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?
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!
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!
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!
Recipes
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.
Salads Dressings & Soups
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.
Cinco de Mayo
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!
Dinner & Lunch
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!
Breakfast & Brunch
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!
Drinks
Poptails (Lime Popsicle Margaritas)
Add poptails to your list of must-try summer cocktails. These lime popsicle margaritas are a fresh, zesty and delicious way to stay cool by the pool! Read More
5 mins
Frequently Asked Questions
Make nachos, mini tacos, or your favorite dips for Cinco de Mayo snacks!
Decorate your home with papel picado garlands, add fresh flowers, and make delicious food and drinks! A fabulous playlist doesn’t hurt, either.
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.
Awesome sauce!!!