Easy and Healthy Mexican Hot Dogs Recipe
Hot dogs normally arouse the scorn of nutritionists and health-conscious eaters alike, but don't be so quick to dismiss the humble wiener. Yes, more often than not the ones you buy from a cart contain questionably nondescript insides, but there is another way! In the best circumstances, hot dogs are perfectly portioned, protein-packed vessels set to play host to a barrage of healthy, boldly flavored toppings. While finding that type of dog may be challenging at a restaurant, it's quick and effortless to create at home. Plus, creating this dish at home rather than your local fast food restaurant will save you in calories as well. Compare our healthy Mexican hot dog to Five Guys' hot dog with relish and you'll see that you can save over 200 calories and a dollar or two!
Nutrition: 510 calories, 12.5 g fat (5 g saturated), 740 mg sodium
Serves 4
You'll Need
4 hot dogs (check out our recommendations below!)
4 scallions, bottoms trimmed
4 potato or whole-wheat hot dog rolls (we like Martin's)
4 Tbsp bottled salsa (preferably pico de gallo)
Guacamole (Make your own guac or pick up some ready-made from the store)
Pickled jalapeños
How to Make It
- Heat a grill or stovetop grill pan until hot.
- Add the hot dogs and scallions (work in batches, if necessary) and cook until lightly charred on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Tuck the hot dogs into the rolls and top each with pico de gallo, guacamole, a grilled scallion, and jalapeños.
Eat This Tip
Applegate Farms Natural Big Apple Hot Dogs
Popular grocery store hot dogs like Ballpark and Nathan's can pack up to 200 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat—not exactly solid specimens to keep around the house. But this dog from Applegate Farms has just 100 calories and 3 grams of saturated fat, plus it's free of the chemical preservatives found in most hot dogs. Just as important, the flavor is spot-on and the natural casing provides that perfect hot dog snap. Other favorite dog toppings include caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, chili sauce, sriracha, and even the occasional fried egg, or get super fancy free and slice up an avocado to top off your dog.
This recipe (and hundreds more!) came from one of our Cook This, Not That! books. For more easy cooking ideas, you can also buy the book!
