Cinco de Mayo is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage, culture, and, of course, cuisine. While many associate this festive holiday with tacos and margaritas, the appetizer course offers a perfect playground to showcase the rich flavors and textures of Mexican culinary traditions.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to spice up your menu at home, these easy appetizer ideas are guaranteed to get your Cinco de Mayo celebration started on the right note.
Dips
Many dips can be made ahead of time, which is always a good idea for party planning. These dips are perfect Cinco de Mayo appetizer recipes!
Restaurant Style Tableside Guacamole – This easy recipe features a delightful blend of fresh avocado, zesty lime juice, succulent tomatoes, fiery jalapenos, aromatic garlic, onions, and vibrant cilantro. Whether it’s a delectable appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a delightful accompaniment to any meal, this homemade guacamole is a must-try!
Pico De Gallo – scoop it up with corn tortilla chips or spoon it over my grilled meats or tacos, this pico de Gallo is one of my favorite mexican appetizer recipes!
Choriqueso – Ready in just 40 minutes, this cheesy dip made with Mexican pork chorizo can be served as an appetizer or a meal. It’s perfect with corn chips!
Hot Elote Dip – this Mexican street corn dip is loaded with sweet corn, cheese, spices, cilantro, and fresh lime. Super creamy and takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Roasted Salsa Verde – Roasted Salsa Verde is so easy to make and will convince you never to eat store-bought again! Pair it with some corn chips for a yummy appetizer!
Salsa con Queso – a creamy queso dip made with real cheese and your favorite salsa. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s ready in less than 10 minutes!
7 Layer Mexican Dip – a marvelous symphony of layers…refried beans, browned beef, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, veggies, and lots of cheese. This creamy dip is perfection in one big platter.
5 minute fresh tomato salsa – made with tomatoes, cilantro, onion and garlic takes just 5 minutes in a blender! This tastes just like restaurant-quality salsa!
Salads
Salads are fresh and delicious and make great recipes for any party!
Easy Mexican Pasta Salad – Colorful bowtie pasta + juicy tomatoes + black beans pair with a creamy avocado vinaigrette for a salad everyone will love!
TexMex Cucumber Corn Salad – A refreshing twist on a Mexican elote corn salad, this dish combines cucumbers and corn with jalapenos, red onion, cilantro and a sour cream dressing you will love.
Grilled Chicken Taco Salad – made with juicy grilled taco-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and drizzled with a creamy cilantro dressing, this salad is perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo party!
Jicama Salad with Apples and Honey Lime Dressing – light, crisp, tart, and refreshing. It’s quick and easy to make and packed with nutrition.
Mexican Fruit Salad – the addition of Tajin takes fresh, juicy fruits to the next level in this fruit salad. It’s quick, simple, super refreshing, and highly adaptable!
Mango Black Bean Corn Salad – Juicy mango and protein-rich black beans as well as sweetcorn, tomatoes and bell pepper, this colorful salad is packed with nutrients. Elevate your summer mealtimes with a delicious and healthy salad.
Finger Foods
Finger foods allow hosts to offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and options. Guests can explore a variety of tastes without committing to a full meal, and guests aren’t tied down to a seat! They can easily eat while standing or moving around, encouraging more interaction and conversation!
Birra Egg Rolls – This dish combines the comforting flavors of birria with the crispy, golden shell of an egg roll.
Mini Ground Beef Tacos – the perfect appetizer for parties, celebrations and football tailgates! Mini tacos are simple to make, always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for serving at home or on-the-go.
Baked Chicken Taquitos – these easy homemade Chicken and Cheese Taquitos are baked, not fried and are ready in less than 30 minutes. Corn or flour tortillas are stuffed with a creamy chicken filling, lots of cheese, and spice. Serve these up for a quick weeknight dinner or snack!
Chicken Enchilada Bites – Chicken Enchilada Bites take a classic Mexican dish and make it into a bite-size appetizer! A delightful bite that will make your tummy smile.
Easy Chorizo Tacos – these tacos are a mouthwatering fusion of savory, spicy chorizo, zesty spices, and fresh ingredients. A delicious appetizer for your cinco de mayo menu!
Easy Cheese Quesadillas – this 4 ingredient cheese quesadilla is such an easy recipe and is so good! This classic cheese quesadilla recipe is perfect as an appetizer or even a meal and ! It is sure to become a family favorite.
Loaded Veggie Nachos – With layers upon layers of colorful veggies and ooey-gooey cheese, these vegetarian sheet pan nachos are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Carne Asada Fries – made with crispy baked french fries smothered with tender grilled carne asada and delicious toppings like pico de gallo, melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips – Crispy and flavorful, these homemade tortilla chips air fryer corn tortilla chips are perfect with salsa or guacamole.
Mexican Charcuterie Board – complete with homemade tajín, spicy avocado hummus, salsa verde, red chile pecans, and Mexican dark chocolate, this twist on a traditional charcuterie board is a perfect snack platter for the main event!
As we wrap up our culinary journey through the vibrant flavors and spirited traditions of Cinco de Mayo, remember that each appetizer you choose to create is more than just a treat for the taste buds—it’s an invitation to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of Mexican culture. Whether you’re arranging a colorful platter of mini tacos, sharing a bowl of zesty guacamole, or delighting in the crunch of fresh tostadas, these recipes are your starting point for an unforgettable fiesta. So, gather your friends and family, let the mariachi music play, and let each bite transport you to the heart of Mexico’s festive spirit. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
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