It’s Mexican FIESTA TIME!!!! We never need an excuse for Mexican food, so gather your amigos and get ready for a feast with this EASY Mexican menu!
Mexican Food Fiesta!
If you really twisted my arm and forced me to choose, I’d say Mexican is my favourite food……… along with Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Southern, Italian and Middle Eastern food. 😂😂😂
This feast you see is in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo which is on Saturday, 5 May 2018. It marks the anniversary of Mexico defeating the French invasion in 1862, but ironically, is more widely celebrated in the States than in Mexico.
Albeit for some, it seems like an excuse for eating tacos and drinking margaritas!!!
So I present to you a simply fabulous Mexican Fiesta menu plan, jam packed with my favourite Mexican food. A base taco menu plus plenty of options to switch out and add ons. Bring it on!
A big Mexican Fiesta that’s easy to make at home
Pork Carnitas (pictured in Fiesta) – that elusive combination of golden crispy meets juicy in shredded pork. The best of the best of Mexican food, 5 minutes prep, freezer friendly — every taco lover’s dream come true!
Carnitas not your taco filling of choice? Not to worry – any of the following make just as brilliant alternatives!
More Taco Fillings
Unforgettable Guac (doubles as dip and dolloping in tacos)- The secret to a great guacamole is starting with a paste made with onion, coriander/cilantro, jalapeño or serrano chilli, and salt. And if you find this guac recipe on my Instagram feed, you’ll also see plenty of messages validating the claims of authenticity! This is the real deal. No one can ever put their finger on why it tastes so good, they just know it’s better. 🙂
Simple Pickled Red Cabbage (from my Fish Tacos recipe) – such a great side for a taco spread! It adds a burst of freshness in or on the side of the taco, not to mention how much I love the vibrant colour. 🙂 This one’s a real quick pickled cabbage I use in Fish Tacos – just scale it up (use the slider).
Also pictured in the Mexican Fiesta Spread:
Charred warm corn and flour tortillas, grilled corn sprinkled with chipotle powder (contemplated doing this Mexican Grilled Corn or Mexican Corn Salad but thought simpler was better, already enough flavours going on), homemade tortilla chips (just deep fry corn tortillas), quick Restaurant Style Salsa (doubles as dip and sauce for tacos), sour cream, a dish of chopped white onions (not as sharp as brown onion, very commonly used in tacos in Mexico), coriander/cilantro and lime wedges.
Want to go even bigger for your fiesta food spread? Here are extra hit dishes to add to your menu for a truly decadent Mexicano banquet!
More Fiesta Dishes!
Other optional extras: Pico de Gallo, Refried Beans (I dress up canned, it’s in this recipe here), bowls of shredded cheese, Mexican hot sauces, sliced jalapeño.
Oh, also included in the Fiesta photo – fake shots of tequila (water…. too early for real tequila!!) and light beer I use solely for photos (having purchased a carton for a gathering thinking surely there would be some sensible people will drink it. How wrong I was.)
What I should have included in the photos – margaritas!
More Fiesta Drinks
And something sweet to finish – I suggest Churros, which I know isn’t strictly Mexican (it’s actually Spanish) albeit very popular in the touristy areas of Mexico. 🙂 20 minutes to make (you will be amazed!) and great for making ahead!
I know you’re probably sick of seeing this photo, but because it took the better part of a day to cook, style and clean up after a single photo, let me get more mileage out of it – so here it is one last time! – Nagi xx
PS I know this Mexican Fiesta isn’t a recipe but I consolidated it all into one handy little printable recipe for you. 🙂
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Mexican Fiesta Menu
Ingredients
Mexican Fiesta menu plan (as pictured in post):
- Pork Carnitas
- Restaurant style salsa (doubles as taco sauce + dip)
- Authentic Guacamole
- Pickled red cabbage (Note 1)
- Warmed tortillas
- Homemade tortilla chips (see below)
- Grilled corn (See below)
- Sour Cream
- Chopped white onions (Note 2)
- Coriander/cilantro leaves (whole or chopped)
- Lime wedges
Other Protein options:
Other Side options:
- Pico de Gallo
- Queso Dip (stays silky when cool!)
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Avocado Corn Salad
- Mexican Grilled Corn with Chipotle Adobo Sauce
- Pig Out Salsa (Chorizo and Corn)
- Mexican Red Rice
- Refried Beans (Note 3)
- Shredded Cheeses
- Avocado Slices (instead of guac)
- Hot Sauces
- Sliced Jalapeno
To Finish:
- Churros (quick, and great for make ahead)
Instructions
- Choose one or two proteins, then sides of choice. See linked recipes for directions (except tortilla chips and grilled corn, see below).
