Whether you’re creating a Cinco de Mayo menu or just need a flavorful addition to spice up the meal rotation, these Mexican food dishes are just the thing.
Need more recipe inspiration from afar? Try these delicious Italian recipes.
When it comes to recipes absolutely packed with flavor, Mexican cuisine can’t be beat.
Of course, the options that show up on many Cinco de Mayo menus may not be exactly authentic Mexican fare. And that’s okay — if you love Cheez-Whiz nachos, dig in my friend. Just know that they’re not really traditional Mexican food dishes. Nor, probably, are some of the recipes below. But with wholesome ingredients and inspiration from south of the border, they’re all great options for celebrating our love of Mexico — and Mexican food — from home.
The recipes below offer a little something for everyone. From dips and salsas to enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips to comfort food options and dessert, you’ll find at least one recipe that deserves a place on the table. Let’s not limit Cinco de Mayo food to just a single day out of the year!
If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico, think about assembling a quesadilla bar. DIY goodness!
Delicious appetizers with a Mexican flair
If you're like me, your favorite part of enjoying a meal of Mexican food may very well be the appetizers. The salty, spicy flavors of salsa and guacamole draw me in and make me want more. A little appetizer buffet full of Mexican-inspired nibbles and a frosty margarita and I'm a happy camper.
Easy & Spicy Jalapeño Guacamole
This easy guacamole recipe requires nothing but a fork to turn simple ingredients into a delicious appetizer.
Avocado Quesadillas
Ready for a fast and flavorful meal? This avocado quesadilla recipe is the ticket! Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for dipping.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Black beans, corn, and red onions combined with herbs and spices make this a winner.
Avocado Salsa (Salsa de Aguacate)
This green salsa gets its flavor from avocados, tomatillos, and jalapeno pepper.
Fish ceviche {Ceviche de pescado}
Light and flavorful, this ceviche is best made with the freshest of fish.
Green Mexican Ceviche
Another version of ceviche to try, this recipe gets its "green" from tomatillos.
Authentic Mexican Chalupas
Crispy tortillas can be topped with a variety of items to make these delicious chalupas!
Mexican Guacamole Recipe
Made with a handful of fresh ingredients, this guacamole is what your chips need.
Grilled Corn Salsa
Serve this delicious salsa as a side dish alongside grilled chicken.
Carne Asada Fries
Oh, call it an appetizer, but this plate will fill your belly!
Mexican Chopped Salad
Fresh and flavorful ingredients combine for this easy chopped salad.
Spicy Salsa Recipe
This cooked salsa is a flavorful addition to your favorite burrito or taco.
Meal inspiration from south of the border
These meals and hearty side dishes offer up a selection of flavors for your table. With fresh ingredients and flavorful seasonings, these recipes are destined to become favorites for you and your family.
Shredded Beef Quesadillas Recipe
These cheesy beef quesadillas use leftover shredded beef, making it a great weeknight meal. Make the shredded beef early in the week and plan for quesadillas a night or two later.
Easy Cilantro Lime Crema
This simple recipe adds so much flavor to meals. Add it to taco night for a little extra flavor boost!
Spicy Chorizo Soup
This chorizo soup recipe is ready in an hour on the stove, but works in the slow cooker, too. It will warm up a wintry evening & it's loaded with veggies.
Avocado Quesadillas
Ready for a fast and flavorful meal? This avocado quesadilla recipe is the ticket! Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for dipping.
Simple and Delicious Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
This gluten-free chicken burrito skillet recipe is a great healthy option for the busy weeknights!
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
Start this easy spiced, shredded pork in the slow cooker before you go to work and you'll come home to dinner ready!
Baja Fish Tacos
These fish tacos will tickle your tongue with flavor!
Homemade Chicken Pozole Recipe
This chicken pozole recipe can’t be beat for a hearty meal with a south of the border flair!
Healthy Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a favorite for many - here's how to make them.
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Delicious, simple fare. That's the kind of menu I like.
Shredded Beef Chalupas Recipe
Crispy tortillas topped with shredded beef and cheese.
Torta Ahogada
Carnitas and refried beans served inside a hard roll.
Instant Pot Refried Beans
OK, maybe they're not technically refried, but they're delicious!
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Flavorful shredded chicken perfect for busy weeknight tacos.
Beef Birria Recipe
A soup of sorts, this one is made with beef (though goat is often an option.)
Chile en nogada
Featuring walnuts and pomegranate seeds, this is traditionally a fall dish.
Instant Pot Spanish Rice
The flavorful rice you love alongside enchiladas, made at home.
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef
Perfect in classic tacos or lettuce wraps, this beef is tender and easy to make.
Easy Mexican Chopped Salad
This fresh Mexican chopped salad is substantial enough to serve as a light main course on its own, or as a side dish. Either way, this delicious, healthy dish is packed with fiber-rich black beans and plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Fajita Chicken Burrito Bowl {EASY Chipotle Copycat!} | Healthy Recipe
These chicken burrito bowls are super simple and delicious. The chicken is full of bold, Mexican-inspired flavors, and you can customize your bowl with your favorite toppings and sides.
Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe | ALL on 1 Sheet Pan
There’s minimal time spent in the kitchen and the result is tasty fajitas that will rival your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Drinks galore!
If you like to relax with a refreshing cocktail before dinner (with some of those delicious appetizers, of course!), these margarita recipes are a perfect way to delight in Mexican tequila. Enjoy them as part of your Cinco de Mayo menu or any time of year!
Healthy Homemade Horchata Recipe
This recipe is a delicious, healthy take on a traditional Horchata beverage.
Bacardi Mojito
Fresh mint, lime juice, and rum combine to make the perfect summertime refresher!
Spicy Passion Fruit Margaritas
Sweet and sour passion fruit and jalapeno spice it up!
Frozen Strawberry Margaritas
Cool off with what is essentially an adult fruit slushie.
Spicy Cucumber Kiwi Margaritas
A light and refreshing option for cocktail hour.
Triple Berry Margaritas
Who needs a berry, berry delicious margarita recipe?
Raspberry Rhubarb Margaritas
Here's the answer to "what can I DO with rhubarb?"
Perfect Pineapple Margarita
The tropics meet Mexico in this pineapple margarita.
Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
Blood orange and sage work together in this unique margarita.
Coconut Creamsicle Margaritas
A margarita that doubles as a nostalgic dessert!
Chocolate Margarita cocktail recipe
When cocktail hour and dessert cravings collide.
Rosemary Ginger Margaritas
Can a margarita be a refreshing tonic? Cause this might be it!
Desserts from south of the border
Hearty Mexican meals often leave diners full to the brim as it were. But if you've spared a little room for dessert, these options won't disappoint. Cakes, cookies, and fried dough delights await your sweet tooth!
Flan Napolitano Recipe
A classic Mexican dessert, this flan is a rich and creamy way to end your meal.
Mexican Bunuelos
Fried dough. Cinnamon sugar. How can you go wrong??
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These crumbly cookies feature pecans and powdered sugar.
Arroz Con Leche
This sweet rice pudding is spiced with cinnamon and raisins.
Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)
Enjoy this pan dulce for dessert or for breakfast (with coffee!).
Pastel De Elote (Corn Cake)
Serve this Mexican sweet corn cake with cajeta for dessert.
Tres Leches Cake
A delicious sponge cake recipe made with - surprise! - three kinds of milk.
Crock Pot Cajeta
This dessert sauce made in the slow cooker starts with goat milk.
Sopaipillas
Drizzle these fried sopaipillas with honey and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Make Churros
These delicious sugary sweets are a great way to indulge after a meal.
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