60+ Best Healthy Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Cinco de Mayo is here! And while you might prefer to be at a Mexican restaurant, drinking margaritas with friends, you can still celebrate the holiday in the comfort of your own home. Whip up some cocktails, make some tacos and homemade guac, and tune into a virtual happy hour! (No, it's not exactly the same, but we're all doing what we can in these uncertain times.)
From fajitas to nachos to avocado mousse, we've got all the Cinco de Mayo recipes you need to get things started. Get ready for a (socially distant) party!
Guacamole
Tacos, tortilla chips, quesadillas—there are any number of Mexican foods that are made better with guacamole. You can't go wrong with this recipe, which uses garlic and minced onion for extra fresh flavor.
Get our recipe for Guacamole.
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Steak Nachos
You don't have to head to a bar to get a delicious plate of nachos. They're super-easy to assemble at home—and you won't have to share them with anyone if you don't want to.
Get our recipe for Steak Nachos.
Jalapeño Cheeseburger
Why shouldn't burgers be a part of your Cinco de Mayo festivities? This spicy burger recipe will rival anything you'd order at a restaurant, minus the wait time.
Get our recipe for Jalapeño Cheeseburgers.
Chipotle Shrimp Quesadilla
Seafood and cheese don't always go together, but the combination works in this out-of-the-box quesadilla recipe. And with fresh bell pepper slices, onion, and garlic, this is a meal you can feel great about eating.
Get our recipe for Chipotle Shrimp Quesadilla.
Breakfast Tacos with Bacon and Spinach
These breakfast tacos are delicious any time of day, or for a May 6 breakfast after a night filled with margaritas. Put those leftover tortillas to good use and keep the taco party going!
Get our recipe for Breakfast Tacos with Bacon and Spinach.
Breakfast Burrito
You don't have to wait until your next brunch outing to enjoy a delicious breakfast burrito. Filled with eggs and cheese, this burrito will keep you going all day long.
Get our recipe for a Breakfast Burrito.
Chicken Mole Enchiladas
With just six ingredients, this enchilada recipe is perfect even for novice chefs. Trust us, your family won't know how easy these were to pull together.
Get our recipe for Chicken Mole Enchiladas.
Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Not sure what to do with the leftovers from that grocery store rotisserie chicken? Put the meat to good use in this nacho recipe. It has all the delicious flavor you'd expect from a Mexican dish, and besides—eating nachos is just plain fun.
Get our recipe for Chicken and Black Bean Nachos.
Chicken Fajita Burrito
Yes, you could get takeout from Chipotle. But we promise, this burrito recipe is just as good. With fresh onions and peppers, along with cumin and lime juice, this recipe is bursting with flavor.
Get our recipe for Chicken Fajita Burritos.
Turkey Chili
Turkey chili is a delicious meal on its own, but it also makes a great side dish for a quesadilla or a dipping sauce for tortilla chips. Top it off with shredded cheese to make this chili even more decadent.
Get our recipe for Turkey Chili.
Chicken Fajitas
You don't need to smother fajitas in sour cream and cheese for them to be delicious. With taco spices and chipotle peppers, the flavors of the meat and vegetables will shine on their own. And these fajitas pair perfectly with our guacamole recipe.
Get our recipe for Chicken Fajitas.
Crock-Pot Chili
If you're not using your slow cooker to make taco ingredients, put it to good use with this chili recipe instead. You can't go wrong with the classic comfort food.
Get our recipe for Crock-Pot Chili.
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Rotisserie chickens are the gift that keeps on giving, especially if you get the extra-large rotisserie chickens from Costco. Put the meat to good use in this easy taco recipe.
Get our recipe for Rotisserie Chicken Tacos.
Huevos Rancheros
Another brunch staple that's just as delicious for dinner, huevos rancheros are a Mexican staple everyone should try at least once.
Get our recipe for Huevos Rancheros.
Grilled Mexican Steak Salad
Stuck in a salad rut? Liven things up with this flavorful steak salad recipe. It will remind you just how versatile salads can be!
Get our recipe for Grilled Mexican Steak Salad.
7-Layer Dip
Sure, chips and dips are something you'd traditionally associate with parties, not with quarantine. But, hey, now you get this beautiful dip all to yourself.
Get our recipe for the 7-Layer Dip.
Crispy Quesadillas with Guacamole
Another vegetarian-friendly option, these quesadillas show just how flavorful Mexican food can be, even without meat. Plus, you'll get a healthy dose of vegetables like mushrooms and peppers.
Get our recipe for Crispy Quesadillas with Guacamole.
Mexican-Style Corn
Grilled street corn might bring to mind summer memories. And while we're stuck inside for now, you can recreate a little bit of that magic with this recipe.
Get our recipe for Mexican-Style Corn.
Mexican Paleta
Cool off with a refreshing dessert! Your Cinco de Mayo meal plan doesn't have to stop with margaritas and tacos—these treats are worth a try, too.
Get our recipe for Mexican Paleta.
