97 Cinco de Mayo Recipes

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Cinco de Mayo is a festive occasion that calls for delicious and vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes. From classic favorites like tacos, guacamole and salsa, to more creative dishes like beef birria (omg sooo good!), enchiladas, nachos, and everything in between…there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you’re planning a small get-together or a larger celebration, here are some mouthwatering Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas that are sure to impress your guests.

Don’t forget to decorate your table with festive touches like brightly colored tablecloths, papel picado banners, and sombrero hats for an authentic Cinco de Mayo celebration. I even like to decorate with plants (think: cactus! and food (like tomatillos and different color peppers) and then set up everything on a taco bar!

Cinco de Mayo Recipes (97 ideas!)

1

Birria Tacos Recipe

These Birria Tacos are a slow braised beef that is cooked then shredded and fried in corn tortillas with cheese. These flavors will blow your mind!

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2

Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat Recipe is a super simple and very flavorful way to make healthy shredded chicken! Use for days in a variety of different dishes!

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3

Slow Cooker Carnitas (Mexican Pork)

This slow-cooked, Carnitas recipe falls apart in shreds. Perfect for filling tacos, burritos, and nachos! Make it in the oven or crockpot.

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4

Easy Pork Carnitas

Tender, juicy, and crispy, this is my Pork Carnitas recipe! Marinated, cooked then crisped, enjoy with a tortilla or freeze for later!

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5

Taco Meat Recipe

This is the BEST Taco Meat Recipe Ever! A little unconventional, made with a homemade taco seasoning, tomato paste, vegetables like onions and peppers, plus a secret ingredient (shh…it's potatoes!).

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6

Turkey Taco Meat Recipe

This easy, healthy Turkey Taco Meat Recipe is perfect for any dinner. It’s so delicious and quick to make plus there are vegetables in there!

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7

McCormick Taco Seasoning Recipe

Make your own Taco Seasoning at home that tastes just as good *if not better* than anything you could buy at the store. Hello, Taco Tuesday!

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8

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Whether you want a homemade enchilada sauce without all the additives or just because you forgot a can at the store, I've got you covered.

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9

Beef Enchiladas

Zesty beef wrapped in soft flour tortillas then drenched in red enchilada sauce and baked with melty cheese, these are my favorite Beef Enchiladas!

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10

Red and Green Enchiladas

The best of both worlds with these red and green, two-tone enchiladas! Filled with shredded cheese, chicken and salsa, these will become your newest family favorite Mexican dinner.

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11

Green Chili Pork Enchiladas

These cheesy green chile Pork Enchiladas make a yummy weeknight dinner or make them ahead of time and freeze for a later date!

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12

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Make the best sour cream chicken enchiladas with this easy, creamy recipe. No canned soup – just shredded chicken, green chiles, and a homemade white sauce that’s anything but boring.

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13

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Casserole is comfort food to the max. Made with a homemade cream of celery soup, chicken, corn tortillas and a whole lotta cheese, your family will be begging you to make this weekly!

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14

Chicken and Vegetable Enchilada Casserole Recipe

This Chicken and Vegetable Enchilada Casserole recipe is a layered lasagna inspired dinner. Packed with tons of veggies and still tastes delicious, try it for dinner tonight!

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15

Zucchini Enchiladas

Zucchini Enchiladas are filled with chicken, drenched with enchilada sauce and covered with cheese! A dinner that doesn’t taste low carb!

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16

Amazing Chicken Enchiladas

These addicting, simple Chicken Enchiladas are filled with chicken, three kinds of cheese and my secret ingredient, Queso! 

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17

Crockpot Enchilada Casserole

This Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is easy, delicious, and full of vegetables. It's a kid-approved recipe that is perfect for dinner!

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18

Enchilada Stuffed Mushrooms

Enchilada Stuffed Mushrooms are low carb, cheesy bites of enchilada heaven! Ready to eat in about 30 minutes.

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19

20-Minute Chicken Enchilada Bowls

The perfect Mexican one-pot wonder dish that hits the table in no time flat! This Chicken Enchilada Bowl recipe is a-maz-ing!

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20

Cilantro Lime Rice

This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is an easy side dish that can go with chicken, pork or beef. Light and refreshing yet super versatile!

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21

Southwest Crockpot Pork Chops

Creamy and flavorful with just a hint of heat, this Southwest Crockpot Pork is a true "dump and go" crockpot recipe. Toss the ingredients in the crockpot in the morning and return to a dinner ready to be served!

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22

Southwest Crockpot Egg Noodle Casserole

Southwest Crockpot Egg Noodle Casserole is a creamy and easy Mexican inspired chicken dinner! This meal is totally family-friendly.

