Find the easiest Cinco de Mayo Menu ideas that everyone will love! Choose from 50+ of the best Cinco de Mayo appetizers, salads, sides, mains and of course, drinks to design your Cinco menu!

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration that everyone can enjoy, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicioso food and drink?

Collage of the Cinco de Mayo menu including tacos, a lime beverage, and a dessert topped with caramel, titled "50 Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes.
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Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. On the lighter side of this holiday, it is also the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite Mexican eats.

We don’t need an excuse to eat our favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired food, am I right? We sure do love a reason for an additional celebration, though!

A vintage bar cart with an arrangement of colorful flowers in a vase, assorted liquor bottles, fresh limes, and a Cinco de Mayo menu, set against a white wall.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is actually not a celebration of Mexican Independence, contrary to what many Americans belive. This holiday commemorates the victory of Mexico over France in 1862.

Even more interesting, it’s not a widely celebrated holiday in Mexico… it’s just something that we like to celebrate here in the U.S.

Cinco de Mayo has endured here, becoming a cultural celebration of all the things we love about Mexico. Let’s celebrate together!

Put together a fabulous menu of the best Mexican-inspired dip recipes, tacos, side dishes and of course, cocktails. There’s something for everyone in this comprehensive recipe collection, whether you’re entertaining friends or just spending a fun night at home!

Plate of tacos with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro, served with sliced radishes, cucumbers, and lime wedges on a white surface for a Cinco de Mayo menu

50 Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes

We enjoy Mexican-inspired flavor all year long! After all, these are some of the easiest, most flavorful recipes around.

This list of Mexican-inspired recipes is organized by category: Cinco de Mayo appetizers, mains, Cinco de Mayo drinks and even a few desserts. You’ll simply click the name of one you’re interested in and head directly to that specific printable recipe post!

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers

Guacamole

Guacamole is fun, flavorful, and oh-so-festive for entertaining! These are so easy to make, but the best part? You can customize these recipes to your taste and preference, and they are always crowd pleasers!

Salsa Recipes

Salsa is a bright and colorful addition to your menu! Pair with chips for a fresh and flavorful crunch or as a topping for tacos and more. It’s the perfect party food!

Mexican-Inspired Dips

Queso is my guilty pleasure. I cannot resist this easy, creamy, and flavorful dip – and I’d bet neither can you! Or, make a classic bean dip or seven layer dip.

Mini Tacos

These have become on of my most popular appetizer recipes, and I think it’s because they are so easy to customize and serve. Everything is cuter and more fun in a miniature size, tacos included!

Mini Tacos

Mini tacos are such a fun and festive party food! They are easy to customize and easy to eat in multiples – because who doesn’t love a miniature version of their favorite food? Make these mini chicken tacos or mini beef tacos and put some serious fun back into your next gathering! Read More

30 mins

Salads and Sides

Corn Sides

Corn is bursting with sweet and salty summer flavor! It’s an explosion in your mouth and it serves beautifully with so many of your favorite Mexican recipes.

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

This cilantro lime dressing is the perfect dressing for taco Tuesday. It is made with fresh cilantro, olive oil, and jalapeno and easily blended in the food processor.

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Give your salad a kick with this easy and delicious Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette recipe! This Cilantro Lime Dressing is the perfect Southwest Taco Salad Dressing. It is made with fresh cilantro, olive oil, and jalapeno and easily blended in the food processor.  Read More

5 mins

More Tex Mex Sides

From a fiesta pasta salad to a classic fruit salad, we’ve got a variety of sides that are great for a fiesta.

Entrees (Tacos, Enchiladas and More)

Set up a Taco Bar

We’ve got the best ideas for a self-serve taco bar with all the best toppings! There’s even a guide to help you find the Best Cheeses for Tacos.

Taco Toppings

Set up a taco bar for a fun and festive dinner, Cinco de Mayo or brunch with tortillas and the best taco toppings! Read More

30 mins

Taco Recipes

Tacos are always a great option and no one ever turns them down! Every bite will be full of flavor, and they are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.

Walking Tacos

A classic for any season, and any reason!

Walking Tacos Recipe

Get our favorite walking taco recipe to make the best party food! Learn how to create walking tacos for a fun weeknight dinner, or entertaining family and friends. Read More

10 mins

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a favorite in our home. One bite and you’ll see why! They are easy to make, requiring just 15 minutes of hands on time and are loved by all – big and small. We’ve got full recipes, or a delicious homemade enchilada sauce you can use anywhere!

Nachos and Taco Salads

These dishes are hearty enough to hold their own as a main entrée but can also be served as a satisfying side for your parties!

More Tex Mex Inspired Entreés

Packed full of zesty flavors, these ideas are sure to be crowd pleasers! I think you’re going to love them for a fun spin on classic favorites.

Drinks

Margaritas

More Fiesta Cocktails

Self-Serve Bar Ideas

Serve a crowd with one of these fun ideas! Guests can mix their own cocktails and enjoy themselves with less stress for you.

Desserts

Try one of the options listed below, or choose a classic like churros or tres leches cake!

Waffle Tacos

We’ve made this recipe in both savory and sweet formats, and I think you’re going to love them for a taco night dessert!

Waffle Tacos

Looking for a fun and festive new dinner idea? Try waffle tacos, for a surefire success that will please the kids and adults alike! Made in just minutes, this is the quickest dinner and one that’s as fun to make as it is to serve.  Read More

15 mins

Lime Everything

Lime serves beautifully with Mexican flavors. Make cookies, or create a cocktail that is more of a dessert!

Lime Popsicle Margaritas

Make a poptail for the best drink and dessert combination!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good snack for Cinco de Mayo?

Make nachos, mini tacos, or your favorite dips for Cinco de Mayo snacks!

How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home?

Decorate your home with papel picado garlands, add fresh flowers, and make delicious food and drinks! A fabulous playlist doesn’t hurt, either.

What are the most popular foods in Mexico?

The foods that we enjoy here in the U.S. (and in our home) tend to be more Tex-Mex combinations. Some of the most popular foods in Mexico are mole, elote, chilaquiles, machaca, and huevos rancheros.

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