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These 45 Mexican recipes are perfect for creating a complete Cinco de Mayo menu with the classics everyone loves (like tacos, salsas, fajitas, nachos, and margaritas) and a few modern Mexican-inspired crowd-pleasers!
The History Behind Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo - literally meaning "Fifth of May" - isn't just about food and margaritas. It commemorates Mexico's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Outnumbered and less equipped, the Mexican army defeated one of the world's most powerful militaries, making the moment a lasting symbol of resilience, unity, and national pride.
Recipes for Your Cinco De Mayo Party!
To make your Cinco de Mayo planning as easy and delicious as possible, I've rounded up my best Mexican recipes and organized them into 7 categories: Appetizers & Sides, Salads, Main Courses, Taco Recipes, Fajita Recipes, Desserts, and Cocktails. I've included party food classics like pico de gallo, Mexican street corn dip, and chicken taquitos, alongside showstopping main dishes like chicken enchiladas, pork chile verde, and Mexican ground beef. And to wash it all down, shake up a blood orange margarita or a white cranberry margarita - because a Mexican fiesta deserves a proper drink. Save room for dessert - my stunning tres leches cake is worth it!
Recipe Categories
1) Cinco De Mayo Appetizers & Sides
1
This Mexican corn dip combines grilled corn, creamy feta cheese, Greek yogurt, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, cilantro, and Southwestern flavors! It's guaranteed to be a hit at summer parties, cookouts, and potlucks. It's just like Elote or Mexican street corn but in a convenient creamy dip form.
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2
This fresh Pico de Gallo combines juicy tomatoes, onions, chilies, cilantro, and lime juice in a chunky, zesty, crunchy salsa. It's the perfect sidekick to your favorite Mexican dishes-tacos, burritos, or tortilla chips.
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3
Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice - easy, light, delicious, gluten free side dish.
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4
These Mexican Street Corn Sheet Pan Nachos are packed with grilled corn, drizzled with a simple homemade Queso sauce, and topped with a creamy cheese blend of Cotija (or feta), Greek yogurt, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and Southwestern spices. Perfect for game day, the Super Bowl, summer parties, cookouts, and potlucks, these loaded nachos bring all the flavors of Elote or Mexican street corn in a fun, shareable nacho form!
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5
Homemade peach salsa is a Summer alternative to regular tomato salsa that will add variety to your weeknight dinner menu! It comes together in just 15 minutes! It's perfect served with tortilla chips or as a topping over grilled and pan-seared meats, like chicken, pork, or salmon. Use it as an appetizer, dip, or elevate it to the main course when combined with protein.
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6
This smoky salsa blends fire-roasted tomatoes, roasted jalapeños, poblanos, and onions with garlic, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Perfectly balanced with smoky heat and freshness, it's great with chips, tacos, nachos, or grilled foods.
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7
Southwestern Salsa with Black Beans, Corn, and Pineapple is a simple recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. Use this salsa as an appetizer. Or, serve this with cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
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8
This colorful and healthy Mango Salsa perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors and takes only 15 minutes to make! Serve it as a simple appetizer or dip with chips, or as a topping with grilled and cooked meats (chicken, steak, pork, and fish). This recipe is packed with fresh mango, cilantro, lime juice, and other delicious ingredients!
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2) Mexican Salads
9
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is delicious comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes! The pasta is mixed with fresh corn, cilantro, bell peppers, lime juice, and Cotija cheese. The best homemade creamy dressing combines savory and tangy flavors of mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. You can grill the corn or cook it on the stovetop. It's a perfect Summer pasta salad for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and cookouts!
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10
Avocado Corn Tomato Salad with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing is an easy side dish that will pair well with any weeknight dinner. It is also great for picnics, potlucks, and BBQ parties. You can make this salad in the summer or any time of year!
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11
This Mexican salmon salad bowl is loaded with taco-seasoned, flaky, zesty salmon bites, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, tangy Cotija cheese, and creamy poblano ranch for the ultimate summer dinner. It's everything I love about tacos-just without the tortillas.
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12
This summer side dish has everything you love about authentic elote (Mexican street corn) - smoky grilled corn and spicy creamy-tangy dressing tossed with ditalini pasta, bell pepper, and green onions!
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13
Chicken Taco Salad with Spinach, Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Tortilla Chips, and Cheddar Cheese. For dressing use Ranch dressing or Greek yogurt mixed with the taco seasoning and fresh cilantro.
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3) Mexican Dinners (Main Affair)
14
These easy Mexican-style chicken enchiladas are made with juicy chicken thigh meat and rolled into warm corn tortillas with a Mexican cheese blend, green onions, and jalapeños. I drizzle the baked enchiladas with a quick homemade cilantro-lime crema and top them with avocado slices. Use store-bought or homemade red enchilada sauce (recipe provided).
