An overhead image of a bowl of fresh pico de gallo salsa served with tortilla chips. Text overlay across the image says "8 Cinco De Mayo Inspired Recipes"

Here’s the thing… every season is TACO season!! Throw in a marg and I’m calling it a day! This weekend is the perfect time to grab some fresh ingredients to whip up a Cinco De Mayo inspired dinner and have a great time with the people you love! Remember it’s OKAY to swap out ingredients/proteins for whatever you have on hand… get creative!

    1. Beef Barbacoa Toastadas

    A close-up, overhead image of two beef barbacoa tostadas stopped with fresh chiles and cilantro leaves.

    This tender, falling-apart beef barbacoa is seasoned to perfection and cooked in the InstantPot. Paired with crispy homemade tostada rounds, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy some flavorful spice on Cinco de Mayo!

    2. “Beer-Rita” Steak Tacos

    A plate full of steak tacos topped with fresh onion, green salsa, and cilantro, served in corn tortillas.

    Tender steak is marinated with beer, lime, and seasonings for a juicy, tender, tangy taco filling. The homemade Avocado tomatillo is smooth and creamy with a nice kick of heat from fresh jalapenos and poblano peppers. You can’t go wrong with these simple, flavorful steak tacos!

    3. Cilantro & Mandarin Marinated Shrimp Tacos

    A closeup image of shrimp tacos served in fresh corn tortillas and topped with a creamy avocado sauce.

    The mandarin marinated shrimp in this recipe is truly a masterpiece! Mandarin Squeezed juice gives these tacos a sweet citrusy flavor, which balances the heat of the Aleppo pepper perfectly!

    4. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Street Tacos

    Sliced pork tenderloin is laid out next to homemade corn tortillas, a bowl of pineapple salsa, and a creamy green sauce.

    Pork tenderloin is the perfect way to serve up some budget-friendly flavor — especially when meat prices are sky-high! The pork is rubbed with a savory, smoky spice blend, then grilled to perfection. Top these bite-sized street tacos with a homemade pineapple salsa for the perfect sweet and savory bite!

    5. Chipotle Skirt Steak Tacos with Mango Salsa

    A plate full of Chipotle steak tacos, topped with mango salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges.

    These Chipotle marinated steak tacos have the perfect amount of heat! The tender skirt steak is covered with adobo sauce and grilled to perfection. Paired with a refreshing mango salsa and Chipotle crema, you’ll be enjoying these tacos far more often than once a year on Cinco de Mayo!

    6. Baby Shrimp Ceviche

    An overhead image of a bowl of fresh shrimp ceviche served with homemade tortilla chips.

    The hardest part about this shrimp ceviche recipe is making the homemade tortilla chips! This super fresh, flavorful ceviche is the perfect Cinco de Mayo appetizer. Baby shrimp is paired with a plethora of fresh vegetables — jalapenos, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, finished off with lime juice for the perfect tangy finish.

    7. Homemade Tortillas (or Flatbreads)

    A stack of homemade flour tortillas rests next to a cast iron skillet filled with beef.

    Have you ever tried making your own flour tortillas before?! With only five ingredients, it could not be any easier. All of these Cinco de Mayo recipes would go perfectly on a batch of fresh, tender homemade flour tortillas.

    8. Pineapple Cilantro Lime Margaritas

    It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo without a margarita on the menu! This simple four-ingredient drink is so quick to whip up. Pineapple and lime give you that classic margarita flavor, with a nice balance of freshness from the cilantro. Be careful — it’s hard to just have one!

    Ready to get into the kitchen and create a Cinco de Mayo fiesta? Be sure to check out my Amazon Kitchen & Home Essentials for a complete list of my must-haves.

    More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food

    Cinco de Mayo comes at the tail end of Spring. It’s the perfect time to welcome Summer into the kitchen! If you’re looking for more inspired Spring and Summer recipes, check out these RJF recipes next: