Quick and Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes
~ Easy Cinco de Mayo recipes you’ll want to make all year long! Whether you’re looking for quick, easy taco recipes … or more unique twists to change things up a little! We’ve got make-aheads and slow cooker recipes, fast appetizers and even Mexican-inspired burgers! Grab your piñata and a Mariachi band, and let the party begin! ~
We’ve told you all about how our family loves any excuse to turn any-ol-day into a full-on parrr-tay! How my husband can’t resist a chance to create a little extra fun and silliness. And how we have bin after bin, carefully organized in our basement, full of party supplies for obvious holidays – like birthdays and Halloween – and also for completely made-up festivities – like our annual Fish-Off Bash.
And also … for Cinco de Mayo!
A quick trip to my basement to root through our party bins, and I’m armed and ready with multiple sombreros, festive maracas, tchotchke ponchos, Mariachi vests, and chili-pepper-shaped sunglasses. Everything we need to make Cinco de Mayo memorable … even on a middle-of-the-week school night.
Suddenly a ho-hum, busy evening turns into an event! Even if we’ve only got a few minutes to wear those sombreros before dashing off to homework or soccer practice.
But, besides sombreros and maracas, what else do we need?
Food!
Quick and easy Cinco de Mayo recipes I can throw together in a jiffy (maybe even earlier in the day or the day before!) … and that everybody loves! In fact, if your family is anything like our family, you’ll be making these recipes all year long, not just on Cinco de Mayo.
Traditional … and Unique Cinco de Mayo Recipes!
We’ve got some basics for ya – like our Crock-Pot Chicken Taco recipe. So simple, so classic, so delicious. And Shrimp Tacos piled high with Mexican-inspired toppings. Addictive.
But honestly, most of these recipes go a bit beyond the ordinary, with a unique twist or an unusual spin on ingredient combinations. They’re a perfect way to shake up your Cinco de Mayo festivities (or your Taco Tuesday theme night dinners … or any meal, anytime)!
Mexican Ravioli Lasagna?!? Really?!? Yesssss! Trust me – you need it!
Mediterranean Chicken Tacos?!? Wait … is that even a thing? Hey, why not? They’ve got all the fun make-’em-anyway-you-like-’em appeal of traditional tacos, but they’re the perfect answer when you’re just not in the mood for tradition! (Oh yeah … and they’re so easy in your slow cooker, too. Boom!)
Or how about some juicy, beefy burgers … with some insanely delicious Mexican flair? I mean, who says you have to serve tacos and burritos for Cinco de Mayo? No rules here – why not think outside the box this year?
Delicious … Healthy … and EASY Recipes!
But from traditional to really unique, what do all these recipes have in common?
1) They’re quick and easy! Just the way we like things here at THK! Whether that means you can make them ahead of time, or that they cook (totally hands-off) in your crock-pot, or that you can use handy shortcuts like store-bought rotisserie chicken. These are totally do-able, totally perfect for even busy weeknight celebrations (sombreros optional)!
2) They’re healthier! Because, you know … that’s how we do things at Two Healthy Kitchens. Nutritional tweaks and upgrades mean you can actually feel terrific about serving these to the people you love. (Which is really a reason to parrrrr-tay!)
3) They’re DELICIOUS! Tried-and-true family favorites. If we didn’t love ’em, we wouldn’t have posted them to share with you. So no matter how nutritious (and easy!) they are, nobody’s even going to notice or care. They’ll be too busy reaching for a second helping!
