This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Enjoy South-of-the-Border and Mexican cuisine? Then you'll love this collection of our favorite tried and true Cinco de Mayo Recipes!
It's hard to believe April has slipped away and today heralds in the merry month of May! I'm not sure where the "merry" connotation came from, but I do know that May tends to be a beautiful, (but also very busy!) month. There's Mother's Day, graduations, showers for June weddings, end-of-school-year events, Memorial Day and, at the front end, Cinco de Mayo. That's why we're popping in today to share some of our favorite Café Cinco de Mayo Recipes!
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Some of you might be asking that question. I always assumed that Cinco de Mayo was the Mexcian independence day, but a little research revealed that I was wrong! Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo is actually more of a United States holiday celebration than it is Mexican.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. People in Puebla celebrate the day, as that's where the unlikely victory occurred, but the festivities aren't nationwide. Cinco de Mayo isn’t a federal holiday, so the day is just like any other day for most people in Mexico. Mexican Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16. It commemorates the Cry of Dolores that initiated the war of Mexican independence from Spain.
Cinco de Mayo has gained popularity all across the United States in recent years. Traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals. And although (to me) any day is a perfect day to enjoy Mexican cuisine, on the fifth of May it’s not even legal to eat anything other than South-of-the-Border cuisine!
Okay, maybe it’s not actually against the law, but it’s definitely a reason for someone to call you a party pooper. I thought I’d save you from that undesirable moniker by sharing a few of our favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes. Enjoy!
Best Ever, Super Easy Salsa - this fresh, vibrant easy salsa is loaded with delicious South-of-the-Border flavor and comes together in less than 10 minutes.
Mexican Corn and Bean Salad - this fresh, delicious salad is wonderful for potlucks, with chips and makes a fabulous side for sandwiches and grilled entreés.
Avocado Crema - a delicious, fresh, healthy Mexican-inspired condiment made with fresh avocado and Greek yogurt. Serve as a dip for chips, on burgers, with eggs, on toast or drizzle it over any Mexican entreé!
Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon - this is the easiest and by far the most delicious salmon salad we’ve ever had. It’s super versatile too!
Mexican Street Corn - this stuff is CRAZY GOOD! It works double duty too; as a side or a scrumptious dip!
Homemade Flour Tortillas - these really are the best ever homemade flour tortillas, no one can believe how easy and delicious they are!
Mexican Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken - don’t worry about this chicken drying out. It stays moist, tender and full of fabulous Southwest-inspired flavor!
Mexican Chopped Salad - this might just be the freshest, healthiest, most delicious salad you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting!
Happy Cinco de Mayo... and beyond! While we are calling these recipes our "favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes, they're also perfect for the season ahead - think picnics, potlucks, cookouts and other spring/summer get-togethers! It seems that everyone loves south of the border cuisine, you really can't go wrong!
Kaye Gross says
I'd like the recipe for Peruvian Green Sauce, please.
Chris Scheuer says
Here you go, Kaye- https://thecafesucrefarine.com/peruvian-green-sauce/
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
So many great recipes,I'll have a hard time deciding on one to celebrate the day 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
What an awesome round up of recipes Chris! No need to go out and celebrate. Looks like the party's at your house! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Susan says
What a beautiful and delicious selection of recipes, Chris! I love all of the bright flavors of Mexican and Southwestern food!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
You're in your element here, Chris, what an incredible spread this would be for the weekend, I'm drooling!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Cinco de Mayo is becoming such a great food holiday, isn't it? Love all the good stuff you've shared with us here -- some amazing recipes. Thanks!
Jenna says
Your Avocado Crema is going to be perfect with our Cinco de Mayo fajitas, thanks Chris!! Ole!
Ginny Hartzler says
Everything is so gorgeous and vibrant!! Especially the chopped salad and chicken. I learned a lot about cinco de mayo here! I did not know it is not a federal holiday in Mexico.
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
I'm all set now! These are terrific recipes Chris - so much inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Jennifer Essad says
amazing blend of flavors in all of these recipes
2pots2cook says
Oh dear ! Thank you for a history lesson and for the beautiful ideas as well !