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23

Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Southwest Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder, full of veggies, cheese, and chicken. Your family will ask for it again and again.

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24

Low Carb Burrito Bowls

Low carb burrito bowls means enjoying Mexican food without all the guilt. Or tortillas. Lots of veggies in this recipe, plus all the toppings you can handle.

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25

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are an easy throw together meal that requires little prep and results in tons of flavor. Plus it's high in protein!

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26

Chicken Fajitas

Easy Chicken Fajitas are a quick weeknight dinner! Made on the stovetop or in the oven, this chicken fajita recipe is packed with flavor.

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27

Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Copycat

Remember when Taco Bell took their Mexican Pizza off the menu? Well, it's back (for now) because its cult following refuse to let it go away forever. I'm taking away all risk and creating my own copycat version that I think is even better than the original.

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28

Loaded Chicken Fajita Pizza

Chicken Fajita Pizza blends the best of two cuisines, Mexican and Italian! You don’t have to feel guilty about this pizza loaded with veggies.

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29

Tostada Bites

This Tostada recipe is a cute Mexican appetizer perfect for any party or tailgate! Super simple and easy to make, this recipe is a keeper!

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30

Taco Pizza

Taco Salad Pizza is super tasty and surprisingly healthy! I especially love the little crunch you get from the crushed Doritos.

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31

Naturally Gluten Free Vegetarian Fajitas

You won't notice anything different about these bad boys! Vegetarian Fajitas taste just as good and takes 30 minutes or less to whip up!

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32

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a super simple Mexican-inspired 1 pot wonder! Throw everything into the pan and let it cook! Once the rice is tender, you're ready to eat.

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33

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee's Copycat) is marinated and grilled, then topped with cheese and fresh pico?! What's not to like? 

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34

Taco Sloppy Joes

Get all the flavors of a taco with all the great toppings in a messy sloppy joe dinner with this Taco Sloppy Joes recipe. My kids gobbled these up so fast! Delicious!

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35

Taco Rice (One Pot Wonder!)

With just a handful of every day ingredients, you can have dinner on the table lickety split. Taco Rice is ground beef, rice, tomato soup, seasoning and cheese made all in one skillet. Serve with tortilla chips, tomato and lettuce for a well rounded meal.

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36

Taco Casserole

This Taco Casserole Recipe is a family favorite dinner that never gets old. A super simple Mexican casserole filled with ground beef, corn, tortillas and cheese.

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37

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas

These irresistible Chicken Quesadillas are loaded with delicious shredded chicken taco meat, loads of cheese and a secret ingredient that will blow your mind! They are the perfect appetizer, easy lunch or even dinner!

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38

Chorizo Butternut Squash Quesadillas

Butternut Squash Quesadillas are filled with cheese, spicy chorizo, white beans, and fresh tomatoes all in a crunchy & buttery tortilla.

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39

Cheesy Taco Pasta

This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious step up from boxed dinners, using 7 basic ingredients try this easy dinner out tonight!

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40

Chicken Flautas (Flautas de Pollo)

A delicious and deceivingly simple dinner, these Chicken Flautas will make it onto your menu week after week. Tortillas are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices and then baked until crispy! 

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41

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers

These Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers mixed with the smoky flavor from the grill have the tastes of summer. Try them tonight!

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42

Velveeta Queso Chicken Skillet

You can make this flavorful Queso Chicken Skillet dinner in one-pan and in about 30 minutes. Winner winner chicken dinner!

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43

Mexican Corn Salad Hot Dogs

A super-fresh Mexican Corn Salad up on top of a grilled hot dog is the most glorious summer dinner ever. EVER!

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44

Fresh Tomato Salsa

This Salsa Recipe is so fresh and easy to make! You only need a few basic ingredients and 10 minutes. Adapt as you like!

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45

Grilled Corn Salsa Recipe

This Grilled Corn Salsa Recipe is perfect for a summer appetizer or just as corn salsa dip for any day! Eat with chips or plain!

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46

Homemade Salsa Recipe

This Salsa Recipe is so fresh and easy to make! You only need a few basic ingredients and 10 minutes. Adapt as you like!

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47

Teedo’s Famous Salsa

Deliciously simple, Teedo's Famous Salsa will quickly become your new favorite. Filled with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

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48

Queso Blanco Recipe

I have been testing and testing and I finally have for you today the BEST Queso Blanco that tastes just like what you get in Mexican restaurants! AND it's only 4 ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes!

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49

Velveeta Queso Recipe

Enjoy this flavorful roasted jalapeno queso dip with chips, pretzels, or anything you like to dip.