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15
Delicious cilantro-lime shrimp cooked in olive oil, with garlic and red pepper flakes. Then, it is put on top of cilantro-lime black bean rice. Everything is cooked in one skillet. Minimal cleanup.
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16
These golden, oven-baked chicken taquitos are stuffed with juicy cumin-garlic shredded chicken thighs and melty cheese, then drizzled with 3 amazing homemade sauces-Garlic Crema, smoky Chipotle Aioli, and bright Avocado-Cilantro Lime Crema. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or game-day appetizer that tastes restaurant-quality without deep-frying. I also provide instructions for deep-frying (should you want to do that). Serve this Mexican recipe with my cilantro-lime black bean rice and Mexican corn dip.
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17
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a fast, weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality Tex‑Mex comfort food in 30 minutes in one pan! I made it with tender shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and green chiles simmered with red enchilada sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes. The soup is then finished with cream cheese, heavy cream, and melty cheddar/Mexican blend. You can make it on the stove-top, in a slow-cooker, or in an instant-pot.
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18
This traditional Pork Chile Verde is the ultimate Mexican one-pot comfort food - tender, fall-apart pork braised low and slow in a rich, smoky homemade salsa verde (green chili sauce) made from charred tomatillos and roasted poblano peppers. Serve with rice, beans, or warm tortillas. Chile verde is a staple of northern Mexican cuisine and Mexican-American cooking, particularly in New Mexico and Colorado, where pork green chile stews have deep regional roots. I cook it in the oven and provide alternative cooking instructions for the Instant Pot & Slow Cooker.
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19
Cilantro-Lime Shrimp is a quick and easy 30-minute one-pan weeknight meal packed with fresh flavors and ingredients! Your family will love bold flavors and vibrant colors. It's like a Summer on a plate (but you can make this all year round!). It's gluten-free, low-carb, keto, and high in protein.
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20
Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn is a quick and easy weeknight meal that takes 30 minutes and is packed with fresh flavors! Your family will love bold flavors and vibrant colors in this delicious chicken dinner!
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21
This recipe is inspired by classic Mexican street food, Elote (or Mexican corn on the cob). Chicken breasts are topped with Chili powder, corn kernels, black beans, and Cotija cheese. Amazing, delicious, gluten free Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake.
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22
30-Minute, One-Pan Mexican Ground Beef features tomatoes, black beans, corn, mild green chiles, and green onions. It's packed with flavors and seasoned just right with homemade taco seasoning. This family-favorite dinner is high in protein, packed with veggies and fiber, gluten-free, and dairy-free! Use it as taco meat, to stuff the burritos, or add it to casseroles or pasta. Or, simply serve corn tortillas or rice on the side.
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23
Shrimp and creamed corn is the perfect summer dish, showcasing fresh seasonal produce and a flavor-packed, spicy, and creamy feta cheese sauce. Inspired by Mexican street corn, this 30-minute, one-pan meal is easy, delicious, and bursting with flavor.
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25
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa is a colorful and vibrant weeknight dinner packed with protein, fruits, and a ton of flavor! It's great for meal prep, lunch, or just a simple meal to make for your family and friends. This delicious meal takes only about 30 minutes to make!
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26
Want an easy recipe for cooking salmon? Try this cilantro lime honey garlic salmon baked in foil. Healthy, gluten free recipe that takes only 30 minutes from start to finish .
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27
If you love Mexican food or Southwestern recipes, you'll love this Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole! It makes a perfect weeknight dinner. The casserole is made with gluten-free corn tortillas and lots of veggies.
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28
Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers - stuffed with ground beef, black beans, rice, tomatoes, spiced just right with Mexican spices, topped with grated Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese. Baked in a meatless tomato sauce (right from the jar).
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29
These vegetarian enchiladas are stuffed with black beans, butternut squash, bell pepper, and green chiles, and then topped with red enchilada sauce, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese. It's a budget-friendly meal that uses a lot of pantry staples and is great for cleaning out your fridge as you can use a wide variety of veggies. This Mexican-style dinner can be easily made ahead, is freezer-friendly, and is great for meal prep!
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30
30-Minute Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Peach Salsa is not only a healthy dinner but also a great way to take advantage of the Summer's produce! This family-friendly recipe combines sweet and savory flavors of fresh yellow peaches, cilantro, lime juice, and skinless boneless chicken breasts.
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31
This set-it-and-forget-it Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken turns two pounds of chicken into juicy, tender shreds, simmered with salsa verde, cumin, oregano, onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime. It's an ideal filling for tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, and easy meal prep. Just 10 minutes of prep!
