All the BEST Cinco de Mayo Recipes!

It’s easy to fall in love with the flavors of Mexican cuisine! These modern takes on Mexican favorites will have you saying, “¡olé! Enjoy the best authentic Mexican recipes (and some really great Mexican-inspired dishes) to pay homage to all the delicious Mexican recipes we find ourselves coming back to, time and time again. Spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with these 39 recipes based on classic Mexican dishes. Everyone will love these Cinco de Mayo recipes, from tacos to margaritas and everything in between! These not-so-typical Mexican recipes will liven up your festivities every day of the week! If you are planning a Cinco de Mayo party or just looking for ideas for taco night, we have all the best Mexican-inspired meal, appetizer, and drink recipes for you!

Steak Picado

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Steak Picado with Pickled Onions is a Mexican beef recipe that offers a warm, hearty meal with a touch of spice. Customize the seasoning to your preference, and enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Steak Picado

Street Corn Nachos

These elote Mexican street corn nachos offer a delicious twist to the classic Mexican nachos recipe, featuring a zesty cheese sauce and unique toppings that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Once you try them, you’ll surely agree that the combination of elote and nacho chips is an unbeatable culinary delight.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Nachos

Arroz Con Leche

With its creamy texture and unique flavor profile, Mexican rice pudding stands out among the many variations of this beloved dessert. Whether served warm or chilled, arroz con leche is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and leave you feeling content.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Con Leche

Watermelon Paloma

Looking for a refreshing Cinco de Mayo or summer cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing? Try this mouth-watering watermelon paloma with tequila, citrus, and fresh watermelon juice! With its tangy and sweet flavors, it’s the perfect drink to sip on a hot day and unwind with friends.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Paloma

Easy Pork Carnitas

This crispy pork carnitas recipe is a versatile and tasty dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it in tacos, burrito bowls, or even stuffed into a baked potato, the slow-cooked pulled pork flavored with lime and orange juice is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pork Carnitas

Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots

These chile mango Mexican candy shots are perfect for spicing up any gathering, whether it’s a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration or a casual night in with friends. The combination of chamoy and chile-lime tajín creates a uniquely delicious and memorable drink experience.
Get the Recipe: Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots

Chicken, Avocado, and Corn Burritos

These Chicken, Avocado, and Corn Burritos are topped with feta sauce and make for a fresh and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s incredibly quick and easy! This burrito recipe is a unique twist on traditional Mexican burritos, incorporating eclectic ingredients like juicy chicken, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and tangy feta sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken, Avocado, and Corn Burritos

Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup

Mexican Bunuelos are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat that can be ready in just 35 minutes. They are coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a 5-ingredient piloncillo syrup, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup

Sombrero Cookies

Looking for a great treat idea for your Cinco de Mayo party? Check out this fun and simple Sombrero Cookie recipe that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! Celebrate the holiday with the cutest and easiest little dessert you could ever make.
Get the Recipe: Sombrero Cookies

Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

If you’re a seafood lover, you have to give Mexican shrimp ceviche a try. With its fresh ingredients and tangy flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Chunky Guacamole

This chunky guacamole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Made with avocados, tomatoes, green onions, chilies, lime juice, and cilantro, it is a perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Make your own fresh tomatillo red chili salsa with this easy copycat Chipotle recipe that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer with chips or crackers, and goes great with steak, chicken, or any south of the border inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Smoked Elote

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular corn on the cob dish served with lime juice, chili lime powder, herbs, and cheese in Mexico. This simple recipe is perfect as a side dish with any grilled protein, and the smoky flavor of the corn adds a delicious touch.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Elote

5 Layer Bean Dip

This Mexican layered dip with ground beef is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Its layers of pinto beans, ground beef, tequila lime sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese make it a flavorful and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: 5 Layer Bean Dip

Honeydew Melon Margarita

Looking for a new Cinco de Mayor or summer cocktail recipe? This honeydew melon margarita is fresh, sweet, and totally delicious – perfect for sipping on hot days! Learn how to make it with our easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Honeydew Melon Margarita

Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

If you’re looking for a flavorful Mexican inspired dish, try making Air Fryer Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Seasoned with cumin, salt, pepper, and margarita mix, the chicken is stuffed inside poblanos and topped with pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Mexican Chocolate Cake

Add a kick to your dessert with this delicious homemade Mexican Chocolate Cake! The cake is moist and rich in flavor with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and cayenne pepper, topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream for the perfect finish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chocolate Cake

Spicy Sausage Chilaquiles with Eggs

This recipe for spicy sausage chilaquiles with eggs is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for brunch or breakfast for dinner, featuring homemade corn tortilla chips and red chile sauce. While traditionally served with eggs, chilaquiles at their heart are fried corn tortillas simmered in green or red salsa, and can be enjoyed with or without eggs.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sausage Chilaquiles with Eggs

Birria Tacos

Experience the latest sensation in Mexican street food by trying out this Birria Tacos recipe which involves tender, juicy beef and lamb, topped with cheese and pan-fried to a crisp before adding cilantro and onions. Elevate your Taco Tuesday with more unique and delicious taco recipes to explore!
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos