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50

Jalapeño Queso Fundido

Jalapeño Queso Fundido is seriously the best plus it’s ready to eat in a snap. It’s the easiest and yes, cheesiest thing you will ever enjoy!

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51

Charred Corn Salad

This fresh Corn Salad recipe is elevated by charring the corn! Toss with bell peppers, radishes, and a killer dressing, summer here we come!

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52

Amazing Pico de Gallo Recipe

This Pico de Gallo recipe is the freshest, easiest and fastest salsa you can make. Also known as salsa fresca, this pico de gallo can turn any taco or burrito into something amazing while still holding its own with tortilla chips.

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53

Pickle de Gallo Recipe

This Pickle de Gallo hits that sweet spot of crunchy, tangy, fresh, and bold with clean, vibrant flavor in every bite. The balance is spot on, the texture stays crisp, and it scoops like a dream.

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54

Crockpot Chicken Nacho Dip

My ultimate creamy and cheesy Chicken Nacho Dip, made in the crockpot, is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

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55

7 Layer Dip

This 7 Layer Dip is a classic appetizer that everyone loves! Packed with beans, cheese, salsa and all things Mexican, grab some chips and dig in!

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56

Taco Dip

Taco Dip is a super easy and oh so delicious appetizer that combines refried beans, a cream cheese and sour cream layer and all your favorite taco toppings. Serve with tortilla chips at your next party!

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57

Black Bean Dip Recipe

This is a warm and spicy Black Bean Dip Recipe! Made with spices, black beans, salsa, and cream this dip is perfect with chips!

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58

Beef Enchilada Dip

Beef Enchilada Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. You only need 3 ingredients and 10 minutes! A hot and bubbly Mexican appetizer everyone will love.

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59

Chorizo Manchego Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Spanish Puff Pastry Pinwheels are an easy and delicious appetizer, filled with lots of spanish chorizo and manchego cheese.

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60

Mexican Street Corn Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Recipe is a delicious treat of Mexican Cuisine that you need in your life, like now. Trust me, it may sound a little strange but it is SO good.

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61

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect way to use up those fresh summer ears of corn! Fresh vegetables and pasta are tossed in a Mexican chili lime sauce and served chilled.

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62

Mexican Corn Casserole

 Mexican Corn Casserole is Mexican Street Corn remixed! With all of the same Mexican flavors but fresh OFF the cob and oh so comforting!

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63

Mexican Street Corn Guacamole

All the flavors you know and love from Mexican Street Corn stirred into creamy corn guacamole! An easy and show-stopping appetizer.

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64

Classic Guacamole Recipe

Everyone loves Guacamole, especially this classic, fail-proof Guacamole Recipe! Perfect for any party and always a winner. Make this basic guac recipe with avocados and lime juice and add in any extras you like!

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65

Guacamole for a Crowd!

My go-to Guacamole recipe. It's a great, easy recipe to have on hand and is not boring in the least. And the best part is, everyone LOVES it!

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66

Buffalo Guacamole

Buffalo Guacamole is on crack….in the best way possible. Made with blue cheese and bacon it's perfect for the Super Bowl y'all

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67

Margarita Guacamole

Margarita Guacamole is the perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Made with citrusy notes and served like a margarita.

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68

Grilled Guacamole

Grilling the veggies makes this dip extra tasty. Grilled Guacamole is perfect for summer BBQs or as a side to Mexican dishes.

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69

Southwest Avocado Hummus

Avocado Hummus is a crazy creamy spicy hummus love child. Made with garbanzo beans, ripe avocado, garlic, jalapenos, and lemon juice!

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70

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

This Cowboy Caviar Recipe is a Tex-Mex inspired dip that has been around for years! Enjoy on its own, with chips or spooned onto tacos! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. 

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71

Creamy Cowboy Caviar

Creamy Cowboy Caviar is a delicious side dish, a tasty burrito filling, or a scrumptious scrambled egg topper.

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72

White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe will wiggle its way onto your weekly menu and stay FOREVER because that's how amazing (and healthy!) it is.

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73

Taco Soup Recipe

This Taco Soup Recipe is healthy, hearty, easy and delicious, it will make you want to give up tacos completely and commit to just soup! It really is that good.

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74

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Made with a ton of veggies and chicken this Chicken Tortilla Soup is healthy, filling, easy to make and downright delicious. Give it a try!

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75

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

The easiest, healthiest and tastiest recipe for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Set it and forget it!

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76

Southwest Sausage and Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

Spicy Italian sausage and plenty of tasty vegetables are a flavorful combination in these delicious Quinoa Lettuce Wraps.

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77

Taco Lettuce Wraps

Taco Lettuce Wraps are the perfect low carb meal you need in your life. It’s so simple to make because it’s basically a salad in taco form!

