Though I have plenty of new recipes to share and other things to post, not to mention the fact that we’re overdue for monthly Instagrams, Things I’m Loving AND Reader Love, the only thing on my mind right now is Cinco de Mayo. Though it may not be until Tuesday, my mind is already there and I’m fairly certain we’ll be eating Mexican food for almost the entire month of May (#sorrynotsorry). Since I currently have a one track mind, I thought I would take this opportunity to round up my most favorite recipes for the occasion. Also, I will have time to post one more appropriately festive recipe on Monday, so please let me know if you have a suggestion or a particular category you would prefer to see. Mains? Beverages? Desserts? I’d love to hear what you would like to see!
We’re starting things off as we absolutely should, with cocktails. Though there are certainly other options, I’m all about margaritas or mojitos (but mainly just margaritas). Clockwise from top left, we have blood orange mojitos (I thought blood orange season was over but I’m still finding them on occasion), blackberry thyme margaritas, pineapple mojitos, guava margaritas, and summer cucumber margaritas. Get the party started!
Knowing just how much I love Mexican food, you will understand just how big of a deal it is for me to say this: modernized Mexican seven layer dip is my absolute, hands down favorite recipe in this post. Please make it. And invite me over. Fresh guacamole and fresh tomatillo salsa are obviously essentials. Goat cheese stuffed jalapeño poppers with hibiscus habanero glaze are fancy pants and super fabulous. Please make me these too, k?
Narrowing down to just a handful of favorite main dishes was a serious challenge, but I did my best. Here we have fish tacos with mango salsa and avocado cream sauce, crazy beef nachos, chicken enchiladas, shrimp enchiladas with roasted poblano sauce, grilled chicken fajita chopped salad, and traditional grilled chicken fajitas.
In our progression towards more meatless meals, I always worried we would never find delicious and satisfying meatless alternatives for some of our favorite Mexican mains. Thankfully, I was totally wrong on that front. These are just a few favorites – the newly posted black bean roasted poblano enchiladas, simple spicy black bean tacos, and pinto bean swiss chard burritos are all amazing and I adore them. Also, if you’re going to do this, do it right. Make homemade tortillas for sure! Either corn tortillas (pictured here) or flour. They are SO worth the extra effort.
If you feel the need for a side other than chips and guac (not going to lie, this is rarely the case for me), these are a few favorites. This chipotle lime quinoa pilaf with queso fresco is an awesome alternative to classic Mexican rice. Cilantro lime rice is an awesome bright, fresh side on its own or the beginnings of a killer burrito bowl. And of course, just like with tortillas, homemade refried beans are where it’s at.
As I am with sides, I can usually take or leave dessert for this occasion. Just more chips and guac, please! However, these desserts are definitely a perfectly sweet way to end a great meal. Homemade churros are fun to make and, as anything with fried dough, a seriously delicious indulgence. Muchas leches cake is an amped up version of tres leches cake. If you’re a tres leches fan, you’ll love this! Lastly, frozen strawberry margarita pie is super easy and tasty. If the weather is already really warm where you are, this could be a great option.
Please let me know if there is a particular Cinco de Mayo sort of recipe you would like to see on Monday. I’ll do my best to deliver!
