When having fun with queso, a cheese-based dip popular in Mexican cuisine, you’ll be able to pair it with several healthy options to create a balanced and nutritious meal. To enjoy Queso healthily, you need to rigorously determine what you’ll eat with it. This text will disclose to you the healthy things to eat with Queso.
What’s Queso?
Queso is a Spanish word that translates to “cheese” in English. Nevertheless, when referring to Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine, queso typically refers to a melted cheese-based dip or sauce. It is usually enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or condiment.
Queso is often made by melting cheese, often a mixture of melting cheeses equivalent to cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco, together with other ingredients like milk, cream, or salsa. Additional seasonings and spices equivalent to chili powder, cumin, garlic, or jalapeños could also be added to reinforce the flavour.
The feel of queso can vary, starting from creamy and smooth to barely chunky, depending on the recipe and desired consistency. It is often served warm or hot and is commonly enjoyed with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
Moreover, it is usually served as a part of nachos, enchiladas, tacos, or a standalone dip. It is understood for its wealthy and cheesy flavor, often with a touch of spiciness, and is loved for its comforting and indulgent qualities.
17 Healthy Things To Eat With Queso
Listed here are the healthy things to eat with Queso:
1. Raw vegetables
Serve a platter of colourful raw vegetables equivalent to carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes alongside queso. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while adding a refreshing crunch to enhance the creamy queso.
2. Whole grain tortilla chips
Go for whole grain or baked tortilla chips as an alternative of normal fried ones. Whole grain chips offer more fiber and nutrients while providing a satisfying crunch. Search for brands that use minimal-added oils and salt.
3. Sliced fruit
Add a touch of sweetness to your queso platter by including sliced fruits like apple wedges, pear slices, or grapes. Combining the creamy queso with the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits can create a pleasant contrast.
4. Guacamole
Guacamole, made out of mashed avocados, can complement queso perfectly. Avocados are a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Make homemade guacamole using fresh avocados, lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a flavorful and nutritious addition.
5. Grilled chicken or shrimp
Consider grilling lean proteins like chicken breast or shrimp to serve alongside queso for a more substantial option. These protein sources provide satiety and nutrients while balancing the richness of the cheese dip.
6. Black beans or refried beans
Adding black or refried beans can provide plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals. These beans pair well with queso, offering a savory and satisfying combination.
7. Baked tortilla strips
As a substitute of fried tortilla chips, make your personal baked tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips, spraying them with cooking spray, and baking them until crispy. They provide a lighter and healthier alternative for dipping into queso.
8. Cauliflower florets
Cauliflower is a flexible and nutritious vegetable that will be raw or flippantly steamed. Dip cauliflower florets into the queso for a tasty and low-calorie option.
9. Sliced apples
The natural sweetness of sliced apples provides a pleasant contrast to the savory queso. Apples are also a great source of fiber and antioxidants.
10. Quinoa or brown rice crackers
Search for crackers made with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. These crackers provide a crunchy base for dipping into queso and offer more fiber and nutrients than refined flour crackers.
11. Sliced bell peppers
Colourful and crunchy bell pepper slices are a nutritious selection. They’re low in calories, high in vitamin C, and add a refreshing flavor to enhance the creamy queso. You’ll be able to dip bell pepper into the creamy queso for a creamy and flavored taste.
12. Cherry tomatoes
These bite-sized tomatoes are filled with antioxidants and vitamins. They supply a burst of freshness and juiciness that pairs well with queso.
13. Steamed broccoli florets
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that gives fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Steam some broccoli florets until tender-crisp and dip them into the queso for a satisfying and nutritious combination.
14. Jicama sticks
Jicama is a root vegetable with a crisp texture and mildly sweet flavor. Cut it into sticks or thin slices for a refreshing, low-calorie choice to dip into the queso.
15. Whole grain pita bread
As a substitute of traditional tortilla chips, select whole-grain pita bread cut into triangles. Whole grains provide more fiber and nutrients, making them a healthier selection for dipping into queso.
16. Grilled zucchini
Slice zucchini into thin strips and grill them until tender. The smoky flavor of grilled zucchini pairs well with the creamy queso, and it adds a dose of vitamins and minerals to your snack.
17. Sliced avocadoes
Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit that’s high in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients will help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health. What’s more? The creamy texture of avocado pairs well with the wealthy and cheesy flavor of queso, making it a delicious
Conclusion
Remember to eat queso and its accompaniments moderately and be mindful of portion sizes. While queso will be delicious, it is often high in saturated fat and sodium. Balancing it with nutrient-rich options will help create a better-rounded and healthier eating experience.
