Today is the International Day of the Nacho. Legend has it that October 21 was so declared in honor of Ignacio Anaya, the first man to cut tortillas into triangles and serve them warmed with cheddar and sliced jalapeño peppers.

Generally known as fatty pub grub, nachos can be a healthy dish. Start with a base of whole-grain corn chips. Add some lean protein (such as pinto or black beans, chicken strips or even sautéed tempeh), fresh antioxidant-rich salsa and healthy fats from avocado. Then top with low-fat cheese.

Of course, not all chips or salsa are created equally, so be sure to read the labels. This healthy tortilla chip taste test from our friends at EatingWell may be of help.

Experiment on your own, or try these healthy recipes to help you celebrate the nacho’s special day:

* These fresh and simple Nachos with Guacamole are boldly salsa-free. (Vegetarian Times)

* These Bean & Cheese Nachos take the concept close to its simple roots (FoodFit)

* With all due respect to our good friend Robin Miller, this blogger would tweak these Halibut Nachos with Chipotle Aïoli by using low-fat yogurt for her mayo/sour cream aïoli blend.

* These Healthy Nachos feature chickpeas and fresh tomato. (SparkPeople)

* Sherre’s Green & Black Bean Buffalo Nachos are made with actual buffalo meat, which has much less fat and slightly less cholesterol than beef. (The Spokesman-Review)

* The video for Homemade Tortilla Chips & Nachos shows you how to bake your own chips for a great, fresh flavor with no added oil. (About.com)

* These Pork & Pinto Bean Nachos have a smart nutritional profile, with half the calories of their beef/full-fat cheese counterparts. (CookingLight)

* Should we assume that these Chicken Nachos are the same ones that Lance Armstrong eats? (LiveStrong.com)

* Lastly, please remember that this recipe for vegetarian Nachos was posted by a cardiologist, not a food stylist.