50+ Cinco de Mayo Recipes to Spice Up Your Day-o
Let the Fiesta Begin!
This roundup of 65 Mexican-inspired Cinco de Mayo recipes has everything you need to make your party a hit, from salads and fun appetizers to bold salsas and main dishes. If you’re looking for a set of recipes that will make your Cinco de Mayo party stand out – this is it!
What Are Common Cinco de Mayo Recipes?
Delicious starters – Cinco de Mayo appetizers often steal the show with creamy guac and zesty pico. Other popular starters include tangy ceviche and cheese quesadillas filled with gooey melted cheese.
Comforting sides – A spread of popular side dishes like white rice, creamed corn, and beans are the perfect complement to any Cinco de Mayo feast. And don’t forget low-carb options like cilantro lime cauliflower rice and broccoli rice for delicious flavor and texture.
Grilled foods – Cinco de Mayo is at the start of summer, which makes grilling an obvious choice. Slap some carnitas, chicken, or even veggies on the grill and enjoy this hands-off method and charred goodness.
Tacos and burritos – Any dish with a Mexican-inspired flair is fair game. Tacos, enchiladas, nachos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican dishes capture the essence of Cinco de Mayo.
Condiments galore – Cinco de Mayo is a holiday to let your salsa game shine. From classic pico to creamy avocado salsa, the options are endless. With a variety of vibrant condiments at your disposal, you can customize each bite to your liking.
Tips for Making Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Adjust recipes for how many are being served. Scale ingredients accordingly, considering how large your guest list is.
Embrace fresh ingredients. Cinco de Mayo recipes often feature fresh, vibrant ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, and limes. Go for ripe, high-quality produce to enhance your dishes.
Include make-ahead dishes. To ease the workload on the day of the celebration, incorporate some make-ahead dishes like refried beans, taco meat, and salsas into your menu.
Explore authentic flavors. Experiment with traditional Mexican spices and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano to add depth of flavor to your recipes.
Fresh garnish is everything. Chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or lime zest add visual appeal to your dishes and a pop of zesty flavor.
How to Plan Menu for Cinco de Mayo
Tally up the guest count. Knowing how many people plan to attend is necessary to make sure you have enough food. This will also help you plan appropriately if you need to include more diet-specific recipes.
Decide if it’s an indoor or outdoor event. If you’re staying inside, you may want to focus on recipes that can easily be prepared and served indoors, such as sheet pan fajitas or salads. On the other hand, hosting an outdoor gathering is asking for more grilling.
Choose your recipes. Pick which recipes you want to make and how to combine the prep work. Make sure you have plenty of Cinco de Mayo appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts to accommodate your guest list.
Plan how to serve food. If you have a combination of hot and cold dishes, you’ll want to make sure that cold foods stay chilled while hot foods stay warm. Use ice where needed and steam tables to keep hot foods hot. You may want to hold off on serving Cinco de Mayo desserts until after the main meal to keep them fresh.
Don’t forget the drinks. Have a drink table with chilled beverages like lemonade, raspberry iced tea, and mint lemonade. You can also set up a latte bar for cold-brew coffee.
Best Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Planning your Cinco de Mayo celebration will be a breeze with these recipes. From tasty staples like tortillas to appetizers, sides, salads, grilling recipes, and mouthwatering Cinco de Mayo desserts, this roundup has everything you need to pull off a festive and flavorful fiesta.
Staples for Cinco de Mayo Menu
Taco Seasoning – Say good-bye to store-bought packets and elevate your Cinco de Mayo favorites with this flavorful, flexible, and versatile seasoning. It will have your tacos, enchiladas, and more bursting with authentic Mexican flavor.
Chili Powder – Whip up your own chili powder that has a perfect balance of delicious and fresh flavor. It’s an easy way to add a bold taste and spicy kick to your Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes.
Flour Tortillas – If you really want to impress your guests, treat them to homemade tortillas. These are thin and soft with the most perfect chew and are excellent for all your Cinco de Mayo appetizers, tacos, and more!
Cilantro Lime Rice – Fresh and zesty, this cilantro lime rice is great in all your Mexican-inspired dishes! It has bursts of tangy citrus and vibrant flavor in every bite, making it an excellent option when basic white rice doesn’t cut it.
Refried Beans – Make this traditional bean dish in the Instant Pot and serve it as a dip or alongside other favorites. It creates a creamy, flavorful, and vegan accompaniment and is made with just a few ingredients.
Simple Guacamole – If you’re looking for that perfect guac with the right ratio of ingredients, your search stops here. It’s foolproof every time and makes a perfectly creamy topping for all your Mexican dishes.
