23 Cinco De Mayo Recipe Ideas

Cinco De Mayo recipe ideas are endless. From Prosecco Berry Sangria to Aztec chocolate ice cream and homemade chipotle mayo, these are recipes to get your taste buds tingling. Following celebrations around the world is a fun way to explore new dishes and add variety to your diet. All things that gluten free cooks need.

Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and most importantly for me, food. We can celebrate the flavours of Mexico any day of the year but Cinco De Mayo, literally Fifth of May in Spanish, is celebrated on May 5.

Plan a Mexican Dinner

As a gluten free cook I want to know about naturally gluten free foods from cultures around the world. Mexico has lots of them so that's reason enough to create a culinary adventure on or around May 5th.

Somewhere there will be parades and mariachi bands but I invite you to simply cook something Mexican and have fun doing it. Have a Cinco de Mayo party if you want, make homemade corn tortillas for the first time or churn some homemade ice cream because who doesn't love that!

Recipe Ideas for Breakfast and Brunch

Whether you've looking for something sweet or savoury, we've got you covered.

1

Easy Gluten Free Huevos Rancheros

This easy version of Huevos Rancheros makes a hearty breakfast or brunch main dish any weekend. Cinco de Mayo is also a perfect time to try it.

Check out this recipe

2

Gluten Free Cinnamon Churros

There’s nothing like eating sugar-dusted Cinnamon Churros still warm from the deep fryer. If you're set for deep frying you can make them now.

Check out this recipe

3

Gluten Free Cornbread

Cornmeal adds a distinct texture to baking that people love. Vary this year-round recipe to be sweet or savoury, make muffins or cornbread sticks, and remember it when you need a turkey stuffing recipe.

Check out this recipe

Homemade Corn Tortillas

4

Homemade Gluten Free Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas can be made in minutes using only masa harina and water. They're soft and delicious with the subtle taste that is unique to masa.

Check out this recipe

If you haven't made these yet they're a simple, authentic one-ingredient tortilla. I've got everything I need to make tortillas stored together so I can make them easily.

You can flatten balls made from masa harina into tortillas between two frying pans but a tortilla press does the job best. Smart cooks have discovered they can also use it to flatten dough for recipes like tarts and cookies.

To learn more about masa harina check out this post, How To Use Corn Flour, Cornmeal and Masa Harina.

8 Starters & Sides For Cinco De Mayo

Colourful salads, creamy Avocado Chipotle Sauce or guacamole with tequila (you've gotta try it!) are excellent choices for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

5

Grilled Shrimp Martini

This Grilled Shrimp Martini is a once-a-year recipe in my house. It takes time to grill everything yet I love creating a special occasion to enjoy it.

Check out this recipe

6

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter

Corn and lime are a match made in heaven. This is a summer recipe not to be missed. Corn season is short so make sure you have a list of favourite recipes and be sure to make them all!

Check out this recipe

• When corn is in season serve Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter as a side. This butter is also excellent on grilled fish or shrimp.
• Even if you can't find pomegranates in May, make this show stopping Pear Pomegranate Guacamole.
• My high fibre Southwestern Quinoa Salad is a year round favourite for lunches or a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue. A squirt of chipotle mayo on top makes it even better!

7

Tomatillo Guacamole with Tequila

Tequila in guacamole, yes please! Tomatillos aren't a typical ingredient either because I just can't resist making recipes that are a little out of the ordinary.

Check out this recipe

8

Mexican Avocado Orange Salad

This green salad bursting with citrus flavour will go with any Mexican inspired meal from tacos to pork carnitas.

Check out this recipe

7 Cinco De Mayo Main Course Recipes

From carnitas to tacos you've got plenty of options to keep Mexican recipes on the menu long after Cinco De Mayo. Tortillas are so much more than tacos but varying taco fillings is a great place to start. Kids like the same thing over and over (and over again) but the rest of us need something to get excited about.

Here are seven delicious main course recipes to inspire you .

• Succulent Pork carnitas, need I say more?
• Turkey Tacos are a small change from beef but they're delicious and you're kids won't know the difference. Try making it with tofu if you're ready for that. My recipe for homemade taco seasoning mix is in this taco post.
• Vary both the filling and topping for tacos to create your own favourites. I love a tropical fruit salsa on my fish tacos.
• Cumin Lime Chicken, an easy weeknight meal and you've likely got all the ingredients in your kitchen. If you make it on May 5 then Happy Cinco De Mayo!
• Consider making paella with friends as a fun hands on dinner with friends. My paella has seafood and meat but it's a basic recipe that can be varied and made vegetarian if you like.
• You can never go wrong with homemade Chipotle Mayo. Put it in a squeeze bottle and watch it disappear.
• Chicken with Adobo Paste has the best damn rub you'll make all summer! And I say that every year because it's true.

Authentic or Mexican Inspired Desserts

Dessert lovers always want to pick the dessert first and plan their menu around it. These are some of my favourites for a Mexican menu but don't limit yourself. Try a variation of creme brulee (Cappuccino Crema Catalana would be nice) or add your own Mexican twist to something as simple as the grilled fruit with honey cinnamon glaze.

Cinco de Mayo is always on May 5 but you can plan a Cinco de Mayo party any day you want. Whether you make breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are enough gluten free recipe ideas here to last you all year.