Is it even Cinco de Mayo without an epic spread of delicious Mexican recipes? It certainly is not. The food might just be the highlight of the day, so you want to get it right. If you are wondering what to make for a Cinco de Mayo Mexican fiesta, then you have come to the right place. Today, I am sharing over 30 of the best and most popular Mexican recipes including all the classics from tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, nachos, dips, salads, and more.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo (literally translated as the "Fifth of May") is a minor holiday in Mexico that is also referred to as Battle of Puebla Day. It's a commemoration of the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo represents a historic triumph of the indigenous Mexican people over European invaders and symbolizes the power and strength of Mexican culture. Although this holiday is literally a celebration of a battle won, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and one that is more popular celebrated in the United States.
Best Mexican Recipes for Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are delicious, authentic, and so easy to make. They're savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh. The perfect recipe for a Mexican fiesta.
Chicken Enchiladas
Easy baked Chicken enchiladas brings the taste of authentic Mexican food into your kitchen -- saucy, spicy, and savoury. Perfect for a Mexican fiesta on Cinco de Mayo.
Easy Basic Guacamole
Incredibly tasty, this easy and basic guacamole takes less than 5 minutes to make. It is the perfect dip for a Mexican-inspired fiesta party.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Oven-baked loaded sheet pan nachos are a crowd pleaser for an easy weeknight dinner or an addicting appetizer to serve on Cinco de Mayo.
Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve.
Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Skillet chicken fajitas are a light, fresh, and sizzling dish bursting with flavour, packed with colorful vegetables, and wrapped in warm tortillas.
Beef Taco Salad
Beef taco salad is a simple, filling, and delicious meal loaded with your favorite taco fillings, and a creamy lime dressing. Make it in 20 minutes.
Shrimp Avocado Tostadas - recipe coming tomorrow!
Shrimp avocado tostadas are a delicious, crunchy, quick and easy Mexican dish you can make in just 15 minutes, loaded with the best combination of toppings.
Cilantro Lime Rice - recipe coming this week!
Cilantro lime rice a is fresh, bright and vibrant side dish that will add extra flavour to any meal you serve it with. It's a quick, easy, one pot recipe.
Beef and Bean Burritos - recipe coming next week!
Shrimp Taco Salad - recipe coming nest week!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sizzling and hot sheet pan chicken fajitas are on the table in less than 30 minutes! The best part is that you just throw everything into one sheet pan.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Hearty chicken tortilla soup is a delicious, wholesome and filling soup that you can make in about 30 minutes, packed with classic Mexican flavours.
Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw
Quick and easy shrimp tacos with lime crema slaw are ready in less than 30 minutes and are packed with flavourful crispy shrimp and creamy cabbage slaw.
Pico de Gallo Chunky Salsa
Easy 5-minute pico de gallo chunky salsa is packed with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice (and optional jalapeños for a spicy kick).
Mexican Tuna Cakes (Tortitas de Atun) - recipe coming next week!
Summer Corn Salad
Take fresh-off-the-grill corn on the cob and turn it into a light, flavourful summer corn salad, topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and cheese.
Vegan Chickpea Tacos
When it comes to vegetarian tacos, these vegan chickpea tacos are some of the best. They are delicious, filling, easy to make, and loved by all.
Baked Chicken Quesadillas
So quick and easy to make, these quesadillas will become a go-to recipe that you and your kids will love.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
It's time for a fiesta with chipotle chicken burrito bowls served with lime cilantro rice, sautéed bell peppers, corn, black beans and guacamole.
Mexican Chicken Caesar Salad
Mexican chicken Caesar salad is a classic recipe with a twist! Combine your favourite Mexican ingredients to create a salad so tasty and refreshing.
Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
When it is inconvenient to grill your corn on the cob, try buttery, oven-roasted corn on the cob with garlic butter with beautiful char marks instead.
Korean Beef Steak Tacos
Fusion-style Korean beef steak tacos are made with tender, flavour-packed slices of beef and topped with caramelized pineapple, kimchi, and spicy mayo.
Vegetarian Breakfast Quesadillas
Make-ahead, freezer-friendly vegetarian breakfast quesadillas stuffed with eggs, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and sharp white cheddar, are grilled to crispy perfection. Eat them now or freeze for a later day.
Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Hearty slow cooker beef chili is an easy, comforting, low-maintenance dinner in fall and winter months. It's a family favourite crockpot chili.
Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Chicken and Kale
Quick and easy butternut squash quesadillas with chicken and kale is the best fall weeknight meal. It's flavourful, so cheesy, and has the perfect crunch.
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Burritos
For something quick and satisfying, grilled chicken and avocado burritos are the kind of creamy, gooey goodness with a bit of a crunch that you will want to make over and over again. So serve this up at your Cinco de Mayo party or at your next get-together, and even the pickiest of eaters will ask for more!
Red Enchilada Sauce
Easy homemade enchilada sauce requires just one pot, an assortment of flavourful spices, four simple steps, and less than 15 minutes to make.
Cinco de Mayo Party Tips
- Plan your menu ahead of time. You can prepare many of these recipes and party food ahead of time. Some can stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and some can even be frozen, according to recipe directions.
- Prep your ingredients as much as possible. Once you have decided on the dishes that you are going to serve, prepare as much as you can in advance, whether that is chopping ingredients or prepping the dish and storing in the refrigerator until ready for the oven. Any little bit that you can prepare in advance will make things much less stressful when you just want to kick up your feet and enjoy the fiesta.
- Set the table the night before. Take out the special party serving dishes, festive napkins and whatever else you need to set up your meal table the night before. It's one less thing to worry about on Cinco de Mayo.
Did You Make Any of These Mexican Recipes?
Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
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