Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Escaping the hustle and bustle of crowded Mexican restaurants on Cinco de Mayo can be a relief for many. Yet, the desire for authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine remains strong. However, the prospect of investing time, effort, and creativity into homemade dishes often deters aspiring cooks. Fear not! Below, you’ll discover a handpicked selection of over 45 Mexican food recipes tailored perfectly for Cinco de Mayo. From beloved classics fit for a cozy dinner to fuss-free delights ideal for festive gatherings, I’ve got you covered.
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Top Tips to Prepare for Cinco de Mayo Cooking
- Plan Ahead– Planning is key when preparing Mexican food at home. Consider your menu, gather recipes, and make a shopping list in advance. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you have all the ingredients you need.
- Fresh Ingredients– Whenever possible, opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables can make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
- Prep in Advance– Many Mexican dishes involve chopping, marinating, and other prep work. To save time on the day of cooking, consider prepping ingredients in advance. For example, chop onions, marinate meat, or prepare sauces the night before.
- Buy Avocados in Advance– Often grocery store avocados need time to ripen. Because of this, buying avocados in advance and allowing them to ripen at room temperature ensures they’ll be ready when you need them. Keep an eye on them and use them when they reach your desired level of ripeness.
- Mise en Place– Mise en place, which means “everything in its place” in French, is a crucial practice in Mexican cooking. Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Chop vegetables, measure out spices, and set up your workspace with all the tools you’ll need. This not only saves time during cooking but also ensures that you can focus on the cooking process without any last-minute scrambling.
Most Helpful Tools For Mexican Cooking
Each recipe has its own unique set of instructions. However, There are certain tools that I use time and time again when preparing Mexican food recipes. Here are some of my favorites.
- Garlic Press– Makes preparing garlic cloves 1,000 times easier.
- Chef’s Knife for Chopping– A quality and yet affordable chef’s knife make chopping onions, cilantro and meats a much easier job.
- Citrus Press– Extract the juice with ease while leaving the seeds behind.
- Pairing Knife– Using small pairing knife is a must when deveining and cleaning shrimp.
- Tortilla Warmer– A tortilla warmer is a must for warming and keeping tortillas warm when sitting down to dinner.
- Blender– It’s imperative to have a high speed blender because it helps to make Mexican sauces and salsa a much easier job.
Appetizers
These Cinco de Mayo appetizer recipes are the perfect way to kick off your fiesta in style. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible starters!
Pico de Gallo
This Pico de Gallo recipe is a fast, fresh and absolutely delicious salsa. Works great as a companion to chips or as a condiment with tacos, burritos or any Mexican cuisine. (Click Image For Recipe)
Homemade Flour Tortillas
This recipe creates the best Homemade Flour tortillas that are soft and flavorful. Made with a healthy oil, use these Tortillas as bread, alongside any classic Mexican dish or as a snack. They are just so delicious! (Click Image For Recipe)
Simple Healthy Guacamole
Simple Healthy Guacamole is an incredibly fresh and flavorful Mexican dip. Authentically made with chunky avocados and tomatoes. Perfectly spiced with cilantro, jalapeño and garlic. This recipe will spoil you for all other guacamoles. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mango Cucumber Salsa
Mango Cucumber Salsa offers a delightful mix of sweetness, crunch, and tang, making it a refreshing and versatile condiment. Whether paired with tacos, fish, chicken, or enjoyed with chips, its vibrant flavors shine through. With the option to use fresh or frozen mango, this recipe ensures a taste of the tropics anytime of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)
Homemade Salsa Verde
Homemade Salsa Verde is the perfect condiment for chips, eggs, tacos or making enchiladas. Incredibly easy to make and packed with zesty and savory flavors. You will come back to this Salsa time and time again. (Click Image For Recipe)
Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa
If you are looking for something to WOW your guests, the upcoming potluck, or for your family get together, this Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa will do the trick. Imagine this bowl of sunshine as a colorful center piece garnished with some tortilla chips. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro Dressing
Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro Lime Dressing is easy, fresh and flavorful. Tastes great in tacos, shrimp burritos or as a healthy side to Mexican feasts. (Click Image For Recipe)
Ultra Creamy Nacho Cheese
Ultra Creamy Nacho Cheese creates the tastiest and smoothest homemade cheese sauce. Comes together in just under 10 minutes and leftovers heat up just as creamy as when first made. (Click Image For Recipe)
Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Creamy and full of Mexican flavors. this Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a healthy and delicious condiment for tacos, quesadillas, salads, etc. The possibilities are endless. This sauce is fast, easy and so completely addictive. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mango Shrimp Salsa
Refreshing and satisfying, Mango Shrimp Salsa is a fruity seafood appetizer that is perfect for parties or as a meal on hot summer nights. (Click Image For Recipe)
Chunky Guacamole Salsa
Fresh, flavorful and just so much fun to eat! This Chunky Guacamole Salsa recipe has all the elements that make guacamole and salsa so mouthwatering. It’s easy, fast and livens up many different dinner meals. (Click Image For Recipe)
Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad
Healthy and satisfying, this Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad has shredded cabbage, chopped veggies and a delicious creamy Mexican dressing. Goes wonderfully with chicken, fish or as a low carb dinner. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mexican Shrimp and Crab Cocktail
There is nothing better than this Mexican Shrimp & Crab Cocktail on a hot summer day. It is flavorful, refreshing and a favorite as a lighter meal or as a crowd pleasing appetizer. (Click Image For Recipe)
California Shrimp Ceviche
Light and refreshing, California Shrimp Ceviche makes a perfect appetizer or meal replacement. A wonderful companion to healthy chips or stuffed in a lettuce leaf. (Click Image For Recipe)
Main Dishes
When it comes to the main event of your Cinco de Mayo feast, you can’t go wrong with these classic and creative Mexican entrées.