Tortilla Soup
The perfect appetizer to a meal of tacos or quesadillas, tortilla soup can do no wrong.
Get our recipe for Tortilla Soup.
Pork Chile Verde
Chicken and beef don't have to be the stars of the Cinco de Mayo show—Mexican pork recipes are just as abundant and delicious. You'll wow your family with this pork chile verde.
Get our recipe for Pork Chile Verde.
Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas look—and taste—like something you'd order at a restaurant. Serve them with chips and queso for the perfect at-home meal.
Get our recipe for Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas.
Mexican Hot Dogs
It's grilling season, so why not try something different this Cinco de Mayo? These Mexican-style hot dogs are a fun way to enjoy the classic outdoor food.
Get our recipe for Mexican Hot Dogs.
Pickled Onions
The perfect addition to tacos or a Mexican salad, pickled onions are something every home chef should have in their arsenal.
Get our recipe for Pickled Onions.
Pickled Jalapeños
If you like a bit more heat, add some pickled jalapeños into the mix, too. Making them at home will taste better than buying the jarred kind.
Get our recipe for Pickled Jalapeños.
Pico De Gallo
Top your burrito bowls with it. Dip tortilla chips in it. Spread some on top of a quesadilla. When it comes to Mexican food, there are unlimited uses for Pico de Gallo, which is why you should always have a great recipe for it on hand.
Get our recipe for Pico De Gallo.
Slow Cooker Cuban Tomato and Black Bean Soup
Another delicious slow cooker recipe, this tomato and black bean soup is a vegetarian's delight. Top it with sour cream and cheese!
Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Cuban Tomato and Black Bean Soup.
Green Chile Pork Soup
Pork and green chiles are a match made in heaven, and they come together perfectly in this soup recipe.
Get our recipe for Green Chile Pork Soup.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Taco
You don't need meat to have a delicious taco recipe! With all of the flavors from black beans and sweet potatoes, you won't even miss the chicken or beef you'd find in other taco recipes.
Get our recipe for Black Bean and Sweet Potato Taco.
Mexican Quinoa and Chicken Salad
Prefer salad bowls to tacos? You'll love this quinoa and chicken salad recipe. We promise, it's better than the grain bowls at your favorite salad chain.
Get our recipe for Mexican Quinoa and Chicken Salad.
Taco Pasta
Want to switch things up from the traditional tacos? Try taco pasta instead! This recipe uses ground beef and traditional taco seasoning spices, but in a pasta, rather than in taco shells. Don't knock it until you try it!
Get our recipe for Taco Pasta.
Mexican Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
Start (or end) your day on a sweet note with this Mexican chocolate smoothie bowl. It sure beats traditional strawberry-banana smoothies!
Get our recipe for Mexican Chocolate Smoothie Bowl.
Avocado Ice Cream
It's easier than you'd think to make ice cream at home. And if you've never thought to add avocado to your ice cream, this recipe is a great place to start.
Get our recipe for Avocado Ice Cream.
Taco Seasoning
Whether you're making those pork carnitas tacos or using ground beef, you'll want to have some delicious taco seasoning on hand. Sure, you could buy a packet at the store, but it's almost as easy to mix it up yourself. With seven spices, along with salt and pepper, this taco seasoning will kick any dish up a notch.
Get our recipe for Taco Seasoning.
Shrimp Tacos
Prefer seafood to beef and chicken? This shrimp taco recipe was made for you. Paired with a margarita, it's the perfect way to welcome the start of summer.
Get our recipe for Shrimp Tacos.
Chicken Tacos with Roasted Red Peppers
Chicken gets a major boost in this taco recipe, thanks to the flavors of roasted red peppers and taco seasoning. This recipe is a great candidate for entry into your regular Taco Tuesday rotation.
Get our recipe for Chicken Tacos with Roasted Red Peppers.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Fire up your slow cooker now, and you'll have delicious tacos ready to go when dinner rolls around. With fresh flavors from oranges, pickled onions, and cilantro, these tacos will add a kick to any meal.
Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
You don't need a million pots and pans to make a tasty meal. One sheet pan is all you need for these tasty fajitas.
Get our recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.
Fish Tacos with Tilapia and Avocado
Not sure how to cook with tilapia? Don't worry, we've got you covered! The whole family will love this easy fish taco recipe.
Get our recipe for Fish Tacos with Tilapia and Avocado.
Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Tacos
Yes, bacon can have a place in your Cinco de Mayo spread. These breakfast tacos feature scrambled eggs and cheese—it'd be almost criminal not to add bacon to that lineup.
Get our recipe for Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Tacos.
Sweet Potato and Spicy Chorizo Taco
Balance out the heat from the chorizo with fresh-cooked sweet potato. You'll add more fiber to your meal, and the flavor pairing is an unexpected winner.
Get our recipe for Sweet Potato and Spicy Chorizo Taco.
Beef Tacos
Sometimes, you just want a traditional standby, and there's nothing wrong with that! That's where beef tacos come in. Simple and satisfying, they're the perfect addition to any Cinco de Mayo spread.