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32
These creamy, saucy steak enchiladas come together in just 30 minutes, all in one skillet! Thinly sliced steak is perfectly seasoned with chili powder and cumin, while the red enchilada sauce combines white beans, sautéed onion, garlic, and green chiles. Rolled tortillas are drenched in the flavorful sauce and topped with gooey, melted pepper jack cheese. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that will become a family favorite!
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33
Queso Chicken Bake - chicken spiced up with Southwestern spices and smothered with chopped tomatoes, green chiles, Queso sauce, topped with Cheddar (or Monterey Jack) cheese on top. Mexican, Tex-Mex, Southwestern style recipe.
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4) Tacos
34
These easy Shrimp Tacos come together in 30 minutes using charred corn tortillas, spicy shrimp, and fresh toppings-crisp cabbage, avocado, cilantro, feta, and jalapeño. Drizzle with the best shrimp taco sauce made from scratch with Greek yogurt, mayo, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime.
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35
Allow me to introduce you to the simplest yet most delicious steak tacos that I've been making for my family for the last 2 months! Here is the recipe in a nutshell: Simply fill the lightly charred corn tortillas with thinly sliced, pan-seared flank steak, then top with zesty mango salsa and spicy cilantro crema. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious dinner perfect for busy weekdays or special gatherings.
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36
Salmon Tacos with Mango Peach Salsa is the perfect Summer weeknight dinner inspired by tropical flavors! It's delicious, healthy, and so simple to make! Topped with creamy and spicy homemade sauce and served on warm and lightly charred flour or corn tortillas.
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37
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa are the best tacos you can make in the Summer and year-round. The tacos are served with homemade cilantro-lime crema in toasted corn tortillas. Make this easy 30-minute dinner for your family and friends to impress them! Use fresh peaches in the Summer and canned peaches in the Winter!
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5) Fajita Recipes
38
These vibrant Shrimp Fajita Bowls are packed with flavor and colors! The recipe features pan-seared shrimp (with traditional Mexican spices), bell peppers, red onions, black beans, corn, and rice. It's a quick and easy dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it as is or topped with salsa, guacamole, sliced avocado, or pico de Gallo!
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39
Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake with Bell Peppers - gluten free, Mexican-style recipe. Fajita-style chicken breasts seasoned with the Mexican spices, topped with bell peppers and pepper jack cheese, and roasted in the oven. Easy dinner recipe!
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40
Shrimp fajitas are my go-to recipe for when I am short on time and need to whip up something quick yet delicious for my family. This 30-minute one-pan weeknight meal features fresh shrimp, tri-colored bell peppers, red onions, lime juice, cilantro, and simple fajita seasoning (made from scratch). It's packed with vegetables, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, low-carb, rich in protein and fiber, and Pescatarian.
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41
Fajita Chicken Bake is a family-friendly weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes and requires only one pan! Classic chicken fajita ingredients (such as bell peppers and green chiles) are baked in cheesy goodness with pepper-jack cheese. As an added bonus, this Mexican-style recipe is low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.
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42
Mexican-inspired Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers (fajita-style) is a vibrant and flavorful meal that comes together fast, in just 30 minutes! It's like shrimp fajitas but with pasta, lots of veggies, and spices! Everything is made from scratch (including simple fajita seasoning).
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6) Mexican Desserts
43
This classic tres leches cake is a light, airy sponge cake soaked in a rich three-milk mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, then topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This authentic Mexican dessert is easy to make ahead and perfect for parties, summer gatherings, Cinco de Mayo, or holidays!
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44
Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is a rich chocolate version of the classic Mexican dessert. Soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with light chocolate whipped cream, it has an incredibly moist texture and deep chocolate flavor.
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7) Cinco De Mayo Cocktails
45
Snowy White Christmas Margarita Cocktail is a festive holiday version made with tequila, coconut rum, white cranberry juice, fresh lime, and coconut cream. The white color, rosemary sprig, and cranberries make it ideal for Christmas Eve, holiday entertaining, or even New Year's, just like my Christmas mimosa and Sugar Cookie Martini.
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46
This passion fruit margarita is my go-to summer cocktail with a tropical twist on the classic Mexican favorite. I shake up tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and sweet passion fruit purée over ice, then pour it into a glass rimmed with chili salt or tajín for that perfect spicy-sweet combo. I love topping it off with a slice of passion fruit and an edible flower to make it pop. My other favorite is a blood orange margarita!
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47
This Blood Orange Margarita is a bold, citrusy twist on the classic Marg. Bursting with vibrant color and flavor, the fresh blood orange juice adds a sweet-tart kick, which is perfectly balanced by zesty lime, smooth tequila, and a touch of Cointreau. I serve this stunning, sunset-hued cocktail over ice with a salted rim!
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