Easy Mexican Recipes • a Cinco de Mayo Menu! (2024)

Welcome to our collection of Mexican and Mexican inspired recipes, just in time for Cinco de Mayo! This holiday is celebrated on May 5th and commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s a significant date in Mexican history, Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico as a national holiday. But it’s become a popular celebration of Mexican culture and heritage here in the United States, and a great excuse to throw your first barbecue of the season with some delicious south of the border inspired food.

This collection includes authentic Mexican recipes, as well as some creative twists on traditional favorites. From savory tacos and enchiladas to refreshing margaritas and desserts, we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.

Whether you’re looking to host a fiesta with friends and family, or just looking for some delicious Mexican food, our collection of recipes will inspire you. So grab some tortillas, chop up some fresh cilantro, and get ready to enjoy the bold vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine!

Cream of Jalapeño Soup

Refreshing soups are a Mexican specialty ~ start off your feast with this unique creamy jalapeño soup, or try one of these:

• Fire Roasted Gazpacho (Black Gazpacho)
• Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
• Easy Tomato Gazpacho Recipe

Cheesy Queso Dip

Simple, creamy, and delicious hot dip scooped up with your own homemade tortillas (keep scrolling!)

Salsa!

Every Cinco de Mayo feast has to include salsa, and plenty of it! A few of my faves:

• Mango Salsa
• Better Than Restaurant Salsa
• Pineapple Salsa
• Fire Roasted Salsa Negra (black salsa)
• Sweet Corn and Hatch Chile Salsa

Homemade Corn Tortillas

These super easy 2 ingredient homemade tortillas will be the backbone of any Mexican meal. The flavor is out of this world.

Red Enchilada Sauce

Once you make homemade enchilada sauce you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again. It turns classic enchiladas into a gourmet experience.

Instant Pot Barbacoa Recipe

Authentic barbacoa is made by burying the beef in a pit lined with maguey (agave) leaves and cooking it slowly over hot coals. We think the Instant Pot is a natural shortcut to one of the great Mexican recipes.

Mexican Short Rib Tacos

While short ribs are not a traditional Mexican taco filling, this extra luxe take on tacos is always a hit.

Shrimp Taco Salad

Everything you love about a shrimp taco piled into a fresh salad bowl. I give you a recipe for homemade taco seasoning, too.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This salad has everything the famous Mexican street corn has, except the stick! This is a must make for Cinco de Mayo.

Sweet Corn and Watermelon Salad

Not traditional Mexican, but definitely in the spirit!

Cantaloupe and Mango Salad

This vibrant salad takes its cue from the refreshing fruit carts that dot the streets of Mexico.

agua fresca

In this era of flavored waters healthy and colorful Mexican agua fresca is the OG.

Mexican Chocolate Cake with Berries

A rich dense chocolate cake with a hint of spice.

Cinco de Mayo Popsicles

Strawberry, coconut and lime make up the colors of the Mexican flag in these fun popsicles.