Cinco de Mayo Menu Ideas + DIY Cactus Pinata

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Creating a Cinco de Mayo Menu that’s scrumptious, festive and fun is super easy with this collection of yummy Mexican recipes! Right now I’m actually typing this post from a beachfront table in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where every day is a celebration. What you’ll love most about Mexican party food is how simple these recipes are to make. To complete your festive Mexican tablescape, I’ll show you how to create a gorgeous, DIY cactus pinata. I’m so excited to help you plan your upcoming Mexican fiesta!

Authentic Mexican Guacamole

No Cinco de Mayo menu is complete without authentic Mexican guacamole! Right now I’m in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico sitting at a beachfront table in the sand enjoying an ice-cold beverage along with guacamole and chips. Below is the best guacamole recipe you’ll find for this Mexican favorite. It’s exactly how they make it here on the west coast of Mexico.

Best 7 Layer Dip Recipe

When it comes to delicious seven layer dips, this fabulous recipe comes out on top! When you add this 7 layer dip to your Cinco de Mayo menu, your party guests will be so excited! This appetizer will be gone in a flash.

Cheesy Rotel Bean Dip

Yummy, cheesy Rotel bean dip is quick and easy to make! This Mexican party food is a staple appetizer for a tasty Cinco de Mayo menu. If you don’t Rotel (canned tomatoes), instead you can use fresh tomatoes and fire-roasted green chilies. Either way this Mexican appetizer is so darn yummy!

Fiesta Taco Dip

Get the party started with this scrumptious, flavorful fiesta taco dip! A perfect addition to any Cinco de Mayo menu, this appetizer is quick and easy to make. Get your tortilla chips ready for this fantastic Mexican dip!

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TEX-MEX CHEESE QUESADILLA

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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

On the Pacific coast of Mexico, shrimp is staple ingredient. It’s included on most restaurant menus and is a perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo menu. Although this appetizer looks and tastes like a gourmet creation, this Mexican party food favorite very easy to make!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

In Mexico food is fresh, colorful and full of flavor. Salads or vegetables are an important part of any healthy Mexican meal. This creamy cilantro lime dressing is a must-have on your Cinco de Mayo menu. Use it for a dip for veggies or as delicious dressing for a simple green salad.

Mexican Wedge Salad

This fabulous Mexican wedge salad is a welcome addition to any Cinco de Mayo menu. This healthy, colorful salad is a real people pleaser! You can put this salad to together in no time flat, or your guests can create their own salads using pre-cut lettuce wedges and a few simple ingredients.

Authentic Flour Tortillas

This authentic flour tortilla recipe has been passed down through four generations. It’s a genuine family treasure. My Grandma Mercie made the best homemade flour tortillas you ever could taste. Now I’m sharing this beloved recipe with you! It’s ideal for your Cinco de Mayo menu. You can use them for making cheese quesadillas, or for making soft tacos.

Homemade Crunchy Taco Bell Tacos

No Cinco de Mayo menu is complete without tasty tacos! They’re must-have Mexican party food. If you’re in a hurry, these homemade Taco Bell tacos are easy to make and a real crowd pleaser. Your guests can fill their pre-made taco shells with freshly-prepared ground beef as well as other tasty toppings. Keep your ground beef hot in a crockpot so it’s warm and ready to serve throughout the party.

Mexican Chicken and Rice

Mexican chicken and rice is quick and easy to put together! This Mexican one-pot meal can be your main dinner entree for your Cinco de Mayo menu, or be served as an additional option alongside tasty Mexican tacos.

Best Top-Shelf Margarita Recipe

Delicious top-shelf Margaritas are the drink of choice for Mexican celebrations and every festive Cinco de Mayo menu. This essential Margarita recipe produces the best of the best Mexican cocktails. Enjoy!

Cinco De Mayo Recipes

Round out your Cinco de Mayo menu with these other popular Mexican party food favorites:

Easy Restaurant-Style White Queso
Authentic Mexican Beef Tamales
Crispy Pork Carnitas

DIY CACTUS PINATA

These are the simple, inexpensive materials you’ll need to create this festive cactus pinata: cardboard or poster board, green crepe paper streamers, scissors, invisible tape, packing tape, white paper, glue, pencil, and a ruler.

DIY CACTUS PINATA – STEP 1

Draw and cut a cactus shape on your poster board. Trace and cut out a second cactus shape.

DIY CACTUS PINATA – STEP 2

Using a ruler, cut 3-inch wide long strips for your piñata sides. Using packing tape, tape together the sides, top and bottom of the cactus pinata.

DIY CACTUS PINATA – STEP 3

Fold, layer and cut your paper streamer along the bottom to create a fringe. Cut and tape your fringe streamer onto your cactus piñata until it’s fully covered.

DIY CACTUS PINATA – STEP 4

Using pink fringe crepe paper, add pink flowers to the top of your DIY cactus piñata. Cut out small white cactus pricks using either white poster board scraps or from a roll of white crepe paper. Glue them onto your cactus piñata.

DIY CACTUS PINATA > PIN IT TO PINTEREST

Save this easy DIY CACTUS PINATA to Pinterest! It makes a great tablescape decoration for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Paired up with your Cinco de Mayo menu, your cactus pinata will help create a fun and festive Mexican party atmosphere!

GET MORE RECIPE INSPIRATION HERE >> FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST

 

CINCO DE MAYO MENU + DIY CACTUS PINATA > JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

What is your favorite Cinco de Mayo menu item? What do you think about this festive DIY cactus Pinata? I’d love to hear about your party plans for Cinco de Mayo!