Here are the tastiest Mexican recipes for Cinco De Mayo! From every taco recipe you can imagine to the best guacamole, zesty salsas, and a few ice-cold margaritas, this list has everything you need for your next Mexican fiesta.
Why You’ll Love These Cinco De Mayo Recipes
As a Southern California native and Mexican food fanatic, Cinco de Mayo is by far my favorite foodie holiday. But interestingly enough, Cinco de Mayo is not actually Mexican Independence Day (as some believe). Instead, it commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. And while it’s not widely celebrated in Mexico, it has become a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture here in the U.S. I personally love this holiday, and think there’s no better way to honor it than with incredible Mexican recipes. Here’s what you’ll find in my list:
- Delicious Mexican appetizers. These are great ways to start a party and you’ll get all the classics, like guacamole, salsa, black bean dip, and more!
- Foolproof meats and seafood. Whether you’re making carnitas, carne asada, barbacoa, or grilling up some chicken thighs, it’s all about the right seasonings and marinades.
- Drinks and cocktails with a spin. While a classic margarita is often the go-to, let’s not forget about alcohol-free drinks like horchata or agua fresca that are equally refreshing!
Best Mexican Recipes For Dinner
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This tried-and-true recipe will have people coming back for seconds thanks to my easy and fresh carne asada marinade that’s reminiscent of my travels to Mexico!
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2
If you’re a pork lover like me, this slow cooker recipe cooks up the most juicy, tender carnitas. I also like to pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get those crispy edges we all love!
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3
This rich, spicy, and stewy slow-cooked beef has become a huge fan favorite. I especially love making cheesy quesabirria tacos with the shredded beef. My mom always requests it!
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4
So many community members have made this recipe without fail. It’s perfectly tender, juicy, flavorful, and perfect for building tacos, bowls, and salads.
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5
Cilantro lime flavors are my jam, and this marinade is the tastiest blend of fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, garlic, bold spices, and a touch of honey. Then, all you need to do is sear and bake the chicken until juicy and golden.
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6
If you’re craving a taste of Chipotle at home, this is the ultimate copycat recipe! It’s bold and smoky, extra juicy, and charred to perfection. Chop it up and make your favorite Chipotle bowl, burrito, taco, and more.
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8
You won’t believe how flavorful this black bean soup is! It’s layered with spiced, savory flavors, and I love my bowl topped with diced red onion, cilantro, and creamy avocado.
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The Best Taco Recipes
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You can never go wrong with carne asada tacos! Just dice up your steak into small pieces and top your tacos with guacamole, cilantro, onions, and cotija cheese for the final touch.
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10
Tacos made with meltingly tender pork, cilantro, chopped red onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice are my absolute favorite.
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11
Oh boy, are these tacos mouthwatering! They’re like mini quesadillas with melty Oaxacan cheese, shredded birria, onions, and cilantro. Then, you’ll dip them in a rich and spiced consommé.
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13
The best way to enjoy barbacoa tacos is simple—add diced red onions, freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice! But feel free to add more toppings that I’ll lise below.
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Easy Fajita Recipes
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15
If you love shrimp, then you’ll instantly fall in love with shrimp fajitas. It cooks fairly quickly, and the flavors are unbeatable.
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16
The marinade on this grilled flank steak is incredibly delicious! And when it’s tossed with fajita veggies, it’s the ultimate summer steak dinner.
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17
This is the ultimate Chipotle copycat! I love adding these veggies to tacos, bowls, salads, or wherever you want a side of seared Mexican veggies.
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Mexican Sides and Appetizers To Complete Your Meal
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I’m not lying when I say this is the best guacamole recipe you’ll ever have. It’s perfectly creamy, chunky, and full of the freshest ingredients.
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19
The classic chunky salsa is an essential topping for almost all my Mexican meals! It adds the perfect crunchy, refreshing bite.
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20
These loaded nachos disappear so fast every time I make them! It’s topped with all the good stuff like seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onion, avocado, jalapenos, and more. And there’s plenty of room for customization.
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21
I love making this ceviche for an amazing summer appetizer. It’s so easy to chop everything up and let it marinate. Just make sure to buy good quality fish—it’s the star ingredient!
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22
I love a salsa and chips starter, and this recipe mimcs the ones I love at Mexican restaurants. But…I’d say this tastes even better!
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24
This black bean dip is almost like my black bean soup, but in a chunky, creamy dip form! It really is a wonderful appetizer everyone will love.
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25
Come mango season, this fruit-forward salsa is a given. It’s sweet and fresh with a little kick, and will complement any Mexican seafood dish, especially fish tacos!
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26
Made with chipotles in adobo sauce, it’s creamy, smoky, and perfect for adding a little heat to your meals.
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27
A refreshing, zesty sauce that’s perfectly creamy and tangy. This is my favorite for dolloping onto tacos!
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29
You can never go wrong with a side of Mexican rice! It’s rich with tomato flavors and perfect for assembling plates with black beans and grilled meats.
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30
If you prefer a rice that’s a bit lighter, this cilantro lime rice is my go-to! It’s so refreshing and tastes just like the one from Chipotle.
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Refreshing Mexican Drinks
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When in doubt, make this classic margarita for your next taco night! It’s the perfect refreshing cocktail for tequila lovers.
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32
When mangoes are fresh and juicy you have to give this mango margarita a try! It’s naturally sweet and perfect for sipping outside with a spread of Mexican food.
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33
This frozen strawberry margarita is always a fan favorite, especially during the summer. Plus, I love how easy it is to make. Just toss everything into a blender to make multiple servings in a pinch!
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34
This creamy, cinnamon rice drink is my favorite! It’s so refreshing and perfectly sweet. Kids also love this one!
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35
This is the best way to make use of summer fruits! Just add everything to a blender for the most refreshing fruit juice. Watermelon is my personal favorite.
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I hope you, your friends, and your family enjoy these delicious Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo or anytime the Mexican cravings hit! If you make any of these recipes, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment box below.
Recipe roundup originally posted April 2020, but updated with new recipes.