19 Traditional Cinco de Mayo Foods

Tacos for Cinco de Mayo

Mexican food is so vibrant, both in taste and color. You could eat it every day without ever getting tired of it, given the countless Mexican flavors, ingredients, dishes and ways to prepare them. Having said that, traditional and authentic Mexican food is not always easy to find—and it can be quite different than what we are used to. That's where these 19 best Cinco de Mayo food recipes come in.

Related: 50 Mexican Desserts For Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo Food Traditions For Your Party

This roundup showcases some of the best authentic Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday or any other night you're craving Mexican cuisine. There's something for everyone: Green Pozole with Chicken, Horchata, Guacamole, Cemita Poblana, Huevos Rancheros, Mexican Barbacoa, Enchiladas Verdes, Tostadas, Chile Verde Tamales, Fish Tacos, Flautas and more fantastic dishes.

Related: 61 Low-Carb Mexican Recipes

Get ready to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo the traditional way, then try this Fiesta Taco Rice Bake:

<p>Parade</p><p>They’re colorful, crunchy, messy and easy—<a href="/1329453/parade/instant-pot-recipes/" data-ylk="slk:Instant Pot;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Instant Pot</a> Birria Tacos are the best taco you’ll ever taste. And guess what? You can make it in an Instant Pot in just 45 minutes. Get the recipe <a href="/1370381/parade/instant-pot-birria-tacos/" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>Getty</p><p>Chilaquiles is pure Mexican comfort food—a hearty <a href="/986637/parade/casserole-recipes/" data-ylk="slk:casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">casserole</a> of tortilla chips, eggs, cheese, salsa, onions and corn. Get the recipe <a href="/26814/michaelstern/chilaquiles/" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>Danielle Atkins</p><p>When your crew can’t agree on enchiladas or <a href="/1264676/parade/best-lasagna/" data-ylk="slk:lasagna;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">lasagna</a>, make everyone happy with this quick and easy weeknight <a href="/986637/parade/casserole-recipes/" data-ylk="slk:casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">casserole</a>! Get the recipe <a href="/940604/parade/mexican-lasagna-is-the-budget-friendly-meal-youll-appreciate-during-the-holidays/" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>Shea Goldstein</p><p>Seasoned hand-cut fries dipped in cilantro lime salsa verde ranch is a winning side. Get the recipe <a href="https://parade.com/842424/sheagoldstein/mexican-street-fries-with-cilantro-lime-salsa-verde-ranch/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>Mama Latina Tips</p><p>Enchiladas are a must for Cinco de Mayo and this recipe is exactly what is needed. Get the recipe <a href="https://parade.com/wp-admin/_wp_link_placeholder" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

Mama Latina Tips

Enchiladas are a must for Cinco de Mayo and this recipe is exactly what is needed. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>Karen's Kitchen Stories</p><p>This Cemita Poblana with Pork Milanesa sounds like the perfect sandwich. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2015/05/cemita-poblana-with-pork-milanesa.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

Karen's Kitchen Stories

This Cemita Poblana with Pork Milanesa sounds like the perfect sandwich. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>The Lemon Bowl</p><p>Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions? Yes, please! Get the recipe <a href="http://thelemonbowl.com/2016/02/slow-cooker-pork-tacos-with-pickled-onions.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

The Lemon Bowl

Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions? Yes, please! Get the recipe HERE.

<p>My Latina Table</p><p>These Mexican Style Chicken Flautas are the perfect treat. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/mexican-style-chicken-flautas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/85-creative-margarita-recipes-making-213113255.html" data-ylk="slk:Best Margarita Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">Best Margarita Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Mama Latina Tips</p><p>Chile Verde Tamales—it can’t get more traditional than that. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.mamalatinatips.com/2016/01/chile-verde-tamales.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

Mama Latina Tips

Chile Verde Tamales—it can’t get more traditional than that. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>My Latina Table</p><p>Learn how to make traditional Enchiladas Verdes from scratch. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/homemade-enchiladas-verdes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

My Latina Table

Learn how to make traditional Enchiladas Verdes from scratch. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>Manu's Menu</p><p>Learn how to make some delicious make-ahead margaritas that will allow you to enjoy the fiesta with your friends. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.manusmenu.com/make-ahead-frozen-margaritas" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

Manu's Menu

Learn how to make some delicious make-ahead margaritas that will allow you to enjoy the fiesta with your friends. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>My Latina Table</p><p>This recipe will show you how to make authentic Mexican Barbacoa. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/slow-cooker-mexican-barbacoa/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

My Latina Table

This recipe will show you how to make authentic Mexican Barbacoa. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>My Latina Table</p><p>These Fried Avocado Fish Tacos with Chipotle Sauce are perfectos. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/fried-avocado-fish-tacos-chipotle-sauce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

My Latina Table

These Fried Avocado Fish Tacos with Chipotle Sauce are perfectos. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>Foolproof Living</p><p>The secret behind these amazing Huevos Rancheros is the special Pasilla Chile Sauce. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foolproofliving.com/huevos-rancheros-with-posada-corazons-pasilla-chile-sauce" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>My Latina Table</p><p>Learn how to make authentic Horchata. It's easier than you think. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/authentic-horchata-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

My Latina Table

Learn how to make authentic Horchata. It's easier than you think. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>Mama Latina Tips</p><p>This Green Pozole with Chicken sounds amazing! Get the recipe <a href="http://www.mamalatinatips.com/2012/09/green-pozole-with-chicken-recipe.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/141-sensational-soup-recipes-warm-225625664.html" data-ylk="slk:Best Soup Recipes You'll Want to Try;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">Best Soup Recipes You'll Want to Try</a></strong></p>
<p>My Latina Table</p><p>Tostadas are a staple of basic Mexican Food and these Tostadas de Tinga are a chicken version. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/tostadas-de-tinga/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

My Latina Table

Tostadas are a staple of basic Mexican Food and these Tostadas de Tinga are a chicken version. Get the recipe HERE.

<p>Manu's Menu</p><p>You can’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo without guacamole! Get the recipe <a href="http://www.manusmenu.com/guacamole" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

Manu's Menu

You can’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo without guacamole! Get the recipe HERE.

<p>My Latina Table</p><p>Lemon Carlota is a very popular Mexican dessert with French roots. Get the recipe <a href="http://mylatinatable.com/carlota-english/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</p>

My Latina Table

Lemon Carlota is a very popular Mexican dessert with French roots. Get the recipe HERE.

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