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Are you short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and festive Cinco de Mayo meal? Try one of these quick and easy recipes to help you celebrate in no time!
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Home
Despite not being a major national holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular cultural event in the United States. The holiday is a way for people to come together and celebrate Mexican culture and heritage through food, drinks, and festivities. From traditional dishes like tacos and festive drinks like Margaritas, Cinco de Mayo has become a favorite American holiday for celebrating Mexican culture.
If you’re looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but find yourself short on time or unable to celebrate in person, you can still enjoy the festive spirit of the day with some quick and delicious Cinco de Mayo inspired recipes.
Here are five of my favorites that make use of some time-saving shortcuts while delivering big on flavor and Fiesta. Ole!
5 Time-Saving Cinco de Mayo Recipe Ideas
Margarita Spritzer Recipe
This Margarita Spritzer recipe is a refreshing drink with a lighter twist to the traditional classic margarita. This recipe is versatile enough to serve one or many. The only must-have for this recipe, besides the Tequila, of course, is this ice cube tray that makes mini round ice cubes! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t obsessed!
I'm obsessed with the little mini ice cubes these trays make. Complete with a storage container and ice scoper, this one is my favorite.
10 Second Salsa
There isn’t much to say about this 10-second Salsa recipe other than it’s quick and effortless to make and will add fresh tomato flavor to any Mexican-inspired meal. Just make sure you have a good food chopper for this one. I prefer the Cuisinart Food Prep Chopper but there are so many other options out there. Just find the one that works best for all your food prep needs.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
When it comes to quick and easy taco recipes for Cinco de Mayo these Grilled Shrimp Tacos will be your new favorite. By using some shortcuts you can probably find at the grocery store, these little shrimp taquitos do not disappoint!
Vegetable Bean Tostada
Tostadas are a popular Mexican dish of a deep-fried corn tortilla, which can be topped with a variety of ingredients. This Vegetable Bean Tostada is a slightly healthier version that can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and carnivores alike.
Puff Pastry Churros Dupe
If you love churros but don’t have time to make them from scratch, this Puff Pastry Churro Dupe recipe will leave you more than satisfied.
What about the rice?
You might not believe what I am about to tell you BUT if you’re really looking to take reduce stress this Cinco de Mayo, do yourself a favor and head to the frozen food section of your local Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s has frozen Spanish Rice that is already prepared and just needs to be heated through. It’s a no-brainer for a quick and easy Cinco de Mayo meal! Not to mention, it is absolutely delicious! You owe it to yourself to at least try it once.
I hope these five Mexican-inspired recipes and meal hacks provide inspiration for a stress-free Cinco de Mayo. From the easy Margarita Spritzer to the Puff Pastry Churro Dupe, I’ve got every course covered. Whether you prefer the semi-homemade Grilled Shrimp Tacos or the 10 Second Salsa, any of these ideas are perfect any day of the year. I had a blast putting this round-up together for you and I hope you enjoy it! Don’t forget to click on each meal idea for the full recipe.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
With the exception of Trader Joe’s rice, if you’re really in a pinch, you can order the ingredients for these recipe ideas and more using Instacart. It’s a timesavers best friend!
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