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Every Single One of These 3-Ingredient Mexican Paleta Recipes Is Bursting With Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Maki Yazawa

July 29, 2022

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Photo: Stocksy/ Nadine Greeff

Nothing brings back childhood summertime memories like the sound of the frozen treat truck that would make its way down the block during the hottest part of the day, offering a refreshing spread of colorful cones and popsicles. If it wasn’t the blaring jingle emanating from the speakerphone, it was the screaming children that followed, begging their parents for some extra change in an attempt to get away with buying one of each on the menu. Between the strawberry shortcake crunch bars and the rocket pops, choosing the flavor of the day was always the toughest part.

Here's the thing, though: We’re never too old to give our inner child the fun they deserve. And these days, Mexican paletas are my go-to treat when it comes to choosing the most refreshing summery snack to munch on (and no, they aren't shaped like a cartoon character).

Paletas pack *all* the fresh fruity flavor but none of the artificial coloring that would leave your tongue semi-permanently dyed for at least half of summer vacation. These Mexican treats are typically made with fresh fruit, herbs, and spices, which get blended together and then frozen. The result? The most hydrating, delicious, and nutrient-rich ice pops you’ve probably ever had. Best of all, they’re beyond easy to make at home and require very few ingredients. Here are some of our favorite three-ingredient paleta recipes that are bursting with flavor and anti-inflammatory ingredients to keep you hydrated and happy all summer long.

What are Mexican paletas?

Though the exact origin story of this tasty treat is unknown, paletas are a popular snack-slash-dessert in Mexico as well as in the United States. They’re typically made with fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, mango, and strawberries, but their base can vary depending on the region or time of year. These pops also tend to incorporate herbs, spices, and toppings like Tajín, a delicious Mexican condiment made from a mixture of chili peppers, lime, and salt. Just like most other popsicles, paletas have a small wooden stick in the center used to hold them, which is where the name of the dessert comes from.

5 Mexican paleta recipes that scream summer fun

1. Pineapple Paletas

Mexican paletas — Photo: The Harvest Kitchen

This pineapple paletas recipe by The Harvest Kitchen features only three ingredients (coconut water, pineapple, and lime juice) for a lip-puckering treat that’s zesty, bright, and the color of shimmering sunshine. Not only will this recipe keep you super quenched even on the hottest of summer days, but it's packed with anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly benefits thanks to the pineapples.

Get the recipe: Pineapple Paletas

2. Strawberry Mango Paletas

Another three-ingredient wonder, this recipe is loaded with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vitamin-rich ingredients like strawberries, mango, and orange juice. For a super-cool swirled effect, Half Baked Harvest blends the strawberry and orange juice together to create the popsicle base, then pours the mango puree over the top to slowly swirl the two colors together for a lava lamp-like effect. Groovy, no?

Get the recipe: Three-Ingredient Strawberry Mango Popsicles

3. Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry, or Kiwi Paletas

Fruit, fruit, and more fruit is the name of the game when it comes to this bright and colorful paletas recipe by Live Eat Learn that looks (and tastes) like the rainbow. The first—and hardest—step in making these paletas is choosing between pineapple, mango, strawberry, or kiwi to feature as the main ingredient in the recipe. Once you decide, all you need is a bit of honey, a squeeze of lime, and some water to blend it all together to make these delicious popsicles. P.S. No one is going to stop you from creating your own mix-and-match flavor, so feel free to use as many fruits as you like.

Get the recipe: Mexican Paletas Recipe

4. Vegan Coconut Paletas

Although the majority of Mexican paletas are vegan by nature, this creamy and dreamy coconut paletas by Dora’s Table is plant-based friendly and as comforting as a warm tropical breeze. It’s made with coconut milk, sugar, and unsweetened shredded coconut for a luscious and chewy combination that’s a ten out of ten when it comes to texture, flavor, and popsicle fun.

Get the recipe: Vegan Coconut Paletas

5. Tamarind Paletas

This paletas recipe by Muy Bueno Cookbook features tamarind, which is an edible fruit with many benefits that can range from tasting either sweet and sour to tart and tangy depending on its ripeness level. To balance out the naturally strong flavor of tamarind, this recipe calls for a bit of sugar and water to make it refreshing and light on the palate. Tamarind is also used to make another popular Mexican staple called agua fresca, which is an infused drink made from fruit, sugar, and water.

Get the recipe: Paletas de Tamarindo