A collection of the BEST Cinco de Mayo recipes to kick off your fiesta!
Cinco de Mayo is almost here and we’ve got you covered! Growing up in San Diego, I feel like I’ve lived off Mexican food for the better part of my life and honestly I can’t complain! (The Mexican food here is SO GOOD!) And we’ll take any excuse to get some! So Cinco de Mayo tends to be a big deal around here…food-wise anyways!😉
Here you’ll find a list of our favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes including appetizers, tacos, tostadas, cheesy skillets and salads! They’re all incredibly flavorful, easy to make for a crowd and full of Mexican flare! I hope you enjoy these Cinco de Mayo dishes!
(Note: Not all of these dishes are authentic. Some were inspired by traditionally made dishes but were slightly altered using ingredients we had readily available to us.)
The Best Cinco De Mayo Appetizers
1. Black Bean Corn & Avocado Salsa
Full of fresh veggies, avocado, lots of Mexican herbs & spices & lime juice! This Black Bean Corn & Avocado Salsa is simple yet flavorful & perfect for parties!
2. Mexican Street Corn Dip
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is my go-to appetizer for Cinco de Mayo parties! It’s a slightly lightened up version of tradtional Mexican street corn but still has all the same flavors! Serve it warm with your favorite tortilla chips & enjoy!
3. Easy Taco Cups
These Easy Taco Cups went viral when I first posted them to my social media account & for a good reason! They’re so simple, loaded with flavor & such a fun handheld appetizer for any occastion!
4. Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Dip
Looking for a make-ahead appetizer? This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Dip is it! It’s a lightened up version featuring greek yogurt, shredded chicken, sweet corn, chiles, lots of Mexican spices & cheese!
5. Chile Lime Shrimp & Guacamole Bites
A 3-ingredient appetizer you need for your Cinco de Mayo party! These Chile Lime Shrimp & Guacamole Bites are so simple & delicious! They’re the perfect one-bite appetizer!
The Best Cinco De Mayo Tacos & Tostadas
6. Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce
Crispy tacos will always have my heart & these Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos are a MUST-MAKE for Cinco de Mayo! Loaded with citrus & garlic marinaded chicken, lots of cheese & cilantro then baked until perfectly golden! Serve them with my avocado cilantro lime sauce flavor experience!
7. Crispy Shrimp & Poblano Tacos
Our version of “tacos gobernador”! These Crispy Shrimp & Poblano Tacos feature chile & garlic seasoned shrimp & lots of Monterry jack cheese stuffed inside corn tortillas then baked until cripsy & melty!
8. Crispy Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos
Look NO FURTHER when it comes to beef tacos – these Crispy Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos are the best! Chipotle seasoned beef roast is slow cooked until tender then shredded & stuffed inside corn tortillas with cheese & baked until crispy! Or just make a batch of the shredded beef & eat it how you like! It’s so good!
9. Ground Pork Al Pastor Tacos with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
A slightly easier version of traditional Al Pastor Tacos! These Ground Pork Al Pastor Tacos feature chipotle seasoned ground pork cooked with lots of spices & lime juice then stuffed inside charred corn tortillas with mashed avocado & a fresh pineapple salsa!
10. Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema
Can’t get enough shrimp tacos? Then you have to try these easy Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos! Featuring simply seasoned smokey-lime shrimp & a cilantro lime “coleslaw” all stuffed inside corn tortillas & drizzled with a tangy 3-ingredient chipotle lime crema! (Highly suggest adding avocado!)
11. Spicy Chicken Tostadas with Black Beans & Avocado Cilantro Sauce
Switch up your taco night with these Spicy Chicken Tostadas! Crispy tostada shells are layered with zesty avocado sauce, spicy shredded chicken, black beans & your favorite toppings! They’re an easy meal your whole family will love!
The Best Cinco De Mayo Main Dishes
12. The Best Shrimp Ceviche
The epitome of fresh Mexican food! This Shrimp Ceviche is loaded with fresh veggies & couldn’t be easier to make! Serve with with your favorite tortilla chips or pile it high over a crunchy tostada shell layered with avocado!
13. Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet
A ONE PAN Mexican-inspired meal that won’t dissappoint! Ground turkey & black beans are sauteed with lots of chiles & Mexican spices then topped with cheese & baked until melty! This Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet is a hearty meal you’re going to love!
14. Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad
I like call this a “ceviche-style” salad! It’s very similar to traditional ceviche but done in half the time! Spicy seasoned shrimp are cooked & chopped into bite-size pieces then mixed with fresh mango, avocado & veggies & tossed with lots of lime! Serve your Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad with tortilla chips and enjoy!
15. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
No tortilla? No problem! These Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes feature zesty taco seasoned ground beef stuffed inside tender roasted sweet potatoes & topped with all your favorite taco toppings! They’re meaty, full of bold flavors & a fun way to switch up your taco night!
16. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
A healthy alternative to traditional enchiladas! These Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats taste just like the real deal – just stuffed inside nutrient dense zucchini! They’re cheesy, satisfying & full of flavor!
17. Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad
Another “ceviche-style” salad! This Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad was inspired by the popular Mexican shrimp cocktail dish “coctel de camaron”! It features your favorite chunky salsa, fresh cucumbers, avocado & of course lots of shrimp!
Non-Traditional Dishes
18. Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
Your favorite Mexican street corn turned into a tasty salad! This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is loaded with fresh sweet corn, creamy avocado, cotija cheese & tossed in a creamy zesty cilantro lime dressing! Top it with crushed tortilla chips and your favorite protein for a complete meal!
19. Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Bright, zesty & a flavor BOMB of delicious! These Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings can be made in the air fryer or oven & they’re so easy!
20. Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Not your average pasta salad! This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad has been a reader favorite for years! It’s zesty, full of bold flavors & is such a great idea for a fun Cinco de Mayo potluck!
Let me know which of these Cinco de Mayo recipes you’re cooking up!😊
