What is the lowest calorie thing to get at a Mexican restaurant?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that many traditional Mexican restaurant meals can contain over 1,000 calories, with large burritos and fried items being major culprits? Finding the lowest calorie thing to get at a Mexican restaurant can be a challenge, but smart choices like grilled proteins, ceviche, and broth-based soups offer delicious, lighter alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the most effective strategies for identifying low-calorie choices on a Mexican restaurant menu. Learn about healthier entree options like grilled fish, chicken tacos, and ceviche. Understand which sides and toppings to prioritize and which to avoid to reduce overall calories.

Key Points

Choose grilled over fried: Opt for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp instead of fried items like chimichangas or fried tacos to drastically reduce calories.
Prioritize ceviche: A high-protein, low-calorie dish made from raw fish cured in citrus juices, ceviche is one of the best and lightest starters.
Modify your order: Customize dishes like fajitas by skipping the tortillas, cheese, and sour cream, focusing on the lean protein and vegetables.
Select smart sides: Always choose whole black or pinto beans over refried beans, which often contain added fat.
Use salsa, not queso: Flavor your meal with fresh salsa or pico de gallo, which are much lower in calories than creamy cheese dips.
Portion control with guacamole: While it contains healthy fats, guacamole is calorie-dense, so ask for it on the side and use it sparingly.
Build your own: Customizing a burrito bowl with a base of lettuce, grilled protein, and plenty of veggies gives you full control over your meal's contents.

The Healthiest Menu Choices

When seeking the absolute lowest calorie thing to get at a Mexican restaurant, you need to look for items that are not fried and are not smothered in cheese or sour cream. Here are some of the best choices:

Ceviche: A Light and Flavorful Appetizer

Ceviche, typically a mix of raw fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juices with fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, is one of the lowest calorie options available. The acid from the lime or lemon 'cooks' the seafood, eliminating the need for oil. This dish provides a high-protein, low-calorie start to your meal. To keep it light, enjoy it with a fork and skip or limit the accompanying fried tostadas.

Grilled Chicken or Fish Tacos

Opting for grilled chicken or fish tacos is a great strategy. Choose soft corn tortillas, which are lower in calories and higher in fiber than their flour counterparts. Request to have them made with lean protein and topped with fresh salsa, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime instead of heavy cheese and sour cream.

Fajitas (Hold the Tortillas and Toppings)

Chicken, shrimp, or steak fajitas are an excellent choice if you modify them slightly. The sizzle platter arrives with lean, grilled meat and plenty of sautéed bell peppers and onions. To cut calories significantly, skip the flour tortillas and avoid the cheese, sour cream, and refried beans. Instead, enjoy the protein and veggies on their own or with a side of black beans and extra salsa.

Making Smart Side and Topping Swaps

The real danger to a low-calorie Mexican meal often lies in the sides and toppings. Making educated swaps can save you hundreds of calories.

Prioritize Fresh Salsa and Pico de Gallo

Fresh salsas, made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers, are low in calories and packed with flavor. They make a perfect, guilt-free topping for tacos or grilled meat. Avoid creamy, cheese-based sauces like queso, which are high in fat and calories.

Choose Whole Beans over Refried

Refried beans often get their creamy texture from being cooked with lard or other fats. A much healthier and lower-calorie alternative is a side of whole black beans or pinto beans, which are high in protein and fiber.

Use Guacamole Wisely

While guacamole is made from heart-healthy avocados, it is also calorie-dense. Don't be afraid to order it, but use it in moderation and ask for it on the side for better portion control. A tablespoon has about 25 calories, while a small portion of restaurant-served guacamole can contain hundreds.

How to Build a Low-Calorie Meal

Building your own meal is the best way to control ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s a blueprint for a low-calorie Mexican feast:

Skip the Chips: Resist the unlimited basket of tortilla chips. Each chip can have around 18 calories, and they add up quickly. If you must have them, portion out a small handful and stick to fresh salsa.
Start with Soup: A broth-based soup, like chicken tortilla soup, is a great low-calorie starter. It helps fill you up before the main course and is often packed with nutritious vegetables.
Choose Grilled Proteins: Order your main with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Embrace Veggies: Ask for extra fajita vegetables or a side salad with salsa as the dressing.
Control Creamy Toppings: Get cheese, sour cream, and guacamole on the side, or better yet, skip them entirely.
Drink Water: Skip the sugary sodas and margaritas, which can contain hundreds of calories. Instead, opt for water with lemon.

Comparison Table: Healthy vs. Calorie-Dense Options


Item	Healthy Alternative	Calorie Density	Why It's a Better Choice
Chimichanga	Grilled Chicken Fajitas	High vs. Low	Deep-fried burrito vs. lean grilled protein and veggies
Cheese Queso Dip	Fresh Pico de Gallo	High vs. Very Low	Loaded with fat and cheese vs. fresh vegetables
Refried Beans	Whole Black Beans	Moderate vs. Low	Cooked with lard vs. fiber and protein-rich
Fried Taco Salad Shell	Taco Salad (No Shell)	High vs. Low	Adds unnecessary fried calories vs. fresh lettuce and toppings
Carnitas/Chorizo	Grilled Chicken/Fish	High vs. Low	Higher in saturated fat vs. lean protein

Conclusion

Identifying the lowest calorie thing to get at a Mexican restaurant isn't about giving up flavor; it's about making smarter, more informed choices. By opting for grilled proteins, fresh salsas, and whole beans, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without derailing your health goals. Remember to be mindful of portion sizes and avoid unnecessary fried elements and creamy sauces to keep your calorie count low and your satisfaction high.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie things you can typically get include broth-based soups like chicken tortilla soup, ceviche, and grilled chicken or fish fajitas (served without tortillas, cheese, and sour cream).

Yes, whole black or pinto beans are an excellent low-calorie side. They are high in fiber and protein and are a much healthier choice than refried beans, which are often cooked with lard or other fats.

To make a taco salad low-calorie, ask for it without the fried tortilla bowl, ground beef, cheese, and sour cream. Instead, opt for grilled chicken or fish, plenty of fresh vegetables, and use salsa as your dressing.

Guacamole is healthy because it contains heart-healthy fats, but it is not low in calories. A typical serving can be quite calorie-dense, so it is best to ask for it on the side and use it in moderation for portion control.

You should choose soft corn tortillas over flour tortillas when possible. Corn tortillas are typically lower in calories, less processed, and higher in fiber.

For the leanest protein options, choose grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish over fattier options like carnitas, chorizo, or ground beef.

You should avoid deep-fried items like chimichangas, flautas, and fried taco shells. Also, limit creamy cheese sauces (queso), sour cream, and refried beans, as these are high in fat and calories.