Get our recipe for Beef Tacos.
Steak Tacos
If steak isn't a regular part of your Taco Tuesday festivities, why not add it to the rotation? Paired with fresh pico de gallo, steak is a must-have for any taco spread.
Get our recipe for Steak Tacos.
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Slow cookers for the win! These Crock-Pot chicken tacos are so easy to assemble, which means you can focus on getting the rest of your Cinco de Mayo spread in order.
Get our recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos.
Vegetarian Chili
If your quarantine buddy is vegetarian, swap out your beef chili recipe for this plant-based version instead. It pairs well with tortilla chips or cornbread, and you won't even miss the meat.
Get our recipe for Vegetarian Chili.
Salsa
When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, don't forget the basics, like guacamole and salsa. Use this easy salsa recipe to top your burritos and for dipping tortilla chips.
Get our recipe for Salsa.
Breakfast Burrito
How picture-perfect is this breakfast burrito? Stuffed with eggs and soy chorizo, this recipe is an easy way to keep the Cinco de Mayo festivities going all week long.
Get our recipe for a Breakfast Burrito.
Bacon-Chile Burgers with Guacamole and Salsa
We said it before, and we'll say it again: Burgers can have a place in your Cinco de Mayo spread! This one, topped with guacamole and salsa, couldn't be more festive.
Get our recipe for Bacon-Chile Burgers with Guacamole and Salsa.
Avocado Soup
If you've never had chilled avocado soup, you've got to try this recipe. Packed with flavors like cumin and chili powder, it will convert even staunch cold-soup haters.
Get our recipe for Avocado Soup.
Beef Burrito Bowls
You don't have to head to Chipotle for a tasty burrito bowl. The best part about this recipe? It won't cost you upwards of $2 to add guacamole on top.
Get our recipe for Beef Burrito Bowls.
Lime Avocado Mousse
Not into avocado ice cream? There are still more ways to add the humble avocado into your dessert recipes. Once you've tried this lime avocado mousse, you'll wonder why you never made it sooner.
Get our recipe for Lime Avocado Mousse.
Steak Fajitas
Once you've made these steak fajitas at home, you'll wonder why you waited so long to recreate this classic restaurant dish.
Get our recipe for Steak Fajitas.
Chili
Top your baked potatoes with it. Serve it with cornbread. Or, in the case of Cinco de Mayo, use it as a side dish for the perfect Mexican dinner. However you enjoy chili, this recipe is one to bookmark.
Get our recipe for Chili.
Nacho Cauliflower Tostadas
Yes, cauliflower can be a part of Cinco de Mayo! You won't even miss the chips.
Get our recipe for Nacho Cauliflower Tostadas.
White Chicken Chili
If you want to switch things up from the traditional tomato-based chili, try a white chicken chili instead.
Get our recipe for White Chicken Chili.
Homemade Tortillas
If you really want to take things to the next level with at-home tacos and quesadillas, try your hand at making your own corn or flour tortillas. For flour tortillas, all you need is flour and shortening or butter; for corn tortillas, you'll need masa harina, water, and salt.
Get our recipe for Homemade Tortillas.
Avocado Pineapple Margarita
Yes, you can enjoy avocados right in your margarita! This recipe brings together all the summer flavors you could want, complete with a delicious chili salt rim.
Get our recipe for an Avocado Pineapple Margarita.
Fish Taco Bowls
Not into traditional tacos? Switch things up with a taco bowl instead. This recipe uses coconut cauliflower rice and mango salsa for an unexpected dose of fresh flavor.
Get our recipe for Fish Taco Bowls.
Spicy Tuna and Avocado Fish Tacos
Seared tuna and pickled onions come together in this recipe for a flavor combination that will blow you away. If you've never had a tuna taco before, get ready to be amazed.
Get our recipe for Spicy Tuna and Avocado Fish Tacos.
Classic Margaritas
We couldn't end this recipe roundup without the most classic Cinco de Mayo option of all! These simple margarita recipe will pair well with just about every food on this list.
Get our recipe for Classic Margaritas.
Cucumber and Jalapeño Margarita
And if you want to take the classic margarita to the next level, look no further than this Cucumber and Jalapeño option. The combination of refreshing cucumbers with the spicy jalapeños in this recipe is truly unmatched—and something you need to try.
Get our recipe for Cucumber and Jalapeño Margarita.
Sweet and Smoky Fresh Ink Smoked Margarita
Another margarita recipe because why not! The depth of flavor in this recipe is truly unmatched—we're talking sweetness from the pineapple juice, the sour from the lime juice, and the hint of smokiness from the paprika. It's a margarita like no other.
Get our recipe for Sweet and Smoky Fresh Ink Smoked Margarita.
PATRÓN Classic Margarita
Some say, don't mess with perfection—and this classic margarita recipe is certainly it. Your perfect classic margarita awaits featuring PATRÓN Silver and PATRÓN Citrónge Orange.
Get our recipe for PATRÓN Classic Margarita.