Traditional Salsa – Every Cinco de Mayo spread has to be graced with fresh, homemade tomato salsa or pico de Gallo. It’s the quintessential staple that adds a burst of flavor and a hint of spice to your favorite Mexican dishes.
Cinco de Mayo Salsas and Toppings
Avocado Shrimp Salsa – Flavorful, protein-rich, and perfectly seasoned salsa. Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, zesty onion, and fresh cilantro that’s similar to ceviche, only better!
Watermelon Salsa – Take your salsa to a new level with this refreshing and vibrant watermelon pico de Gallo recipe. It’s made with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, spicy jalapeno peppers, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado. So fresh and so good!
Corn Salsa – This vibrant corn salsa is full of all your favorite Mexican flavors. Easy to make in less than 10 minutes and makes an excellent addition to your spread of other Cinco de Mayo appetizers.
Cowboy Caviar – Fresh, tangy, and full of flavor, this Texas caviar is the perfect dip, salsa, or taco topper for your Cinco de Mayo get-together. It’s made with beans, veggies, and lots of deliciousness!
Guacamole Dip with Corn – This is a fun twist on the traditional guac that offers a sweet and smoky flavor that really takes the dip up a notch. It’s a great addition to your lineup of Cinco de Mayo appetizers.
Avocado Crema – Add this smooth, creamy avocado sauce to your Cinco de Mayo menu because it’s sure to elevate your dishes with its luxurious texture and rich flavor. It’s perfect for spooning over all your favorite Mexican dishes!
Cinco de Mayo Appetizers
Chicken Taco Wonton Cups – Crispy wonton cups are filled with juicy chicken, fresh salsa, and cheddar cheese to make an amazing appetizer that is so finger-licking good. The best part? They’re ready in 30 minutes!
Avocado Fries – These tasty air-fried avocado strips are perfect for parties of all kinds, and especially as part of your Cinco de Mayo appetizers spread. You’ll love the creamy texture of avocado wrapped in a crispy golden crust and your guests will too!
Bell Pepper Nachos – If you love nachos but looking for a low-carb alternative, these bell pepper nachos are your answer. Here, we’re swapping the tortilla chips with crisp, colorful, and nutritious bell peppers and the result is irresistibly delicious!
Avocado Deviled Eggs – This 5-ingredient deviled egg recipe comes with a twist that’s perfect for your Cinco de Mayo festivities. It has tangy limes, fresh cilantro, smooth avocado, and oh-so-delicious!
Corn Ribs – You won’t regret adding these viral corn ribs to your repertoire of Cinco de Mayo appetizers. They are herby, buttery, and oh-so-good! Their signature curl makes them easy and fun to eat.
Cinco de Mayo Salad Recipes
Avocado Chicken Salad – This is a lightened-up version of a classic chicken salad that doesn’t have mayo but is still creamy and full of flavor. It’s one of those unique Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes that’s great as a light lunch or part of a heartier dinner.
Mexican Chopped Salad – This light and healthy salad is loaded with Tex Mex ingredients. It’s simple to throw together and the creamy cilantro yogurt dressing takes it over the top! It will be a major hit!
Shrimp Avocado Salad – Made with a few basic ingredients and a zesty olive oil lime dressing that adds incredibly fresh flavor. This light and delicious salad is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration!
Tropical Fruit Salad – Easy to make and packed with fresh, seasonal, and vibrant fruits like fresh kiwi, mangoes, pineapple, and berries. The secret sauce takes this salad from good to irresistibly mouthwatering! So sweet and tasty that it could double as one of your Cinco de Mayo desserts!
Red Cabbage Slaw – Add some bright color to your spread of Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes and other favorites. This red cabbage salad is mayo-free, full of flavor, and oh-so-good!
Quinoa Avocado Salad – Made with simple ingredients and tossed in a tangy dressing, this quinoa avocado salad will be a hit at your party. It’s packed with protein, creamy avocado, grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber and so delicious!
Mexican Street Corn Salad – Also known as Elote salad, this summer dish combines salty, melt-in-your-mouth cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, tangy lime, garlic, and jalapeno with frozen corn. It’s an addicting salad that’s perfect for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta!
Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas – You will love this easy Tex-Mex sheet pan meal. It’s made with flavorful beef, bell peppers, and onions and generously seasoned with taco seasoning and roasted in the oven until perfectly tender.