Frozen Bean and Cheese Burritos
From-scratch Frozen Bean and Cheese Burritos are a delicious make-ahead meal that are extremely budget friendly. These burritos are delicious as a quick and healthy lunch or dinner, making them perfect for busy weeks. (Click Image For Recipe)
Pork Pozole Verde
Pork Pozole Verde is a traditional Mexican stew with a deep rich flavorful broth, melt in your mouth pork and satisfying hominy. This is a perfect meal for parties and family gatherings. (Click Image For Recipe)
Shredded Chicken Nachos
Shredded Chicken Nachos is an easy family favorite recipe. Loaded with mouthwatering toppings like Homemade Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Jack Cheese and sour cream. This dinner is crunchy, tasty and completely satisfying. (Click Image For Recipe)
Homemade Chorizo
Whether chorizo is paired with another meat to add a depth of flavor or is the star of a recipe, this sausage takes dinners to over the top deliciousness. Flavorful Mexican Style Homemade Chorizo is incredibly easy to make with these simple steps. (Click Image For Recipe)
Guacamole Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This Guacamole Chickpea Salad Sandwich is an extremely tasty and very easy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe can be served on various types of bread, as a salad topping or with chips or crackers. (Click Image For Recipe)
Chicken Flautas
Crispy, creamy and super tasty, these Chicken Flautas (aka Rolled Tacos) are a perfect homemade Mexican feast that the whole family will love. Made with shredded chicken and a creamy filling that is rolled into flour tortillas and then baked to perfection. (Click Image For Recipe)
Shrimp and Chorizo Pasta
A fusion of Latin and Italian cuisine, this Shrimp and Chorizo Pasta is packed with flavorful comfort. Bright, savory and slightly spicy, this recipe is special enough for a holiday and yet simple enough for a weeknight. (Click Image For Recipe)
Husband Approved Carnitas
Husband Approved Carnitas creates authentic tender and crispy pulled pork that is full of flavor. Pork is cooked in a slow cooker with citrus and Mexican spices and then lightly fried. This recipe works extremely well for tacos and is always husband approved. (Click Image For Recipe)
Chicken and Chorizo Casserole
Chicken and Chorizo Casserole is an extremely delicious main dish using easy Mexican Style Chorizo, red bell pepper, green olives and rice. A simple one pot meal that freezes well and is a family favorite. (Click Image For Recipe)
Shredded Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Shredded Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw has flavorful melt in your mouth Mexican Shredded Beef. Paired with a crunchy cabbage slaw, this dinner is easy to make and fun to eat! (Click Image For Recipe)
Sweet Potato and Chorizo Soup
Loaded with flavor, this Sweet Potato and Chorizo Soup is a perfect healthy dinner for chilly nights. Very easy to make and completely satisfying with chorizo, chipotle and garlic. (Click Image For Recipe)
Cilantro Lime Confetti Orzo
Cilantro Lime Confetti Orzo recipe unites the comfort of pasta with the fresh citrusy flavors of summer. A perfect make ahead dish for potlucks, lunches or hot summer nights. (Click Image For Recipe)
Black Bean Soup
Beautiful and hardy, Black Bean Soup is a vegetable and protein rich meal that is so good it is almost addictive. (Click Image For Recipe)
Hearty Homemade Chili
Comforting and satisfying, this Hearty Homemade Chili recipe is bound to become a family favorite. It is savory enough for the adults, mild enough for the kiddos and will keep you warm on this chilly nights. (Click Image For Recipe)
White Bean Chicken Tomatillo Soup
This One Pot White Bean Chicken Tomatillo Soup is a hearty and family friendly meal that can be made on the stove top or in the slow cooker. Healthy and delicious, this is an easy comfort food for anytime of year. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mexican Chicken Avocado Sandwich
Clean eating just became so much more fun with this Mexican Chicken Avocado Sandwich. It is like having the best of two worlds, guacamole and a chicken salad sandwich. No more boring lunches! (Click Image For Recipe)