Layered Taco Pie

Get ready for a new twist on your taco night with this Mexican casserole that delivers all the authentic flavors and textures of your favorite soft taco in a layered pie form! Made with deliciously-spiced ground beef, gooey cheese, and flour tortillas, this irresistible dish is baked in one go, making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Layered Taco Pie

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Cooking a chicken enchilada casserole slowly allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish. This easy recipe with chicken breasts and staple ingredients is perfect for a slow cooker or crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Crispy Turkey Tacos

A delicious alternative to beef tacos would be these crispy turkey tacos which are bursting with flavour. This turkey taco recipe is a quick and easy dinner idea that you will love.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Turkey Tacos

Lime Pineapple Agua Fresca

When water isn’t enough to quench your thirst, try this refreshing pineapple agua fresca – a perfect summer beverage. Check out our easy recipe for a non-alcoholic refresher!
Get the Recipe: Lime Pineapple Agua Fresca

Loaded Taco Dip

This slow cooker taco dip is the perfect party appetizer, loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors and easy to prepare. Let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other dishes or entertaining your guests.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Taco Dip

Horchata

If you’re looking for a refreshing and unique beverage to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, give Mexican horchata a try. Whether you choose to buy it or make it yourself, this traditional drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Horchata

Elote Street Corn Kale Salad

This Mexican inspired Elote Street Corn Kale Salad is a delicious and refreshing salad inspired by the flavors of street corn. With a mix of colorful and textured ingredients, and a spicy yogurt lime dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Elote Street Corn Kale Salad

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet pan shrimp fajitas are sizzling hot from the oven with succulent shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and a side of Roasted Jalapeño Crema. Throw everything on a sheet pan, whip up a simple homemade sauce, and you will have a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Mexican Street Corn Fries

Mexican street corn fries are inspired by one of my favorite foods – Elotes! These fries have a delicious crema with lime juice, topped with cotija cheese, and cilantro. It’s a recipe that you will LOVE!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Fries

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Learn how to make homemade refried beans in your Instant Pot in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove or in a slow cooker. So much easier and more flavorful! Mash them up for the best refried beans you can ask for! So versatile and can be used in a ton of other recipes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Smoked Queso Dip

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dip for your next gathering? Look no further than this Smoked Queso Dip recipe! Loaded with ground beef, cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this dip is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso Dip

Blackened Tilapia Baja Fish Nachos

Consider making Sheet Pan Blackened Tilapia Baja Fish Nachos for a delicious and easy dinner tonight. This seafood nachos recipe is versatile and perfect for game day or any occasion. Customize the toppings to your liking, and enjoy a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Tilapia Baja Fish Nachos

Passion Fruit Lime Margarita

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail recipe? Look no further than this easy passion fruit lime margarita! With its delicious fruit flavors and simple preparation, it’s the perfect drink for entertaining or simply sipping on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Passion Fruit Lime Margarita

Spicy Corn and Jalapeño Cheese Dip

With its addictive taste and easy crockpot preparation, spicy corn and jalapeño cheese dip is the ultimate appetizer for any gathering. Whether you prefer it mild or with an extra kick of spice, this Mexican inspired dip is a delicious and satisfying snack to enjoy with chips.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Corn and Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Steak Nachos with Tomatillo Serrano Salsa

For fans of the Tex-Mex classic, these Seared Steak Nachos are a delicious snack that can be paired with homemade salsa or pico de gallo. Topped with juicy steak and a variety of chilies, including a tomatillo serrano salsa, these Mexican steak nachos are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Steak Nachos with Tomatillo Serrano Salsa

Zesty Kiwi Jalapeño Margarita

Looking for a delicious and eye-catching cocktail? Try this kiwi jalapeno margarita recipe with a chili-rimmed glass! It’s the perfect combination of spice and zest, and sure to impress your guests. If you love tequila and are looking for a fruity twist, this is the cocktail for you!
Get the Recipe: Zesty Kiwi Jalapeño Margarita

Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

Looking for a delicious and easy summer taco recipe? Try making Marinated Grilled Flank Steak Tacos using the best flank steak marinade (aka carne asada marinade) for a winning dish every time. Slice a couple of pounds of flank steak, grill to perfection, and enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for taco Tuesdays or any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

Salsa Fresca Chicken

Looking for a flavorful and low-carb dinner idea that requires minimal effort? Look no further than slow cooker salsa fresca chicken, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh salsa and spices for a perfect burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Fresca Chicken

Strawberry Paloma with Fresh Grapefruit

If you love strawberries, you have to try this delicious strawberry paloma recipe! Made with tequila, fresh strawberries, grapefruit, honey, and ginger beer, it’s a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for summer. Give our easy recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s a fan favorite!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Paloma with Fresh Grapefruit

White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a quick and easy Mexican inspired soup, try making White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup with chicken, white beans, and green chilies. With just a handful of ingredients, this flavorful soup can be ready in half an hour and is sure to please. Some call it chile verde chicken soup, but everyone agrees that it’s delicious!
Get the Recipe: White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup