Healthy Nachos Recipe With Grilled Shrimp

Below: Check out these delicious healthy nachos with shrimp that are easy to make and loaded with protein.

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I love experimenting in the kitchen with different flavors and ingredients. You would be surprised what kind of creations you can make with only a few ingredients. While my recipes here may serve as your inspiration, you are the chef that needs to make them a reality.

It is easy to feel limited in our options when we are on a special diet, but it doesn’t have to be that way! You can take care of yourself and still enjoy a delicious variety of foods using natural and healthy ingredients.

Today, I am going to share a healthy nacho recipe using shrimp as the main protein. I also added a little bit of salmon that I had cooked to add additional protein. You can also use any other kind of protein that you have, such as ground turkey, bison, chicken, or lean ground beef. The important thing is that you adapt the recipe for your own specific diet and goals.

These healthy loaded nachos are ideal for sharing with friends and family when you get together, especially for game night or movie nights! You can also include them as an appetizer or main dish at any time.

If you enjoy recipes with shrimp or salomn, you should definitely try some of our other recipes like Cauliflower grits and shrimp or honey mustard salmon. If you make those, and have leftovers, then you can easily use them for this healthier version of nachos the next day!

How do you make Healthy Nachos with Shrimp?

Just like traditional nachos, healthier nachos are super easy to make. They are a great option for using leftover food in a creative and delicious way.

Nachos originated in Mexico, and from there their popularity spread throughout the world. They started just with cheese and jalapenos, but over time people started adding more of their favorite toppings and there are truly endless options!

For these healthy nachos, my main goal is to make them a part of an anti-inflammatory diet, using nutritious ingredients, like these grain and gluten free tortilla chips, which are much easier to digest.

The best case scenario is to use grain-free tortilla chips, but if you live somewhere where it is difficult to get that, you can find some that use organic corn, or you can make homemade tortilla chips using organic corn tortillas.

I always like to look at the ingredients to make sure they are minimal to avoid having unnecessary ingredients that can cause inflammation. Up to 95% of the corn in the world is genetically modified, which means that our body doesn’t recognize it which can be a cause for inflammation.

I recognize that in many hispanic cultures corn is very important. In Mexico, you can find corn tortillas with almost any meal and in Colombia arepas are very popular. Both of these foods are made with corn flour. I am not saying to cut it out completely, but depending on your goals, it is best to use them in moderation or to try to cut them out especially if you are suffering from an autoimmune disorder.

There are lots of ways to make healthy nachos recipes. For this version, you should gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 pound shrimp
• 1 salmon fillet
• 15-20 grain free tortilla chips
• manchego cheese (grated)
• Guacamole
• 1/4 sliced or diced onion
• 1/4 cup black olives
• Diced jalapenos
• Avocado dressing

Start by cooking the shrimp and salmon and then set it aside. Next, add the tortilla chips to a large plate and cover with the cheese of your choice. I use manchego since it is good for my diet plan, but you can use another kind if you prefer. For example, you can use monterey jack cheese, mozzarella, cheddar or other kinds of cheeses. Heat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until melted.

Sautee the onion where you cooked the shrimp and salmon and add them to the chips with cheese. Finally, add the guacamole, olives, jalapenos, and dressing and enjoy! If you have another favorite salsa, feel free to add that as well!

I included some toppings above, but there are so many other options for optional garnishes. For example, instead of onions (or in addition to) you can add red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, green onions, pico de gallo, and other fresh veggies. I don’t add beans to my loaded nachos because they are a big cause of inflammation, but if you don’t have that restriction you can add those also.

Another way to mix this up is to use a different protein source. For example, you can make chicken nachos, beef nachos, or loaded veggie nachos using sweet potatoes. The important thing is to use fresh toppings. I try to use only a small amount of cheese as well to make it even more healthy, and I find that I don’t miss having loads of cheese. The other ingredients make up for it and it is fun to experiment.

With Cinco de mayo coming up, give this recipe a chance and let me know in the comments how it turns out!