Easy Skillet Shrimp Fajitas – Nothing is as simple as a one-pan 20-minute skillet meal. These easy shrimp fajitas feature perfectly seasoned juicy shrimp with sweet and colorful bell peppers and onions. Quick, easy, and oh-so-good!
Sheet Pan Nachos – This unique dish has layered crispy tortilla chips with beef, beans, and cheese and loaded with all your favorite toppings. It’s the ultimate way to serve nachos for a crowd!
Taco Stuffed Peppers – If you’re looking for low-carb Cinco de Mayo recipes, you will love this one. It’s filling, customizable, and quick to throw together. Have fun with all the fun taco toppings.
Shrimp Fajita Bowls – Fresh and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that’s made with stir-fried onions and peppers and served over cilantro lime rice. It’s one of those quick and easy Cinco de Mayo recipes that you’ll appreciate having in your back pocket.
Chili Lime Shrimp – This is a quick and easy source of protein that’s made with simple ingredients. It’s great stuffed in tacos, burritos, or over rice and topped with your favorite toppings.
Cinco de Mayo Chicken Recipes
Zucchini Enchiladas – Shredded chicken is flavored with enchilada sauce and wrapped in zucchini ribbons, topped with cheese, and baked until golden perfection. Top with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings and enjoy!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – This satisfying dish requires only 10 minutes of prep time and made on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze! Full of flavor and will quickly become one of your favorite Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes.
Chicken Fajita Pasta – If you’re looking for easy Cinco de Mayo recipes that can also serve as well-balanced meal, this skillet fajita pasta is your answer. It has a Mexican-inspired flavor and is packed with protein.
Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl – Bursting with color, flavor, nutrients, and texture, this protein bowl is easily customizable and oh-so-good. Line up all the key players and let your guests make their own bowls.
Pan Seared Chicken Breasts – You’ll want to have this simple meal in your collection of Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes. It creates that perfect protein base to build upon with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Mexican Chicken and Rice – This one-pot recipe is loaded with vibrant flavors. It’s easy to prepare, using a simple technique and perfect to accompany other easy Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers – Chicken stuffed peppers are made with a fajita-style blend of onions, garlic, Tex-Mex spices, and chicken and oven-baked until tender, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious!
Baked Chicken Tacos – Made with shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese – these chicken tacos are conveniently cooked in the oven – making them perfect for a party or crowd. You won’t regret adding these to your list of tasty Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes.
Grilled Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Grilled Steak – Want to simplify your Cinco de Mayo menu? Slap a steak (and some veggies) on the grill and you have a well-balanced and delicious meal. This easy tutorial promises perfectly juicy, tender grilled steak every time!
Cilantro Chicken with Veggie Skewers – Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes doesn’t get easier with this protein and veggie meal. Simple yet flavorful and cooked to perfection on the grill!
Grilled Chicken Thighs – If you’re firing up the grill this holiday, these chicken thighs are the perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes. It has a delicious blend of homemade BBQ seasoning that brings a perfect smoky, savory depth of flavor in every bite.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Juicy, smoky, and so fun to eat off a stick! These grilled shrimp are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo cookout, and they pair wonderfully with all your favorite summer sides.
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa – Add this to your collection of easy Cinco de Mayo recipes. This grilled mahi mahi dish is such a crowd-pleaser and quick to make with an indoor or outdoor grill.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs – With an irresistibly smoky flavor, layers of vibrant colors, and just the right amount of charred goodness, these veggie kabobs will become your favorite side to accompany any entree.
Grilled Pineapple – This is the ultimate summer treat that is oh-so-good with Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes, steak, or seafood. It’s the kind of dish that impresses guests and brightens up any holiday.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Nothing welcomes in summer more than grilled corn. It’s sweet, smokey, and so delicious that it puts any other corn to shame. This simple classic is a must-add to your easy Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Cinco de Mayo Tacos and Burritos
Easy Ground Beef Tacos – Juicy taco meat is flavored with homemade taco seasoning and tucked into tortillas for one of my favorite easy Cinco de Mayo recipes. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and comes together in no time!
Grilled Fish Tacos – Fresh, flavorful, and fast is my idea of excellent fish tacos. These tacos are filled with tender flaky mahi mahi and topped with creamy coleslaw, avocados, and zesty salsa.
Mexican Street Tacos – These tasty tacos are a modern twist on traditional street tacos. Made with kale slaw, chicken breast, and corn – there’s so much flavor and texture in every bite!
Beef Taco Burritos – When you want tacos but also want burritos – turn to this unique meal. It’s easy to throw together and full of flavor and texture. It’s the best of both worlds that’ll be a huge hit at your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos – Tender shrimp, smoky grill marks, and a crunchy red cabbage slaw come together to make one of my favorite easy Cinco de Mayo recipes that’s quick to make and oh-so-good!
