18 Easy and Delicious Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Modified: May 4, 2026 · Published: Apr 29, 2019 by Tania · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and I’ve got the best recipes for you! Host a great party this weekend with 18 of my BEST Cinco de Mayo recipes!

You’ll find anything from fun appetizers, to flavor-packed tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls, and easy sides to complement your dinner party.

18 easy and delicious cinco de mayo recipes collection

Every Mexican-inspired recipe here has bold flavors and is very easy to prep! These easy cinco de mayo recipes are a must make.

These are delicious crowd-pleasing tacos, fresh salsas and cremas, cheesy dips, and a few mains that feel a little extra but are still weeknight-friendly if you want to add them to your dinner rotation.

And of course, you can’t have a party without guacamole and chips! Let me know which one you like best.

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers

I picked these recipes because they are really, incredibly delicious (especially the carne asada fries below!) but also fun and easy to make.

1

mexican street corn dip

Mexican Street Corn Dip

5 from 1 vote

This creamy and cheesy Mexican street corn dip is perfect for a party or a gathering, or just because! It's got bold flavors, with sweetness, tanginess, and heat. It's a great appetizer!

2

carne asada fries

Carne Asada Fries

5 from 1 vote

These carne asada fries are one of my favorites of all time! Serve as a shareable appetizer or main dish. The steak is marinated, so it's juicy and tender, and the toppings are just so delicious.

3

chili lim shrimp guacamole bites

Chili Lime Shrimp Guacamole Bites

5 from 1 vote

Try these easy chili lime shrimp guacamole bites for your next party! They are bright, zesty, fresh, and packed with so much flavor. This recipe makes about 28 shrimp guacamole bites.

4

simple chunky guacamole in bowl

Easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole

5 from 2 votes

This guacamole is so simple and easy to make! It takes just 5 minutes to make and pairs really well with a variety of dishes.

5

a round bowl with mexican street corn salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

4.91 from 11 votes

This easy, refreshing, and creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect appetizer or side dish. It goes well with any Mexican main dish and is so quick and easy to make!

Tacos and Quesadillas

I have a lot of taco recipes on my site, and these ones are my top picks because of their incredible flavor. Some, like the Barbacoa Tacos and Tacos al Pastor, can be made in the crockpot, but if you want to grill, the Carne Asada Tacos are awesome!

6

shredded barbacoa tacos with toppings

Barbacoa Tacos

5 from 2 votes

These barbacoa beef tacos are super flavorful, juicy, and fall-apart tender. The beef is slow cooked for hours, and it's served on corn tortillas and your favorite toppings.

7

freshly fried chicken taquitos with toppings

Chicken Taquitos

5 from 2 votes

These chicken taquitos are cooked until golden brown, crispy, and crunchy. The filling is made with seasoned shredded chicken and cheese. Serve with you favorite toppings!

8

four carne asada tacos with side of guacamole

Carne Asada Tacos

5 from 2 votes

These are the best carne asada tacos! They are packed with incredibly flavor thanks to the marinade, which also helps to tenderize the meat. Serve with your favorite toppings.

9

Four Tacos with Al Pastor Meat and Diced Pineapple Stacked in a Row

Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

5 from 4 votes

These delicious slow cooker cooker tacos al pastor are tender, flavor-packed, and very easy to make. Made with a homemade al pastor marinade, pork, and fresh pineapples. They are also a great make-ahead dinner option.

10

steak quesadillas stacked on top of each other

Cheesy Steak Quesadillas

No ratings yet

These delicious cheesy steak quesadillas are loaded with tender seasoned steak, lots of cheese, onions and bell peppers! The crust is crispy, golden brown and butter. It's a delicious dinner, appetizer, or game day favorite ready in just 40 minutes!

11

stacked chicken quesadillas

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

5 from 10 votes

These are the best chicken quesadillas! Level it up with flavorful chicken, tender bell peppers and onions, and freshly shredded cheese. Cooked until golden brown and crispy.

12

assembled tacos with salsa on an oval platter

Skirt Steak Tacos with Easy Marinade

5 from 2 votes

These Skirt Steak Tacos are made with an easy citrus marinade, which not only adds lots and lots of flavor, but also tenderizes the meat beautifully.

Bowls and More Mains

If you want a fuller meal for your cinco de mayo recipe spread, try these! I always love making a DIY chicken fajita bowl station when I have friends over.

13

chicken fajita bowls

Easy Chicken Fajita Bowls

5 from 2 votes

Try these incredibly delicious chicken fajita rice bowls for dinner! The marinated chicken is so flavorful and the fajita vegetables are crisp tender, served over fluffy cilantro lime rice. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

14

one pot mexican chicken and rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice

4.85 from 13 votes

This one pot Mexican Chicken and Rice is the perfect meal! It's packed with so many bold flavors and tender and succulent chicken thighs.

15

creamy chicken fajita pasta

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta

5 from 2 votes

This chicken fajita pasta is creamy and loaded with flavor! Made with seasoned chicken, sizzling fajita veggies, tender pasta, and a delicious sauce made with cream cheese. It comes together in just 30 minutes.

Sides and Pairings

Sides, especially rice, always make a meal feel more complete. Give these a try!

16

mexican restaurant style rice

Mexican Rice (Restaurant Style)

5 from 6 votes

This restaurant style Mexican rice is so easy to make. It's a common side dish that goes so well with all your favorite Mexican dishes. The rice is tender, fluffy, and so delicious.

17

pico de gallo with fresh ingredients

Pico de Gallo

No ratings yet

This easy pico de gallo is the perfect appetizer to serve with chips, or as toppings for your favorite tacos or any Mexican dish. It's so fresh, vibrant, and colorful.

18

fresh avocado crema

Avocado Crema

5 from 5 votes

This avocado crema is so easy to make, and always turns out creamy, smooth, bright, and tangy. It's a great sauce to serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes, especially tacos!

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