A Cinco de Mayo Menu

Cinco de Mayo is around the corner ~ and it’s the perfect excuse to dine al fresco. Need some recipe inspiration? I’ve got a Mexican themed menu to get your creative juices flowing…delicioso!

I bet you’re dying to get out of the house these days, and Cinco de Mayo couldn’t come at a better time. We’re firing up the grill and setting up the picnic table for a day of relaxed outdoor eating, starting with this colorful south of the border inspired menu…you’ll find a mix of authentic recipes with some creative adaptations!

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Fire Roasted Salsa Negra (black salsa)

Fire Roasted Salsa Negra is an intense Mexican black salsa is made with roasted tomatoes and peppers for a deep dark color and a gutsy flavor. This is a must try for any salsa lover.

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SOUP

Bloody Mary Gazpacho

This is pure genius, and so delicious. Serve it plain or jazz it up like I did. And if you’re not into the alcohol, leave it out, or try another of my many gazpacho recipes, I love the stuff!

Cream of Jalapeño Soup

A lovely combination of spicy peppers in a creamy, cheesy soup base. Fresh cilantro and lime add the perfect touch to this unique soup.

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SALAD

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This unique salad is patterned after the popular Mexican street food ‘elote’, which is basically seasoned corn on the cob slathered in a creamy sauce, and showered with cheese, chili powder, fresh lime juice, and cilantro ~ the flavors are all here! For another elote themed salad, try my Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad.

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Shrimp Taco Salad

A stunning  main course salad with jumbo Mexican spiced grilled shrimp, homemade tortilla strips, house pickled red onions, and all the fixings on a bed of zesty red cabbage slaw.

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TACOS!

Instant Pot Barbacoa

The meat is shredded and served in a sauce redolent with chiles and spices, along with a hit of acidity in the form of citrus juice and vinegar. So good.

Mexican Short Rib Tacos

Mexican short rib tacos are the BEST tacos ~ melt-in-your-mouth tender beef braised in a beer and guajillo chile sauce;

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BREAD

Masa Harina Biscuits

These tender fluffy masa harina biscuits are everything! They’re kind of a cross between a classic biscuit and a corn muffin, and the perfect accompaniment to chilis, soups, and stews of all sorts.

Hatch Chile Cornbread

Hatch peppers reign supreme in the chile world, so make the most of them with this tender, moist cornbread — it’s an irresistible combination of sweet and heat!

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DRINKS

Papaya and Lime Agua Fresca

Once you try agua fresca, the classic Mexican fruit drink made with fresh fruit and water, you’ll never look back. You can whip up this healthy refresher with any type of fruit you love.

Blood Orange Margarita

The delicate sweetness of blood orange juice takes this classic cocktail to a whole new level. Not to mention that awesome color ~ it practically glows!

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DESSERT

Mexican Chocolate Cake with Berries

A subtle hint of Mexican spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne, makes this cake magical. It can easily be adapted to be gluten free.

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No Churn Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Ice cream doesn’t get any richer, and you don’t even need a machine to make it, score! (If you’re cutting calories, try my Cinco de Mayo Popsicles) or my No Churn Pineapple Chile Sorbet.