Eat Your Way Through Cinco de Mayo With These Delicious Recipes

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Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to celebrate vibrant flavors, bold spices, and unforgettable food. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or just treating yourself to a culinary adventure, we’ve rounded up 19 recipes that’ll take your fiesta to the next level. Think crispy, cheesy quesadillas, refreshing watermelon rosè palomas, and desserts so good you’ll skip dinner altogether. Grab your apron, stock up on lime and cilantro, and get ready to fiesta in your kitchen.

Salsa Roja

a close up of a bowl of salsa topped with raw onion and herbs — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This vibrant and tasty homemade Tomato Salsa is ready in just 20 minutes! With fresh ingredients, this Salsa Roja recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It’s a must try!
Get the Recipe: Salsa Roja

Easy Guacamole

a bowl of guacamole with sliced lime on top — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up this Easy Guacamole for a fresh, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines creamy avocados with lime juice, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, tomato, and cilantro for the perfect Mexican dip!
Get the Recipe: Easy Guacamole

Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Close-up of a hand holding a cheesy quesadilla with melted cheese, grilled vegetables, and a golden, crispy tortilla, oozing onto a white plate. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These chicken and cheese quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and your choice of veggies, they’re perfect for a fast lunch or dinner. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos

A close-up of shrimp tacos filled with grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, shredded purple cabbage, and drizzled white sauce. The tacos are on a tortilla, garnished with cilantro, with a bowl of sauce and lime wedges in the background. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos are a quick and delicious meal that’s better than takeout! Ready in minutes, juicy spiced shrimp are served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cotija cheese, and a creamy lime sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun party snack!
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Mexican Street Corn

Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish? This Mexican Street Corn recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed on or off the cob. With a creamy, zesty flavor and a touch of spice, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Easy Homemade Refried Beans

A bowl of refried beans topped with jalapenos, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a delicious and easy side dish for your next Mexican-themed meal? These homemade refried beans are simple to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Refried Beans

Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Hot nachos fresh from the oven topped with guacamole and sour cream. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These oven-baked nachos are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer! Loaded with layers of refried beans, cheese, veggies, and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, they’re a guaranteed hit for game day or any party.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Mexican Soup

This Mexican Soup is packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and a trio of beans for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s easily made in one pot, on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for an easy weeknight dinner. Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, or guacamole for the perfect bowl.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Soup

Ground Beef Tacos

A hand holds a taco filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, sliced jalapeño, tomato, sour cream, and cilantro in a yellow tortilla. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up the ultimate Ground Beef Tacos with bold, smoky homemade taco seasoning! Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Get The Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos

Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls.

These Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls are a simple and delicious dinner that’s ready in under 45 minutes, making them perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any busy weeknight. Featuring chicken with a flavorful tinga sauce, bell peppers, and onions, served over rice and topped with your favorite fixings. This recipe is also gluten-free and can easily be customized to your liking!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls.

Dirty Horchata.

Looking for a unique cocktail? This Dirty Horchata is creamy, perfectly sweet, and hinted with cinnamon and coffee. Refreshing yet cozy, it’s ideal for spring nights and Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
Get the Recipe: Dirty Horchata.

Watermelon Rosè Paloma.

horizontal photo of Watermelon Rosè Paloma — Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Watermelon Rosè Paloma is the perfect sweet and spicy cocktail to celebrate with! It’s easy to mix, uses minimal ingredients, and tastes amazing. With watermelon, tequila, rosè, and a tajin rim, this is the perfect festive drink.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Rosè Paloma.

Korean Fried Chicken Tacos with Sweet Slaw, Crunchy Noodles + Queso Fresco.

These Korean Fried Chicken Tacos are a must-try if you’re looking for something to fry! The chicken is perfectly complemented by a sweet slaw, crunchy noodles, and queso fresco. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Korean Fried Chicken Tacos with Sweet Slaw, Crunchy Noodles + Queso Fresco.

The Best Churros Recipe

Homemade churros piled in a serving dish with Nutella for dipping. — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these homemade churros! This recipe creates the perfect balance of a crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior and a soft, chewy inside. Whip up a batch for a delicious dessert or a festive treat for Cinco de Mayo.
Get the Recipe: The Best Churros Recipe

Pico de Gallo

This fresh Pico de Gallo recipe is the perfect addition to any party or Mexican-inspired meal. Made with just 6 simple ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and more!
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes

These Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish to elevate any meal! Crispy potatoes are tossed in a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce, making them a flavorful and crowd-pleasing addition to your table. This easy recipe is also gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian friendly.
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes

Black Bean Tacos

These Black Bean Tacos are a vegetarian delight, perfect for any time of year! Crispy taco shells are filled with flavorful black beans and topped with a creamy avocado sauce, pickled red onions, and all your favorite taco fixings. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for Cinco de Mayo or a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Tacos

Easy Taco Pizza

This Easy Taco Pizza is a fun twist on taco night! Flatbreads are topped with refried beans, taco meat, salsa, and cheese, then finished with your favorite taco toppings. This pizza is quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Pizza

Mango Margarita Cupcakes

Bring the fiesta to your dessert table with these Mango Margarita Cupcakes! Bursting with juicy mango, zesty lime, and a splash of tequila, they’re the perfect boozy treat for Cinco de Mayo or any summer celebration. Garnish with sparkling sugar and fresh fruit for an extra touch of fun!
Get the Recipe: Mango Margarita Cupcakes