25 Healthy Salvadoran Foods

Craving real Salvadoran food? You’re in the right place!

I’m going to share with you some of my favorite Salvadorean dishes that are sure to make your tastebuds sing!

Salvadoran cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes.

There are many ways to prepare the country’s famous foods, including a variety of appetizers, sides, and main courses.

From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, I have you covered.

This list has it all.

Let’s get started!

1. Salvadoran Quesadilla (Sweet Cheese Pound Cake)

This simple and tasty Salvadoran quesadilla is made with sweet cheese pound cake, which is a very popular street food in the country.

You’ll use crescent roll dough for the wrapper, which you’ll make with flour, baking powder, salt, and water.

As for filling and topping, you’ll need cream cheese and sour cream for both sides.

Then all you have to do is top it off with any desired toppings.

I personally like to add chopped tomatoes, chilis, and jalapenos to mine! Yum!

2. Casamiento Salvadoreño (Salvadoran Beans And Rice)

I don’t know how to describe this delicious Salvadorean dish.

It’s like a mash-up of Mexican rice and beans, but with a ton of flavor.

The recipe calls for dried beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic cloves, and paprika.

(I also add some bacon to mine for good measure.)

It’s super flavorful and full of hearty meaty goodness.

Serve it with some shredded cheese on top!

Although I personally prefer the texture of mozzarella sticks.

3. El Salvadoran Roast Turkey

If you’re looking for the perfect way to impress your guests on Thanksgiving, look no further than this incredible roast turkey recipe!

This recipe uses a spice blend of thyme, oregano, and garlic that creates a wonderful flavor profile.

The turkey is seasoned with salt and pepper and baked until crispy.

The result is a succulent meatloaf that will leave your guests wanting more.

4. Salvadoran Pulled Pork Pupusas With Pickled Cabbage

These pupusas are a Salvadoran favorite, and I’ve never been tempted to try them at home.

Well, maybe once!

But now that I have, I can say that these pupusas are unbelievably addictive.

The pork is smoky and tender, thanks to the marinade.

But it doesn’t stop there.

You also need some bright, tangy pickled cabbage for contrast.

Even as a vegetarian (or someone who needs meat in their life), you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

5. Salvadoran Enchiladas

If you’re looking for a tasty, scrumptious, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than Salvadoran enchiladas.

These Mexican-inspired dishes are full of chicken and chorizo flavors that will satisfy even the most pickiest of eaters.

Serve them with a side of tortillas and salsa for dipping.

They’re so good that it doesn’t matter!

6. Salvadoran Turkey Sandwich (Panes Con Pavo)

If you love turkey and avocado, this Salvadoran turkey sandwich is just what you need.

It’s a tasty combination of juicy meat and creamy avocado.

But the star of the show is the pico de gallo.

This salad is an absolute workhorse for Salvadorans.

It’s fresh, flavorful, and takes all year to make from start to finish.

Shredded kale adds a lovely green color without overpowering the flavors.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also some jalapeños in there for added spice!

7. Salvadoran Breakfast Casamiento

This Salvadoran breakfast is a mouthful, but you’ll appreciate its good flavors.

It features eggs, chorizo, tomatoes, onions and peppers, and of course, cheese.

The cheesiness will be the star here with its salty tanginess.

Serve the dish for breakfast or brunch with eggs or a side of chips for dipping.

What better way to start the day?

8. Chorizo Stuffed Pork Loin

Stuffed pork loin is a classic family recipe that everyone loves.

Stuff it with chorizo, garlic, and plenty of butter.

The perfect bite will make your mouth water!

The best part about this recipe is that you can prepare it in advance for the holidays.

Leftover meat from last night’s feast will be perfect for making this week-night dinner.

9. Sancocho De Gallina (Hen’s Stew)

This stew is full of beans, and I’m not even talking about the legumes here!

It also has plenty of tasty veggies – collard greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, and corn.

But if you’re looking for something with a bit more meaty flavor, try adding some sliced ham or pork shoulder.

Or just go ahead and add some chicken or beef if you want something hearty.

10. Authentic Carne Asada

Carne asada is a Mexican dish that consists of tender steak, onions, and peppers.

It’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy meat in Mexico because it gives the meat such a good flavor.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the ingredients are also surprisingly easy to make at home!

For example, you can make carne asada with just two simple steps – marinating and grilling seasoned beef.

This recipe is perfect for serving dinner parties or making ahead for busy weeknights.

11. Authentic Elotes Locos

Elotes Locos is a Mexican street food that’s been popular since the early 1900s.

For this recipe, you’ll need elote balls and sour cream.

The balls are fried until golden brown and crunchy.

The filling is wrapped in a warm tortilla and served with fresh cilantro.

This recipe calls for pickled onions, but I like to add some jalapenos to mine!

12. Horchata Recipe {Best Mexican Drink!}

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink that’s been around for centuries.

It takes about 5 minutes to make and tastes like pure heaven.

It’s made by simmering rice in water, spices, and sugar.

The result is a sweet, creamy beverage with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

This recipe is best served chilled with lemon wedges or a slice of baguette to soak up all those flavors!

13. Panes Con Pavo (Pan Con Chumpe)

Panes con pavo are a Portuguese dish that’s full of traditional spices and tastes like your grandmother’s cooking.

Citrus juice, garlic, lemon, and cumin all play well together in this recipe.

