We’ll take any excuse to stuff our faces with spicy tacos, dip chips in creamy guacamole, and sip on refreshing margaritas. So we’ve compiled our favorite easy Mexican-inspired recipes for enjoying this Cinco de Mayo! Scroll through for dips, entrées, tamales, tacos, desserts & drinks perfect for the occasion.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over France in 1862. You can learn more about the history and observance of this day here.
(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
Easy, 10-minute red salsa with smoky, fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, and fresh lime juice! Flavorful, fresh, and perfect for Mexican night!
Easy 1-pot refried beans with minimal ingredients. Try our step-by-step methods for getting ultra creamy texture and classic flavor FAST! Perfect for canned pinto beans or beans made from scratch.
These flavorful, creamy refried lentils are infused with smoky spices and chilis and made in 1 pot in less than 30 minutes! Say hello to the perfect side for Mexican night.
Fluffy, fast white rice infused with green broth made from herbs and peppers! Just 7 ingredients and simple methods required + fluffy rice cooking tips!
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Friendly!)
Easy chicken tortilla soup that’s smoky, spicy, perfectly brothy, and undeniably comforting! Made in the Instant Pot for an incredibly flavorful meal with just 1 pot required!
Brothy, vegan tortilla soup made in 1 pot! Shredded jackfruit is infused with garlic, chipotle peppers, vegetable broth, and lime. A hearty side or entrée for Mexican night.
Smoky, hearty vegan enchiladas with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and kale! This recipe puts our Easy Red Enchilada Sauce to use. The perfect simple, 9-ingredient meal for Mexican night!
Smoky BBQ bean tacos pack serious, saucy flavor. Serve with our Jicama Slaw for the ultimate plant-based side or entrée. Ready in 25 minutes with 10 basic ingredients!
Easy tamales stuffed with roasted sweet potatoes and chipotle-seasoned black beans. Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required for this hearty, plant-based, naturally gluten-free dish!
Green Chile Chicken Tamales that are lard-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. 10 ingredients and perfect for meal prepping and freezer meals. The ultimate comfort food!
Amazing Mexican-inspired quinoa stuffed peppers made with just 10 ingredients! Simple, flavorful, full of protein and fiber, and entirely vegan and gluten-free!
How to make tender, shredded chicken in 1 pan and 30 minutes! Seasoned with Mexican-inspired spices for big flavor. Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, enchiladas, and more!
Smoky, roasted cauliflower tacos with a spicy chipotle romesco sauce! An easy (30 minutes!) and flavorful plant-based meal that’s versatile, healthy, and so satisfying!
The easiest (most delicious!) way to make fish tacos: tossed in smoky spices and baked to perfection. Just 30 minutes required, and naturally dairy- and gluten-free.
Amazing 5-ingredient Dulce de Leche Pops made with coconut milk and naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup. Salty, sweet, and SO creamy and delicious! A healthier dessert for the caramel lover.
EASY, naturally sweetened strawberry margarita bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and the perfect tart-sweet balance! A refreshing drink ready in just 5 minutes with 4 ingredients and a blender!
Dates replace sugar in this healthier version of homemade horchata. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla pop through in each sip — perfectly refreshing on a warm day.
6-ingredient rhubarb strawberry margaritas with silver tequila, lime juice, and a homemade rhubarb-strawberry syrup. Tart-sweet, easy to make, and perfect for spring!
Simple mango margaritas with orange, lime, agave, and silver tequila! Cold, sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced. Perfect for Mexican food and warm weather!
A sweet, tart, and smoky mezcalita made with frozen passion fruit. An easy, fun, and refreshing summertime drink with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes required!
If you try any of these Mexican-inspired recipes for Cinco de Mayo, let us know! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
sherry says
that vegan queso is an interesting idea. and i love pickled cauliflower.
Thanks, Sherry! Let us know if you try it!
Barbara says
Thanks so much for the mostly vegan Cinco De Mayo Recipes many of which I plan to make. I was wondering if you had a vegan red Spanish recipe.
Hi Barbara, Do you mean red beans and rice? We don’t but will add it to our ideas list!
Karin Appleby says
I wish these recipes were in a book or magazine!!! I would definitely buy it!!!
Aw, thanks Karin!
Sally says
Would like a recipe for Chili Relanos
We’ll add it to our ideas list!