22 Festive Mexican-Inspired Party Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

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With Cinco de Mayo just days away, you might be entertaining thoughts of hosting a fabulous party, but looking for something more than tacos, chips, and salsa? If so, I’ve got just the inspiration you need! My 22 Festive Mexican-Inspired Party Recipes includes fresh and fun beverages (both with and without alcohol), appetizers, mains, sides, and a couple of cool and refreshing desserts. You won’t want to miss a single one!

Having spent all but 5 of my 57 years in border states, and currently living ON the border, Mexican culture has always been a part of my life. I would like to take a moment to dispel the notion that Mexican food is not healthy. If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you know that much of my focus as a food blogger is on Mexican/Latin American flavors, and the cuisine is rich, varied, and can be very healthy. I feel the need to address a few raised eyebrows, too. I occasionally post recipes for cocktails, and I certainly enjoy them.  😀 “All things in moderation” is the motto at Andersen casa. We occasionally eat bacon and desserts too…  😉

In curating this collection, I went through 203 recipe links submitted by my food blogging colleagues… whew! I knew I needed to edit. I received dozens of amazing tacos recipes which I opted to save for another post, and opted to bring you recipes for a party menu – festive beverages, appetizers, mains, sides, and two frozen and fabulous desserts. It’s time to get planning your Cinco de Mayo party!

Start Your Party with a Cocktail or Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Beverage:

An Exotic Tropical Margarita from Beyond Mere sustenance

Blood Orange Margarita with Smoky Salt from Fox and Briar

Hot and Bubbly Margarita Recipe from Mid-Life Croissant

 Strawberry and Black Pepper Frozen Margarita from Giraffes Can Bake

Tropical Margarita – Cinco de Mayo from Simply Vegetarian

Wateremelon Jalapeño Agua Fresca from Culinary Ginger

 Papaya Agua Fresca from Happy and Harried

Next… An Appetizer or Two:

Halibut Ceviche from Platings and Pairings

Coctel de Camarones from Cali Girl Cooking

Mexican Street Corn Salad Wonton Salad Cups from Take Two Tapas

And Some Dips:

Mexican Fiesta Black Bean Hummus from Two Healthy Kitchens

Tasty Mango Guacamole from Say Grace Blog

Shrimp Salsa from The Life Jolie

Now for the Main Event:

Tequila Citrus Shrimp from home.made.interest

Tequila Braised Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas from The Flavor Bender

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken from Gonna Want Seconds

Mexican Street Corn Salad with Spicy Shrimp from Pinch and Swirl

An Awesome Side Dish or Two:

Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote) from Beyond Mere Sustenance

Black Beans Rice from Cook with Kushi

Vegetarian Borracho Beans from The Harvest Kitchen

Last (But NOT Least) – Dessert:

Cinco de Mayo Popsicles from the view from great island

Salted Lime Sherbet {Margarita Ice Cream} from The Flavor Bender

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