Cinco de Mayo Recipes
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Apr. 30, 2023
Here is our tried-and-true Cinco de Mayo collection. Every recipe here is easy, can be prepared ahead of time, and a hit with any crowd. And truthfully, we love these dishes all year round.
Main Dishes
Starting with the main course, here are the most succulent, savory Mexican style dishes to eat and enjoy. All of them can be prepared ahead of time, which means less time in the kitchen and more time with your favorite people.
- Chicken Tinga Tacos (Meal Prep, Freezer Friendly)
These chicken tinga tacos are tender, juicy, and teeming with big flavors. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, can be frozen for future meals.
- Pork Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork)
This is truly the most tender, juicy pork carnitas we’ve had the pleasure of devouring. Make them into rice bowls, burritos, or tacos.
- Carne Asada (the Secret to Tenderness)
There is actually a secret to making unbelievably tender, juicy carne asada – never tough, never dry. And it’s a super simple secret.
- Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef
This super easy make-ahead Mexican style beef is just waiting to be served over rice, tacos, or burritos.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Make your fajitas easily, using a sheet pan! No need to stand over the stovetop for the big, bold flavors you love.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole [Gluten-Free]
Made with rice, even gluten-free eaters can enjoy this supremely flavorful twist on enchilada flavors. It’s healthy to boot.
- Easy Enchilada Casserole
Here, you get everything you love in classic enchilada, but in casserole form. Ground meat, salsa, beans, sauce, and cheese all get layered between hearty corn tortillas.
- Mexican Style Cheesy Ravioli Bake
This obviously isn’t authentic Mexican fare, but if you love pasta and want to kick up the flavor, this Mexican style version will bring it!
- Mexican Cheeseburgers
We’ve taken cheeseburgers to a whole new level by giving it a Tex-Mex flair. You may never want cheeseburgers any other way.
Appetizers & Sides
No party is complete without plenty of appetizers and side dishes to choose from. We had a really, really hard time choosing which recipes to spotlight here, but these are the ones that made the cut.
- Best Easy Mexican Rice
This easy Mexican style rice is abundantly flavorful, yet surprisingly healthy. It pairs well with any of the main dishes above.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
This humble dish is the surprising side that always disappears fast. People can’t get enough of the big, bold flavors in this.
- 7-Layer Mexican Dip
This is everyone’s favorite thing to dip their chips into, and this particular recipe is both easy and a total winner.
- The Best Guacamole Recipe
It’s hard to believe something this healthy and delicious is so simple. Bonus tips for keeping guacamole fresh!
- Best Pico De Gallo Recipe
Pico de Gallo is the classically simple, fresh tomato salsa that’s made with only a few ingredients and tastes amazing over tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, and…chips!
- Blender Salsa (Restaurant Style)
Now you don’t have to leave your house for mouthwatering Restaurant Style Salsa. This fresh tasting salsa is easily made your blender at home; be sure to have plenty of chips on hand
- Homemade Nacho Queso Dip
This blows away any store-bought cheese dips. No processed anything here. Just real, natural ingredients that taste unbelievably delicious! A surprise ingredient keeps this dip smooth and velvety for days.
Margaritas
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete with a really good margarita recipe to share. Here are our favorite warm weather favorites to enjoy all summer long.
- Big Batch Pineapple Margaritas Recipe
This Big Batch Pineapple Margaritas Recipe can be easily made ahead of time. Sit back and enjoy the party, without worrying about the cocktails. These margaritas are a crowd pleaser every time!
- 5-Minute Strawberry Margaritas
These Strawberry Margaritas are made with ripe, fresh strawberries and a few simple ingredients. It comes together in a jiffy for a party-perfect drink!
- 3-Ingredient Lemonade Margaritas
If you’re looking for a quick cocktail you can shake up in a jiffy, look no further. These crowd-pleasing Lemonade Margaritas have you reaching for just 3 ingredients!
- Watermelon Margaritas
These Watermelon Margaritas are easy, refreshing, and mouthwatering! Perfect for all your summer gatherings or just for sipping on the porch.