Cinco de Mayo is more than just a celebration — it’s a flavorful tribute to Mexican culture that’s especially beloved here in the United States. As a food blogger and passionate home cook, I see this day as the perfect chance to honor bold, vibrant Mexican flavors that bring people together around the table.

In this roundup, I’m excited to share 15 of the most popular and trending Mexican recipes that are ideal for your Cinco de Mayo menu — from timeless classics to fun, festive twists.

Each dish includes a quick personal-style intro, a simple ingredient list, and concise, helpful instructions — long enough to guide you, short enough to keep things moving. Let’s dive in!

Chicken Tacos

A classic Mexican favorite and always a party hit. These tacos are easy to make and super customizable.

Ingredients:
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 corn tortillas
• Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with spices, and cook for 7–10 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
2. Warm tortillas in a dry pan.
3. Fill with cooked chicken and your favorite toppings. Serve warm.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tacos

Chicken Enchiladas

Warm, cheesy, and comforting, these enchiladas are perfect for family-style meals.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix chicken with half the sauce and seasonings.
2. Fill tortillas with chicken mix, roll, and place in a baking dish.
3. Pour remaining sauce on top and sprinkle cheese.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until melted and bubbling. Serve hot.

Guacamole

Creamy and fresh, guacamole is a must-have dip or taco topping.

Ingredients:
• 3 ripe avocados
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro

Instructions:
1. Mash avocados in a bowl. Mix in diced tomato, onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well and serve immediately with tortilla chips or over tacos.

Pico de Gallo

A zesty and fresh tomato salsa that’s great on everything.

Ingredients:
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve fresh.

Chicken Quesadillas

Golden, crispy tortillas stuffed with juicy chicken and melted cheese.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions:
1. Season chicken with spices. Place on half of a tortilla with cheese.
2. Fold and cook in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden.
3. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Sweet corn slathered in a creamy, tangy coating — a street food classic.

Ingredients:
• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:
1. Grill corn until charred. Mix mayo and sour cream in a bowl.
2. Brush over hot corn, then sprinkle cheese and chili powder.
3. Finish with lime juice and serve warm.

Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling skillet fajitas loaded with juicy chicken and colorful peppers.

Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fajita seasoning or taco seasoning

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken with seasoning until browned.
2. Add peppers and onions; cook until softened.
3. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Chicken Taquitos

Crunchy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside. A fun finger food!

Ingredients:
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 10 small corn tortillas

Instructions:
1. Mix chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and chili powder.
2. Fill tortillas, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
3. Air-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until crispy.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Taquitos

Mexican Rice

A flavorful side dish made with tomatoes, garlic, and spices.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:
1. In a pot, sauté rice in oil until lightly golden.
2. Add onion and garlic, then stir in broth and tomato sauce.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Shrimp Tacos

Light and flavorful, shrimp tacos are perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients:
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• Shredded lettuce and cucumbers

Instructions:
1. Dredge shrimp in flour, dip in egg, and coat in panko.
2. Air-fry or pan-fry until golden.
3. Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Toss shrimp in sauce.
4. Assemble rice bowls or tacos with lettuce and shrimp. Serve.

Great! Here’s the continuation of the full post with the remaining recipes:

Chicken Nachos

Crispy chips, tender chicken, and melty cheese — a party favorite.

Ingredients:
• 3 cups tortilla chips
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup jalapeños (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread chips on a baking tray, top with chicken, cheese, beans, and tomatoes.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts. Top with jalapeños and serve.

Chicken Burrito Bowls

A filling and fresh one-bowl meal that’s ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• Salsa and sour cream (for topping)

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, layer rice, chicken, beans, and corn.
2. Top with avocado slices, salsa, and sour cream.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Tostadas

Crispy tostadas loaded with beans, chicken, and toppings.

Ingredients:
• 6 tostada shells
• 1 can of refried beans
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
1. Warm tostada shells in the oven.
2. Spread each with refried beans, then layer chicken, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
3. Serve immediately while crisp.

Mexican Black Bean Salad

A refreshing and protein-rich salad that doubles as a dip.

Ingredients:
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, pepper, and onion.
2. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
3. Pour over salad, toss to coat, and chill before serving.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Bean Salad

Churro Bites (No Alcohol)

A sweet and crispy dessert, perfect for ending your fiesta.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Stir in flour until it forms a dough. Let cool slightly, then beat in the egg.
2. Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe small rounds into hot oil and fry until golden.
3. Toss warm churro bites in cinnamon sugar and serve immediately.

Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

Churros are a beloved Mexican street treat—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for dessert or snacking!

Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 2½ tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
• ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat water, sugar, salt, and oil until it just starts to boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms. Let it cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag with a star tip. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C), pipe dough into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and coat with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Tres Leches Cake

This ultra-moist cake is soaked in three types of milk, making it rich and creamy without being too heavy—a Cinco de Mayo favorite!

Ingredients:
• 1 sponge cake (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions:
Bake or prepare the sponge cake and let it cool completely. In a bowl, mix the three types of milk. Poke holes all over the cake with a fork, then slowly pour the milk mixture over the top. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with whipped cream and refrigerate until ready.

Mexican Flan

Mexican flan is a silky caramel custard with a delicate texture and a rich vanilla flavor. It’s simple but feels luxurious.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
Melt sugar in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and pour into the bottom of your flan mold. Blend the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the caramel. Bake in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) for about 50–60 minutes. Cool, chill, then invert to serve.

Agua Fresca

Agua fresca is a light, fruity beverage made from blended fresh fruit and water—ideal for cooling down on a warm day.

Ingredients:
• 4 cups diced watermelon
• 2 cups cold water
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Ice and mint (optional)

Instructions:
Blend the watermelon, water, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Strain if desired, then serve over ice. Garnish with fresh mint or lime slices.

Horchata

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from soaked rice, cinnamon, and vanilla—creamy, refreshing, and alcohol-free.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based)
• ¼ cup sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
Soak rice and cinnamon stick in water overnight. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain. Stir in milk, sugar, and vanilla. Chill well and serve over ice.