mango has been popular on Mexican tables for generations, and now it’s at a peak of popularity in the United States, and for good reason. Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to suit your tolerance for spicy heat. Of course, any good mango salsa must include the ever-present lime juice. Chef’s tip: quickly sear the red onions over high heat to perfectly balance the sweetness of the mango.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD 

3. Walnut Taco Mix 

Meat is the body and soul of the Mexican taco, but you don’t always have to sacrifice your heart’s health with the saturated fat in beef or pork. A hearty raw substitute for typical taco mix is made with walnuts, which are rich in antioxidants, Omega3s and vitamin E, wonderful for brain and skin health. As with most raw food recipes, all you’ve got to do is get the ingredients together and mix them to the consistency you like. For that perfect taco taste, don’t forget the cumin and cayenne pepper.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

4. Avocado Kale Chili Salad

Salads are a great raw food idea, especially in Mexican cuisine, and they don’t always have to settle for being a mere side dish. The sublime twist of chili with the leafy goodness of kale make this a great foundation for a variety of creative salads. Include some raw cayenne peppers, sliced almonds and cucumbers for a crunchy consistency and a dash of healthy Mexican spice.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD 

5. Mexican Ceviche

Many people don’t realize that ceviche is prime example of raw cuisine. The citric acids in the lime and pineapple juice denature the fish, giving it the firm appearance of being “cooked.” Simply marinate the ingredients from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of white fish you use. Don’t forget the lime, green chile and chopped cilantro to set your ceviche apart and make it truly Mexican.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD 

6. Raw Corn Tortillas

Any Mexican food lover knows that corn tortillas are central in the daily sustenance of Mexico. You’ll need a food processor for this one, but not an oven or a deep fryer. Add sundried tomatoes and smoky paprika to your fresh-off-the-cob corn before dehydrating these tortillas the natural way. Skip the grease and try this healthy, raw alternative.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD 

7. Raw Tortilla Soup 

All the ingredients you already know, plus fresh cilantro and bell peppers, and minus the cooked chicken and overdose of salt. The strong familiar taste of celery, garlic and chili powder make this a worthy raw alternative to the standard Mexican tortilla soup. To impress even the most ardent traditionalist, garnish with sliced avocado and those freshly made raw corn tortillas.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

8. Raw Veggie Fajitas

The key to making this raw dish a success is the marinating. Let the colorful poblano peppers, onions and garlic soak in apple cider vinegar, tamari or soy sauce and olive oil, for up to 4 – 5 hours. It might take some patience, but the end result is worth the wait. And instead of fatty flour tortillas, wrap your fajitas in lettuce leaves. With Iberostar, you have more than 10 hotels in Mexico (Riviera Maya and Nayarit, Cancun and Cozumel.) Take a look at our offer and come to eat the country!

SHAWN MOKSVOLD