20+ Ideas for your Cinco de Mayo Menu

With 20+ main dish, appetizer, condiment, and cocktail recipes, you're sure to fine the perfect dish for your Cinco de Mayo menu. One of my favorites is Blackened Fish Tacos, which are delicious topped with a fresh mango salsa.

Close up shot of Blackened Fish Tacos on a black platter garnished with lime wedges and jalapeno slices.

Want to go low carb? Try serving your tacos, fajitas, or carnitas in a lettuce wrap or as a burrito bowl.

Carne asad in lettuce wraps on a black plate garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.

For a fun twist on an easy Cinco de Mayo appetizer, try serving an easy taco hummus or black bean dip. Tortilla or pita chips work for dipping as well as bell pepper wedges and celery sticks.

Close up of Taco Hummus on a white plate garnished with chopped cilantro and a blue tortilla chip.

Yes, I know it's easy to set out a barrel full of beer and ice, but you could also prepare a pitcher of margaritas or palomas ahead of time for guests to serve themselves.

Closeup of a Paloma cocktail with a salted rim, garnished with lime while with a pitcher of Palomas blurred in the background.

Need a great Margarita Mocktail? A Couple Cooks has you covered.

However you plan on spending your Cinco de Mayo, I hope you try one of these delicious recipes to share with your friends and family. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, if you try a recipe and love it, please rate it or leave a review.

Cinco de Mayo Recipe Ideas

Whether you're hosting a Cinco de Mayo party, or bringing a dish to one, you'll find the perfect recipe with over 20 appetizers, main dishes, salsas, and cocktails everyone will love. There are even some great vegetarian and gluten-free options. Keep reading for some south of the border inspiration.

Main Dishes

Blackened Fish Tacos

These fish tacos are quick and easy to make. Top them with pickled onions, cilantro, and avocado crema.

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Citrus juices and spices combine as a marinade for slow cooking this fork tender pork that shreds beautifully and adds an abundance of flavor to tacos, burritios, or nachos.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Layer the tortillas and other ingredients in a casserole dish for a quicker and easier way to enjoy enchiladas with skipping any flavor.

Easy Taco Meat

Whether you use ground beef or turkey, saute it with peppers, onion, and homemade taco seasoning for the most flavorful taco meat.

Easy Vegetarian Burritos (or Bowls)

Green jackfruit combines with black bean, corn, and spices for a flavorful vegetarian option to your menu.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

A creamy, spicy sauce dresses the cabbage slaw that pairs perfectly with the grilled shrimp for an ultimate taco experience.

Slow Cooker Carne Asada

This hands off approach allows the meat to marinate while it cooks for perfectly tender and flavorful tacos.

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a flavorful vegetarian option for your menu.

Side Dishes

Mexican Black Beans

Use these flavorful black beans as a side dish or as an ingredient in other dishes.

Taco Pasta Salad

This taco inspired pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any potluck or backyard BBQ.

Cowboy Caviar with Jalapeños

Is it a dip or a side dish? Cowboy Caviar pulls double duty as both.

Condiments

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Ditch the store bought seasoning, and make your own blend for all your taco, dip, and marinade needs.

Avocado Crema with Lime and Cilantro

It's creamy and tangy with a kick of heat from chipotle spice. Dress your pasta salad or use it to top tacos or nachos.

Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a delicious dip for your tortilla chips, but it's also the perfect topping for all your tacos.

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo uses fresh tomato, onion cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and seasonings. Adding diced pineapple adds additional acid and a bit sweetness to balance the spicy kick.