Cinco de Mayo Power Plate: A Quick, High-Protein Meal That Balances Blood Sugar & Supports Cortisol Health
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo that doesn’t leave you bloated, exhausted, or stressed, this Cinco de Mayo Power Plate is for you. It’s festive, nourishing, and surprisingly quick to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners, family celebrations, or impromptu backyard fiestas.
This colorful plate features three components that work together to support your energy, your hormones, and your mood:
🌿 Cilantro-Lime Chicken
🍓🥑 Strawberry Avocado Salsa
🌮 Cauliflower Rice with Black Beans
Each bite is bursting with flavor and loaded with ingredients that help keep blood sugar stable and cortisol levels balanced, which is especially helpful if you’re navigating chronic stress or simply want to avoid the post-celebration crash.
Why This Meal Supports Cortisol Balance
Chronic stress can send your cortisol into overdrive, impacting everything from your sleep to your waistline. But the foods we choose to eat—especially during holidays—can either feed the chaos or fuel your calm.
This meal does the latter. Here’s why:
- Protein-rich chicken helps regulate blood sugar, which in turn keeps cortisol from spiking unnecessarily. It also keeps you full and satisfied.
- Healthy fats from avocado support hormone production and reduce inflammation.
- High-fiber black beans and cauliflower rice slow down digestion, minimizing blood sugar spikes that can throw cortisol off balance.
- Garlic, lime, and cilantro offer anti-inflammatory benefits while enhancing flavor naturally—no heavy sauces or added sugar needed.
- Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps regulate cortisol levels and supports your adrenal glands.
Quick, Easy, and Perfect for Entertaining
This entire plate comes together in just 35 minutes—which means you can enjoy the fun of Cinco de Mayo without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to prep ahead, and great for casual family dinners or healthy holiday get-togethers.
Want to save time?
- Marinate the chicken the night before.
- Prep the salsa in the morning and let the flavors develop in the fridge.
- Use pre-riced cauliflower to cut your chopping time in half.
A Fresh Take on Fiesta Food
Traditional Cinco de Mayo meals often center around heavy, carb-loaded dishes and sugary margaritas. While delicious, those foods can leave you feeling sluggish or stressed—especially if you’re working to support your nervous system, hormones, or gut health.
This recipe flips the script. It’s festive without the fallout—a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels like a celebration but leaves you energized, not drained.
✨ Ready to feel great while celebrating?
This is the kind of meal that proves you don’t have to choose between flavor and function. You can have both—and you deserve to feel amazing doing it.
Curious how to create more stress-supportive meals that fit your busy life? 📽️ Watch my quick program overview to see how I help clients heal from the inside out.
You’ll learn how food, movement, and nervous system support can radically change the way you feel—starting with your next meal.
Cilantro-Lime Chicken, Strawberry Avocado Salsa & Cauliflower Rice with Black Beans
Equipment
- Grill or stovetop pan
- mixing bowls
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- saute pan
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 ½ lbs organic chicken breasts or thighs
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the salsa
- 1 cup strawberries diced
- 1 avocado diced
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- 1 small jalapeño minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Cauliflower Rice & Black Beans
- 2 cups riced cauliflower
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge if prepping ahead).
- Prepare the Salsa: While the chicken marinates, make the strawberry avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice, sprinkle with salt, and add the sweetener if desired. Gently toss to combine. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken (in batches if necessary). Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Cauliflower Rice & Beans: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the cauliflower rice and sauté for 3–5 minutes until tender. Add the black beans, cumin, and salt. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Finish with fresh cilantro or lime juice, if using.
- Assemble the Power Plate: Divide the cauliflower rice and black beans among 4 plates. Top each with sliced cilantro-lime chicken and a generous scoop of strawberry avocado salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.