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78

Taco Noodle Casserole

Grab some chicken, egg noodles, taco seasoning and a whole lot of cheese to make this simple and delicious Taco Noodle Casserole!

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79

Skirt Steak Tacos

Skirt Steak Tacos are an easy and super delicious Mexican inspired meal that is perfect for summer. Load it up with your favorite toppings!

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80

Tilapia Fish Tacos

These super delicious Tilapia Fish Tacos require zero frying because we bake the fish! Make my fresh slaw to go on top for a dinner made in less than 30 minutes.

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81

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja Fish Tacos are a fun, easy and tasty way to upgrade fish sticks! Everyone gets to build their own ideal taco! Parent and kid approved!

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82

Sweet Potato Taco Boats

Sweet Potato Taco Boats are exactly what they sound like, baked sweet potatoes filled with all of your favorite taco fixin's!

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83

Chicken Taquitos (oven baked, air fried, and deep fried instructions)

You’re in the right place for Chicken Taquitos that roll easily, stay sealed, and come out crunchy without drama. This recipe nails the balance between creamy filling and crisp corn tortillas, with seasoning that tastes bold but familiar.

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84

Baked Turkey Taquitos

Baked Turkey Taquitos are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and loaded with flavorful leftover turkey. They bake up golden and crunchy, no frying required, and make the best easy dinner or snack.

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85

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

This Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe is a crunchy, fresh, salty, sweet, and creamy salad perfect for dinner, parties or by itself!

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86

Taco Salad with Doritos & Catalina Dressing

This isn't your typical Taco Salad recipe. We're taking things up a few notches by adding Doritos and a sweet Catalina Salad Dressing. Ready in less than 30 minutes, your family will DEVOUR this!

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87

Southwest Salad with Garlic Lime Dressing & Doritos!!

There are plenty of fresh veggies in this tasty Southwest Salad topped with crushed Doritos and creamy garlic lime dressing.

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88

Taco Salad Recipe

This Taco Salad recipe laced with Doritos will have you losing your mind! It's a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables!!!

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89

Charred Tomatillo Salad Dressing

Charred tomatillo dressing is a sweet, creamy, and smoky addition to any southwestern salad. It will actually make you want to eat salad.

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90

Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe

These irresistible Shredded Chicken Nachos with a homemade queso blanco will have you NEVER needing to go to a Mexican restaurant again.

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91

Loaded Pulled Pork Nachos

The only thing better than loaded nachos are Pulled Pork Nachos! With a few tricks, you can have this appetizer on your table in minutes!

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92

Breakfast Nachos

These Breakfast Nachos make an incredible breakfast but they are so delicious you may also want to try them for lunch or dinner.

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93

Breakfast Tacos

Fry up some eggs, gather your favorite taco fixings and grab some tortillas because this is the ultimate Breakfast Tacos recipe!

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94

Chile Con Queso Eggs Benedict

This Mexican Eggs Benedict is made with a Chile con Queso instead of Hollandaise sauce! It’s super tasty and perfect for breakfast (or breakfast for dinner)!

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95

Southwest Egg Muffin Cups

These tasty Egg Muffin Cups have a bit of a southwest flair, are packed with protein and veggies, and make a lovely breakfast or snack.

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96

Southwest Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

If you love tater tots, then this is the breakfast for you!! Southwest Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is full of veggies and protein plus it is super simple to whisk up and bake.

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97

Mexican Hot Chocolate

This creamy Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. It's super simple to make and tastes absolutely divine.

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Cinco de Mayo Recipes FAQ

What food is traditionally eaten on Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo celebrations often include Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, salsa, and rice-based dishes. While the holiday commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, it’s widely celebrated in the U.S. with festive, shareable foods that bring people together.

What are easy Cinco de Mayo recipes for a party?
Easy Cinco de Mayo recipes include tacos, nachos, dips like guacamole and queso, and make-ahead casseroles like enchiladas. These dishes are great for feeding a crowd and can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

What should I serve for a Cinco de Mayo party?
A great Cinco de Mayo spread includes a mix of mains, sides, and appetizers. Think tacos or burrito bowls, chips with salsa or guacamole, Mexican rice, beans, and a few fun extras like street corn or churros. Setting up a taco bar is one of the easiest ways to let guests customize their plates.

How do you host a Cinco de Mayo taco bar?
To create a taco bar, start with a few protein options like seasoned beef, chicken, or beans. Add toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh herbs. Include sides like rice, chips, and dips, and let guests build their own tacos for a fun and interactive meal.

Have a great time and enjoy! Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends! 🙂

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.