Bean and Cheese Quesadillas – These are so easy to throw together. Enjoy them as part of the lineup for Cinco de Mayo appetizers or snacks, or whip them up for a light lunch or supper.
Vegetarian Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Tempeh Tacos – Perfectly seasoned and ready in 20 minutes, these plant-based tacos will be a hit among other Cinco de Mayo recipes. Serve the tempeh filling in tortillas with your favorite taco fillings or in taco bowls and dig in!
Vegetarian Burrito Bowl – Packed with black beans, corn, sweet potatoes, and cilantro lime rice, this burrito bowl is a perfect option for your summer get-together. Make a lineup of all these wholesome options and let your guests build their own bowls.
Tofu Tacos – These vegan tacos are made with crunchy cabbage slaw, seasoned tofu, and wrapped in chewy flour tortillas. Ready to serve in less than 20 minutes and are so irresistibly delicious!
Walnut Tacos – If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to ground meat, you will love this flavorful walnut taco filling. It’s quick and easy to make with all pantry basics.
Southwest Quinoa Salad – Made with roasted sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans, this Tex-Mex quinoa salad is vegan, gluten-free, and oh-so-delicious. It’s one of those easy Cinco de Mayo recipes that you’ll be making year after year.
Chickpea Burger – If you’re looking to add a burger to your Cinco de Mayo recipes collection, this vegetarian burger offers a flavorful twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Serve with a side of creamy avocado and fresh salsa for a fiesta of flavors.
Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers are stuffed with a delicious blend of quinoa, corn, beans, and diced tomatoes and lots of flavor. Top with cheese and bake until perfectly tender delicious.
Cinco de Mayo Desserts
Edible Cookie Dough – This no-bake, no-fuss homemade edible cookie dough recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make and perfectly satisfies your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, so everyone can enjoy a bite!
Strawberry S’Mores – This recipe is a twist on a classic s’mores summer treat that’s such a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s one of those easy, tasty, and must-try Cinco de Mayo desserts!
Fruit Pizza – Fresh, fun, and healthy! This fancy but easy dessert has cream cheese frosting and topped with fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and peaches. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at your party!
Cake Pops – If you love cake pops but are intimidated by making them – you’ll love my easy tutorial! They’re surprisingly simple to make. If you follow my step-by-step guide, you’ll have a batch of these party favorites in no time!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie – With a classic graham cracker crust and sweet and creamy peanut butter filling, this no-bake pie will become one of your favorite Cinco de Mayo desserts!
Creamy Yogurt Popsicles – Finish your Cinco de Mayo festivities with these refreshing and creamy Greek yogurt popsicles featuring 4 different flavors – strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, and chocolate banana.
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip – Made with only 4 ingredients and has the best light, fluffy texture. It’s perfect for dipping and will be a great addition to your spread of other Cinco de Mayo desserts.
How To Keep Food Warm
Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
Aluminum Foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protects the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food which maintains the moisture, flavor and texture.
Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep warm during the party. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.
How To Store All the Leftovers
Cool it down. Allow all the leftovers to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the containers, which can lead to sogginess.
Separate if possible. Store different dishes and ingredient components separately to maintain their individual flavors and textures. For example, store dry salad ingredients separate from the wet ingredients.
Label everything. Keep track of all your leftovers and label them with the name and date so you know how long you have to enjoy them or toss them if needed. Most leftovers will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Save or trash? If you have any perishable items (like meat or dairy), make sure to store them in the fridge immediately. If they have sat out longer than 4 hours, it’s probably best to throw it out. Similarly, dressed salads and dishes with toppings don’t keep well and should be eaten soon after making them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cinco de Mayo celebrate?
Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on the 5th of May, is a holiday that commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a big celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
What are traditional Cinco de Mayo recipes?
Traditionally, mole poblano is the most consumed dish in Puebla for Cinco de Mayo. Tamales, carnitas, barbacoa, and Mexican street corn, are also popular choices, showcasing the rich diversity of Mexican cuisine. Generally, in the United States, Mexican or Tex-Mex recipes include favorites like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and grilled foods have become staple dishes for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Whether you’re just celebrating with your immediate family or having a big shindig, having a collection of easy Cinco de Mayo recipes will make the occasion more enjoyable and stress-free. With these simple yet delicious recipes at your fingertips, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with your loved ones.
This article originally appeared on FeelGoodFoodie and was syndicated by MediaFeed.
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