So what will you choose? Maybe a classic taco? Or a totally unique recipe twist to surprise your family? Hmmmmm … decisions … decisions …
Oh yeah! These Easy Cinco de Mayo recipes have ya covered ... whether you're in the mood for something traditional, or something super unique! So simple that even you – the cook – can relax and enjoy the fiesta! One of the all-time most popular recipes we've ever published! In just 5 minutes, these tacos are in the slow cooker, and they’ll be ready and waiting for a deliciously easy Cinco de Mayo family dinner … or a festive potluck! Top ‘em any way you like, and let everybody customize their own! (We also have this Instant Pot Chicken Tacos recipe for all you pressure cooker fans.) These delicious Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are ultra-easy (with minimal cleanup!), so you can get out of the kitchen and back to enjoying your Cinco de Mayo festivities! The perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp and crisp-tender veggies make for a quick meal that always wins raves! This one-pot meal is so very simple (with mostly hands-off cooking time) … yet such a delicious Mexican feast! Even better? We’ve got make-ahead tips for you, too! Grab a sombrero … dinner will be ready in a flash! This salad has fantastic layers of flavor and texture! It's a scrumptious twist on traditional elote, and an ideal side dish for Mexican-themed meals! Such an easy way to enjoy a Mexican feast on even the busiest nights! Really easy to throw together (hurray, slow cooker!) and a tried-and-true family favorite. You can even skip the rice, set out some tortilla chips, and turn it into a hearty appetizer! Thick and hearty and super-satisfying, this soup is turbo-loaded with bold, beefy, taco-y flavors. It's fast and simple to throw together with basic pantry staples, and it makes a really big batch that's great for a larger Cinco de Mayo gathering! (Pssssst ... we've also got a great collection of side dishes to go with it, if you're wondering what to serve with Taco Soup.) The always-popular flavors of chicken fajitas, in a simple, home-style baked casserole! Bonus: the base is super-healthy quinoa, with no pre-cooking needed! Seriously delicious, and soooooo easy! It’s the kind of meal where you keep scooping a tiny bit more onto your plate … and then just a tiny smidgen more … and then maybe just a little … because it’s just too good to stop eating! Use store-bought rotisserie chicken (or any shredded chicken) – and these are so quick to make! Big, unique flavors to shake up your Cinco de Mayo vibe! Plus, these tacos can be completely prepped ahead … and assembled in a flash for family dinners. Or, offer toppings as a make-your-own taco station at your party! Start the day with a Mexican-inspired power breakfast that’ll keep you fueled up for a full day of festivities (or … whatever the day holds)! Easily scalable for just one or a whole family … and even a big Cinco de Mayo brunch bash! So easy to make, but bursting with delightful, fresh flavors! It's extra-great because it can do double duty as both an appetizer salsa with tortilla chips, and as a side salad for the main event! So fresh and flavorful – light yet really satisfying! Marinated shrimp are topped with a kicky slaw, avocado-tomato salsa, homemade Sriracha Lime Taco Sauce, feta, and (surprise!) a little dash of Asian sweetened chili sauce. Deliciously unique (with lots of make-ahead steps)! These burgers are surprisingly simple (you know we’ve got make-ahead tips for ya) – and they’re pretty much an instant party! They’ve got all the peppers, onions, Mexican spices and creamy guacamole you love in fajitas … jam-crammed into a gloriously, deliciously satisfying burger recipe! Who says your Cinco de Mayo bash can’t be a cookout?!? 😉 This super-fast dip is kinda like traditional hummus meets a crazy Mexican party. It’s creamy and satisfying, yet kicky and fun … an all-around crowd pleaser! And you basically just toss everything in the processor – so easy! Here’s a fun, portable food for your Cinco de Mayo bash – these Ta-Cones “walking tacos” are happy roaming around a party! Set up a taco bar with plenty of fixin’s, let everyone customize their own pre-made cones, and the party is on! (Psssst … and keep this recipe idea on hand even after Cinco de Mayo – it’s a super-fun, easy make-ahead dinner recipe that you can rewarm all week long, whenever your family is ready to eat!) This showstopper salad will be the “Oooooh … who made that?” hit of the party! It’s a unique Mexican spin on those classic layered salads that’s a refreshing addition to any Cinco de Mayo party spread. Looks so impressive, but don’t worry – we’ve got shortcuts and make-ahead tips to ensure that it’s quick and simple, too! Another great solution for FAST Mexican festiveness ... even on busy nights! Just mix up the super-quick sauce and layer everything in the pan, lasagna-style. You don’t even have to thaw or pre-cook the ravioli! And you can prep the whole thing hours ahead! Definitely gives you time to go find a mariachi band! These are great as an appetizer, or as a hearty addition to a snacky “grazing” party menu. They’re kind of like a taco-meets-burger mash-up, in cute slider form! Simple enough for a family Cinco de Mayo cook-out, yet impressive enough to serve at a party! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’ll have an amazing Mexican soup waiting for you, all ready whenever you are! So easy – just 6 simple ingredients! And here’s the funny thing: It’s fantastic as a guacamole-like dip … but then you pull the old switcheroo … and serve it up as an absolutely scrumptious egg salad sandwich! Ok, so we’ll admit that these tacos are about as far from MEXICAN as you can get … but if you love creative taco spins (or just aren’t feeling like serving a traditional Mexican menu), this recipe is a must-try! It’s a fun make-it-your-own taco bar dinner that’s easy to prep ahead, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities, too! Super fast and easy! This bright, crisp, four-pepper salsa features black beans and fresh cilantro, splashed with a simple vinegar-lime dressing. Perfect with tortilla chips! Works great as a make-ahead appetizer, or you can serve it immediately for Cinco de Mayo snacking! These Mexican-inspired burgers are just bursting with flavor, all topped off with a deliciously creamy salsa sauce and the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips. They’re quick and easy … and can be made ahead!Quick and Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Either way, it’s fantastic, and you’ll never even miss the mayo! (Hint: also terrific if you like to invite the Easter Bunny to your Cinco de Mayo parties, or you happen to have extra hard-boiled eggs on hand.)
Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends!