One Pot Spanish Chicken And Rice
This One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice recipe is a simple, comforting meal bursting with flavor. An easy 15 minutes to prep and then pop in the oven to bake, this has become one of my favorite go to recipes that even children love. (Click Image For Recipe)
Creamy Roasted Jalapeño Pasta
Creamy Roasted Jalapeño Pasta is a wonderfully comforting meal with marinated chicken, the crispness of cilantro and a slight smoky spiciness of jalapeño. (Click Image For Recipe)
Carne Asada
Tips and secrets to making the best Carne Asada with multiple cuts of meat, but it all starts with a great marinade. This recipe creates juicy and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos and all kinds of Mexican cuisine. (Click Image For Recipe)
Easy Seared Chicken Guacamole
Easy Seared Chicken Guacamole has tender juicy dry rubbed chicken topped with melted Jack cheese and life-changing homemade guacamole. This is one of the best dinners for healthy and fun eating. (Click Image For Recipe)
Chorizo Pinto Bean Soup
This Chorizo Pinto Bean Soup is a simple healthy dinner perfect for the colder months. With garlic, onion, tomatoes and Mexican Chorizo, this soup is loaded with flavor and comfort. (Click Image For Recipe)
Carne Asada Fries
A classic San Diego dish, Carne Asada Fries are so delicious and super easy to make at home. Learn the tricks from a local San Diegan. (Click Image For Recipe)
Healthier and Lighter Cinco de Mayo Meals
For those looking to keep things a bit lighter this Cinco de Mayo, these healthier main dish recipes allow you to enjoy all the bright, zesty flavors without the guilt.
Baja Chicken Bowl
Baja Chicken Bowl recipe is made with mouthwatering Baja Chicken, Pineapple Mango Salsa, black beans and brown rice. A healthy dinner or lunch that is fresh, flavorful and fun to eat. (Click Image For Recipe)
Healthy Baked Tostadas
No need for take-out with these homemade Healthy Baked Tostadas. So easy to make with tender shredded chicken, black beans and your choice of toppings. Comes together in 20 minutes and is an absolute family favorite. (Click Image For Recipe)
Baja Chicken Tacos
Baja Chicken Tacos has mouthwatering marinated Baja Chicken with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw and fresh Pico de Gallo. Full of flavor and completely addictive, this meal is easy and yet feels like a celebration. (Click Image For Recipe)
Tortilla and Beans
Tortilla and Beans is a family recipe dating back over 70 years. A crispy corn tortilla is topped with a hearty chili, simple coleslaw and black olives. Delicious, satisfying and budget friendly, this is a recipe you will come back to time and time again. (Click Image For Recipe)
Cilantro Lime Mexican Roast Chicken
Cilantro Lime Mexican Roast Chicken recipe creates crazy delicious, tender and juicy chicken. Works great as the main dish or as the protein in many Mexican dinners. (Click Image For Recipe)
Veggie Loaded Low Carb Taco Casserole
Quick and healthy, this Veggie Loaded Low-Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican food without the guilt. Perfect as an easy weeknight dinner. (Click Image For Recipe)
Baja Chicken
This recipe creates tender, juicy and flavorful Baja Chicken that is perfect for a multitude of simple dinners. Marinated overnight in an easy citrus marinade and then baked to golden smokey perfection. This is a family favorite! (Click Image For Recipe)
Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing
Fresh and tangy, this Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing combines the creamy richness of Greek yogurt, the subtle notes of olive oil, and the aromatic punch of garlic. Perfect for drizzling over your favorite greens, using as a dip with veggies or added to homemade tacos. (Click Image For Recipe)
Black Bean Veggie Burger
Full of flavor, the Black Bean Veggie Burgers satisfies meat eaters but is completely vegan. Delicious and incredibly healthy, it is one of the best tasting, guilt free meals around. (Click Image For Recipe)
