Are you looking for the Best Cinco de Mayo Recipes to celebrate with on May 5? The following collection of recipes includes the best food ideas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. In addition, this following collection includes appetizers, side dishes, main courses, desserts, drinks, and more. Enjoy and eat well!
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo (literally translated as the “Fifth of May”) is a holiday in Mexico that is also referred to as Battle of Puebla Day. Furthermore, it’s a celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Cinco de Mayo represents a historic victory of the indigenous Mexican people over European invaders. In addition, it 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. Finally, Mexican culture includes food, music, community, and more, which was the inspiration behind this collection of recipes.
A Collection of the Best Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Dip
This popular dip/dressing is a great dip for chips or a flavorful dressing on a salad or burrito bowl. Furthermore, this is a zesty dip for any gathering, including a Cinco de Mayo party!
Boudro’s Famous Tableside Guacamole
Boudro’s is a Mexican restaurant on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, and it has some of the BEST Guacamole. This Guacamole recipe is one of the best recipes to make for Cinco de Mayo.
Torchy’s Queso
Are you a lover of Torchy’s Queso like the rest of us? If so, check out the Urban Cowgirl’s take on Torchy’s Queso. This queso is creamy, packed with flavor, and will become a go-to appetizer for any gathering.
7-Layer Dip
7 Layer Dip is one of the best party appetizers for your Cinco de Mayo party! It’s filled with seven layers of delicious ingredients that are perfect for any occasion.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Are you looking for an easy and tasty recipe to feed a crowd? Look no further than these Sheet Pan Nachos. These are perfect to serve for your Cinco de Mayo festivities.
Ground Bison Tacos
Ground Bison Tacos are easy to make, flavorful, and the ultimate main course to make for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Lean, Seasoned Ground Bison pairs with Sourdough Starter Tortillas, your favorite taco toppings, and a squirt of hot sauce to create the ultimate bite. Set this up as a taco bar for a Cinco de Mayo party, and let everyone create their own tasty tacos.
Carne Asada
Juicy and tender Carne Asada with perfectly charred edges is flavorful, delicious, and so easy to make. Cook this Mexican steak in under 15 minutes.
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
These juicy, shredded Carnitas flavored with fresh squeezed citrus juice and simple seasonings seriously have the best flavor. Serve these Carnitas over warm tortillas, over rice, or on top of chips for nachos.
AIP Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa
AIP Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa is a perfectly tender dish that can be used in a variety of ways. Place this tender beef in tortillas, on top of chips, or on top of fried plantains for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Ceviche
Easy Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón) is bursting with flavor and perfectly refreshing. Serve it as a chip dip or as a main entree over crispy tostada shells or rice.
Shrimp Campechana
Shrimp Campechana is a Mexican seafood cocktail with shrimp, zesty cocktail sauce, cilantro, onions, and avocados. This is the perfect way to start your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Taco Salad
This healthy Taco Salad recipe is everything you love about taco night, transformed into a wholesome package you can feel great devouring for nutritious lunches and dinners.
Pozole Verde
A delicious Pozole recipe, called Pozole Verde– a green Mexican stew made with tomatillos, green chilies, chicken, and hominy, topped with cilantro, avocado, and red onions. This is the perfect soup to serve for any celebration, but especially for Cinco de Mayo.
Baked Chile Rellanos with Chorizo
Baked Chiles Rellenos are a healthier version of the traditional deep-fried Chile Rellanos. Furthermore, these are an easy way to enjoy Mexican stuffed peppers and are a delicious main course for any occasion.
Vasos de Fruta (Mexican Fruit Cups)
Mexican Fruit Cups are versatile, easy to make, and refreshing. Furthermore, it is an amazing way to enjoy fresh fruits with more flavor and a delicious tangy zing!
Nopales (Cactus Puddles)
If you’ve never cooked Nopales before, you’re in for a treat. This vegetable staple of Mexican cuisine is full of vitamins and can be used in various recipes. Furthermore, they’re a cross between Okra and Asparagus in taste and texture. Finally, this side dish will become a new and delicious way to incorporate a tasty and unique vegetable.
Grilled Elote Style Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower Elote is a grilled side that takes inspiration from the classic Mexican street corn dish to a whole different level. This recipe is also a vegetarian-friendly main dish.
Easy Charro Beans
Mexican Charro Beans are incredibly flavorful and tender! Furthermore, Pinto Beans are simmered with savory bacon and smoky chorizo in a robust broth flavored with onion, garlic, chilis, tomatoes, and spices. You can make these zesty “cowboy beans” with dried or canned pinto beans and serve them as a main dish or side dish!
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice is a fresh, bright, and vibrant side dish that will add extra flavor to any meal you serve with. The best part? This is a quick and easy, one-pot recipe that simmers on the stove while you are busy doing other things in the kitchen. Serve this alongside Carne Asada for the perfect Cinco de Mayo main course.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is one of the Best Cinco de Mayo recipes. Fresh, bright, lightly creamy, and spicy, and it’s easy to make.
Sourdough Starter Tortillas
Are you looking for a twist on the classic tortilla? Sourdough Starter Tortillas are easy to make, delicious, and tender. Made with 6 simple ingredients, these tortillas will take your celebrations to a whole new level.
Corn Tortillas
Freshly made Corn Tortillas are such a treat. Furthermore, these are crispy on the exterior and tender on the interior. Finally, these make the perfect vessel for tacos and more!
Vegan Churros
Hands down, these are the best BEST ever Churros made with simple ingredients. Crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, they take less than 20 minutes to make! Finally, these are the ultimate Cinco de Mayo dessert to serve at any party.
Arroz con Leche
This delicious Mexican dessert is simple to make and a classic rice pudding recipe. If you love cinnamon and pudding, you won’t be able to resist this yummy treat.
Churro Donuts
Churro Donuts are a twist on a traditional, Mexican Churro. These donuts are made with Active Sourdough Starter to create a tender, flaky, and pillowy-soft texture. Furthermore, the exterior of the donuts is dusted with a cinnamon sugar mixture to give them that traditional Churro taste.
No-Bake Margarita Bars
These No-Bake Margarita Bars are so creamy and citrusy with a salted crust, absolutely perfect for spring and summer! These No-Bake Margarita Bars are vegan and paleo, too, making them a light but totally satisfying healthy dessert.
The Best Mangonada Recipe
A Mangonada is a vibrant and delicious drink made with juicy mangoes, chamoy, and chile-lime seasoning. Furthermore, it’s the perfect balance between sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and umami.
Frozen Prickly Pear Margarita
Frozen Prickly Pear Margaritas are made with fresh prickly pear, lime juice, Cointreau, and Tequila. Furthermore, it is refreshing, slightly sweet, and a beautiful bright pink color, and is a festive drink for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
Jalapeño Spicy Margaritas are for when you’re feeling a little feisty. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a sassy slice of jalapeño, this kicked-up version of a classic margarita will transport you to the most festive settings.
The Mexican Mojito
Finally, the Mexican Mojito swaps in smooth Tequila for the traditional rum in this not-quite-classic cocktail that’s made with muddled lime, mint, and sugar. This is perhaps the best mojito ever.