This dish is so easy to make.

You can have it on the table in no time!

It’s a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

So if you want to make sure your family gets their fill, serve them panes con pavo.

14. Tamales De Pollo Con Chile Verde- Green Chile Chicken Tamales

In many Mexico, tamales are a common dish during the feast of San Jose.

And while they’re typically made with chicken broth, this tamale recipe is anything but ordinary.

You can make it in less than an hour and it comes out crumbly and moist on the inside.

It has a mild flavor that pairs well with green chilies, cilantro, cheese, and plenty of other Mexican spices.

15. Sopa De Pata (Cow’s Feet Soup)

This soup is typically made with chicken broth and a few vegetables.

I love that it’s so simple, yet packs such a rich flavor.

The key to making this dish is to allow the bones to cook in the broth before adding in the veggies.

This will help tenderize everything while making sure they are not too soft.

You can also make this your own by adding in extra veggies or meat!

16. Curtido Recipe (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw)

If you’ve never tried Salvadoran cabbage slaw, get ready to fall in love.

The crunchy texture comes from the cabbage and is offset by a sweet and zesty dressing.

It makes a fantastic side to grilled meats or tacos.

It’s also great on top of burgers and other sandwiches.

So whatever your favorite sandwich filling, have some salvadoran cabbage slaw!

17. Pupusas De Queso (Salvadoran Cheese-Stuffed Tortillas)

These Salvadoran cheese-stuffed tortillas are perfect for any special occasion.

They’re a simple way to use up leftover cheeses, and they’re super easy to make.

All you need is to brush the Cheese Queso sauce on your tortillas and add the cheese.

Easy peasy!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/162411130299668948/

18. Pollo Guisado: Salvadorian Chicken Stew

As if it weren’t already delicious as it is, this Salvadorian chicken stew will make you feel like a million bucks.

Dish out this dish to your family and friends with some warm beans and tender chicken.

The aromas of the sweet potatoes, onions, and corn are so tantalizing that they’ll sneak up on you!

19. Pan Con Pollo Salvadoreño Recipe

This recipe is for a dish that’s filling and delicious.

It’s so good, you won’t even need to add any sides to it.

It has the perfect texture with chunks of chicken and flavorful ground sausage.

It also adds a touch of spice from the green chilis.

For something sweet, I recommend adding some cilantro lime rice or tortilla chips to make this dish extra tasty!

20. El Salvadoran Yuca Con Chicharrón

This recipe is a great way to use up those leftover yuca that you’ve had sitting around.

Chicharrón, typical of El Salvador, is made from pork belly meat.

The dish is usually made with potatoes and eggs but sometimes, it’s served as an appetizer or side dish.

So what makes this dish stand out?

• Spicy Chicharrón: This spicy chicharrón is typically made with pork belly and other meats.
• (Pork)tender yuca: Yuca de Campechana or Yucatán Yuca (soft-skinned yucca)is one of the most popular types of yuca in El Salvador.
• (Guacamole): Guacamole is a traditional sauce for chips that originated in El Salvador.

You can also make guacamole yourself using ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, garlic powder, cilantro, red onion powder, jalapenos, olive oil, and more!

21. Salvadoran Sweet Empanadas

These Salvadoran empanadas are filled with a sweet, tangy tomato sauce and seasoned chicken.

They’re like the perfect food for any occasion: dinner, lunch, or breakfast.

Each bite of this savory delight is bursting with flavor from fresh herbs and spices.

The meat inside is tender and succulent, too!

Tender bites of savory goodness make up these sweet treats.

22. Salvadoran Plantain Empanadas

You won’t believe the simplicity of this Salvadoran plantain recipe.

Looking at it, you wouldn’t think anything could be so easy.

If you’re looking for a plantain appetizer that is both tasty and healthy, you can’t go wrong with these empanadas.

Made with sweet potato slices, red bell pepper strips, green onions, and cilantro sprigs, they’re definitely worth a try!

Pair them with your favorite salsa or margarita to complete the meal.

Yum!

23. Salvadoran Vanilla Custard For Christmas Eve

Now, this is the perfect dessert for any occasion.

This Salvadoran vanilla custard is a stunning Christmas dessert that will be enjoyed year-round.

Made from three of the most delicious desserts in Mexico: cinnamon sugar, chocolate pudding and vanilla custard, it’s like three sumptuous treats in one.

The only thing missing is a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top!

24. Typical Salvadoran Shrimp Ceviche

You’ll love this rich, flavorful ceviche.

It’s the perfect summer dish if you need a light meal that’s packed with flavor.

And it doesn’t take long for this to come together – just about 15 minutes.

The best part is that even though it’s a little spicy, the shrimp stays juicy thanks to the lemon juice.

Serve it with tortilla chips and enjoy!

25. The Best Salvadorian Pupusas Recipe

Pupusas are the perfect combination of crispy edges, soft, doughy centers, and the perfect amount of heat.

And thanks to this recipe, you’ll be able to make them any time you like with just three simple ingredients.

This Salvadorian recipe calls for corn flour, which is slightly different than usual but also makes a world of difference.

Once you have that mixture together, it’s time to add your fillings!

Salvadoran pupusas have loads of fillings but I always go with a combination of red bell peppers and onions.

The bell peppers give these pupsusas a unique flavor and add a wonderful crunch.