Cinco de Mayo is almost here, and I’ve gathered 22 of my most loved recipes to make the day absolutely unforgettable. I’m talking sizzling carne asada, saucy birria tacos, creamy elote, and so much more. It’s your go-to list for a fiesta that tastes as good as it feels.
1. Mexican Slaw with Cilantro and Lime
No matter what you’re putting on the table, tacos, fajitas, carne asada, this slaw needs to be there too. It’s a spicy vegan slaw that’s cool and crunchy in all the right ways. Ready in just 15 minutes, it brings a zippy,
2. Mexican Street Corn Dip
Stop scrolling, because this Mexican street corn dip is the ultimate Cinco de Mayo appetizer. One look at that gorgeous bowl and you know it’s party ready.
It’s a glorious swirl of cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, corn, and spices, crowned with grilled corn, a drizzle of spicy mayo butter, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija. It’s pure fiesta in every scoop.
3. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican street corn is a total favorite for a reason: it’s sweet and creamy with a zesty kick of spice that just works. But eating it straight off the cob can turn into a delicious mess real quick.
That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this salad version. You get all the same incredible flavor without a single awkward face smear, and it fits right in on any holiday table.
4. Mexican Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas are the beloved hand pies found all over Latin America, and the name actually comes from “empanar,” which means to bread in Spanish. There are endless filling possibilities, but this one’s my holiday favorite: flaky pastry wrapped around chicken and black beans that are smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese. Every bite is a little pocket of joy.
5. Flautas de Pollo
Flautas de pollo are like rolled tacos that you stuff with a savory chicken filling and then deep-fry until golden and crunchy. Think Mexican spring roll, if you will.
They’re great finger food to serve up as an appetizer. Although, you can easily turn them into a meal too.
6. Shrimp Tacos with the Best Shrimp Taco Sauce
Whether it’s Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or just a random weeknight, you won’t be able to get enough of these shrimp tacos. Plump shrimp get a spicy garlic rub, and the toppings are an absolute dream: shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija, and diced avocado. Everything about this is crisp and creamy, and so fresh.
7. Authentic Carne Asada
It’s not a fiesta without carne asada on the grill! This dish is part of Mexican culture, and it's probably one of the best beef dishes you'll ever make. And every carnivore can tell the difference between authentic and mediocre.
8. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a classic I turn to again and again, and this version delivers the heartiest, most satisfying filling of tender chicken and black beans. Then comes a generous blanket of from-scratch enchilada sauce and a layer of melty cheese that pulls everything together. That first cheesy, saucy bite is pure comfort on a plate.
9. Creamy Jalapeño Corn Casserole
This shareable side calls for only seven simple ingredients, which I absolutely love. You start by melting together cheese, cream, and butter in a pan, then stir in canned corn and jalapeños.
Pop it in the oven with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top, and that’s it. It’s so effortless.
10. Birria Tacos
I’m kicking things off with birria tacos, and honestly, you’re going to fall hard for these. Birria is a Mexican stew that cooks low and slow until the meat is so tender it almost dissolves on your tongue. While it was originally made with goat, these days it’s most often made with beef, and every bite is pure, rich comfort.
11. One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet
Forget the tortillas and turn your taco into a dip worth sharing! This flavorsome skillet is solely about the fillings.
Hot stringy cheese, savory ground beef, green chilis, and veggies, in case you’re wondering. And I know you are because I see that chip in your hand ready to dip!
12. Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Throwing a Cinco de Mayo bash at home? You absolutely need this authentic elote on the menu.
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is one of the most iconic street foods around. Grilled corn gets smothered in a glorious mix of mayo, Mexican crema, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a spritz of lime. It’s simple and stunning, and so good.
13. Mango Salsa
Believe me when I say, this is the best salsa I’ve ever had. The combination of sweet, spicy, and zesty is out of this world!
Spoon it over tacos or pair it with carnitas. Of course, you can never go wrong serving it with chips.
14. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Give your oven the starring role and celebrate with these effortless sheet pan fajitas. All you do is slice a few veggies, toss everything with fajita seasoning, and spread it on a pan.
While it sizzles and roasts, you can relax and chat with your guests. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and sour cream, and you’re golden.
15. Sopa de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Soup)
I almost don’t have the words for how exceptional this Mexican shrimp soup is, but I’ll try. It’s light yet bold, succulent and savory, with a fresh, zesty lift and just the right level of spice. A whole pound of shrimp swims in a guajillo chile broth with root vegetables, so every bowl is wonderfully filling.
16. Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
If you’re not making carne asada, then you need to make carnitas. This Mexican pulled pork is slowly cooked with garlic, jalapeños, and citrus until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Then you pan fry or broil it for a crispy texture.
17. Best Ground Beef Tacos
Get your taco bar buzzing with these totally tantalizing ground beef tacos. Trust me, frying your own shells is the secret: they’re so much crunchier and sturdier than the store-bought ones that always crack. Stuff them full of juicy ground beef that’s been simmered in a tomatoey spice blend until it’s bursting with flavor.
18. Baked Chicken Tacos
Feeding a hungry bunch? These baked chicken tacos are the answer.
A single casserole dish gives you about ten tacos, so just grab a few disposable pans and scale up as much as you need. Every crispy corn shell is packed to the brim with taco-seasoned chicken, refried beans, green chilies, and Mexican cheese. So easy and totally delicious for a crowd.
19. Skillet Turkey Fajitas
These turkey fajitas need only five ingredients, which makes them a smart pick when you want to keep things light and healthy, even on a holiday. In one skillet, you’ll sizzle lean turkey with colorful bell peppers and onion.
Tuck it all into warm flour tortillas and finish with a squeeze of lime. They’re delicious and totally doable.
20. Cinco de Mayo Taco Salad
Have you ever been to a dinner party and realized at the end nobody touched the salad? That won’t be the case with this festive dish. It comes with fresh layers of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cheese on top of crisp lettuce.
21. Easy Tostada
Tostadas are my go-to for a fun, crowd-pleasing party dish, whether I’m serving them as a snack or a full meal. They come together with almost zero effort, and you can pile those crunchy corn tortillas sky-high with refried beans, ground beef, lettuce, avocado, salsa, and cheese. It’s so simple to make them vegan or vegetarian if you want, and this particular recipe makes me smile because it echoes the vivid colors of the Mexican flag.
22. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
I have a small obsession with poblanos, so chile rellenos rank high on my list of favorites. But let’s be honest, breading and frying can be a little fussy and time-consuming.
That’s why I skip it and make these savory stuffed poblanos instead. The tender, smoky peppers ooze with a bold chicken and cheddar filling, and there’s no tricky breading required.