- Main Taco Filling Selection: The most convenient big batch protein is Pork Carnitas because it freezes great and only requires a quick pan fry to freshen up, and stays good for several hours (tips are in Carnitas recipe notes). The Shredded Chicken and Beef are almost as good (pork is slightly juicier) and stored similarly. The next simplest is Fish Tacos because it’s very quick to cook, then just put them in a serving dish and break into chunks with fork. If you want to use one of the chicken recipes to make ahead, use boneless thigh fillets, cook, then keep whole, cover and cool, reserve every drop of leached juice. Before serving, chop/slice, cover and microwave reheat.
- Taco Fixings: I like to have at least one fresh thing to stuff in tacos (pickled cabbage is my choice in this Fiesta), + a sauce (the Restaurant Style Salsa,) + avocado in some form (guac or slices or in Pico de Gallo) + coriander/cilantro. Chopped white onion is very common in Mexico, and Tex Mex fans such as myself will almost always have sour cream and shredded cheese too!
- Other Sides: Tortillas + things to stuff in tortillas usually makes for a satisfying meal in itself, but to round things out I usually provide a salad or vegetables of some form. Plain grilled corn is very on theme!
Directions (for items listed above without recipe link):
- Homemade Tortillas Chips: Chop corn tortillas to desired shape, fry in oil until crisp and light golden. Transfer for paper towel, sprinkle with salt while hot.
- Grilled Corn: Grill corn on BBQ over high heat until nicely charred. Brush with melted salted butter and sprinkle with chipotle powder (or chilli or cayenne, to taste)
Recipe Notes:
LIFE OF DOZER
Before:
And 2 minutes later: Dozer did “something”, was limping heavily and in visible distress, but even worse was the grinding, cracking and popping noise.
With the help of kind strangers, he was carried to the car and I dashed to the vet to learn he had ruptured his ACL*. I’m told it was a ticking time bomb – he’s had knee problems for a while now.
He’s unable to bear any weight on his rear leg though thankfully he’s not in pain. He’s going in for surgery as soon as I return from the States (I shortened the trip especially) and it’s going to be a long road to recovery.
Discomfort aside, the worst part is that he’s confined to a small space for the 6 weeks or so – at least. It’s going to be such torture for this beach loving boy affectionately called “psycho” by fellow dog owners for the ridiculous high energy he has!
Be prepared for some sad photos in the coming months. 😩 But also hopefully some hilarious ones as I get creative to keep his spirits up!!!❤️
* The ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament which holds the knee together so basically his knee joint is sliding all over the place so he can’t put any pressure on it. Once the ACL is snapped, it won’t heal without surgery.
Poor Dozer hope it won’t take long to heal 🐶🏴
ME TOO!!!!! I’m told it will be 4 – 6 months before he’s back to normal 😩
Poor Dozer! So sorry to hear about your knee problem. All the very best for a speedy recovery.
Will be following your progress. Good luck, Nagi.
Thank you Ros! I’ll certainly be doing everything I can to speed up recovery as quickly as possible!!! N xx
Oh no, poor Dozer! It is so hard to see a hurt pet. I bet it will be tough keeping the busy guy calm. Too bad you had to cut your trip short but I would have done the same thing. Hope he keeps his spirits up through the recovery.
OMG his size. He’s just so darn BIG!!! That’s what makes it hard! Thanks for the lovely message Dahn, hope you and your mum are well! N xx
Oh, poor Dozer. Not fun for either of you but he’s lucky to have such a good Mum who I’m sure will cook him up some special treats 🐶 We’ll look forward to updates & will send lots of good vibes for a successful surgery & speedy recovery 😊
Thanks Sarah!!! And actually, that’s a really great idea – I don’t have that many puppy treat recipes, will have to get on it! N xx
My husband had ACL repair surgery so I imagine it’s much the same with Dozer. However, I’m betting Dozer will be a better patient!
BA HA HA!!! Men when they’re down… they’re like kids!!! N xx
OH NO Dozer!! Negi, I had an English Mastiff that had to have ACL repair surgery. It was a bad couple days, he was grumpy and slept a great deal, but after that he was much better! We used bags of frozen corn and peas as ice packs-just put a tea towel on his leg first. It seemed to help. Best of luck to BOTH of you!!
Ohhh I’m so pleased to hear that Cheryl! Your poor pup 🙁 Thank you for the frozen veg tip!! N xx
Best wishes for Dozer’s recovery. You’re a fine pet parent, Nagi.
Thank you Ivy!! Will be doing everything I can do speed up recovery. 🙂 It’s going to be a long and slow 6 months! N x
Poor Dozer. Such a good boy.
I’ve forwarded your Cinco de Mayo menu to my stepson who toil sat a research lab in (Mexican food deprived) Syracuse, NY.
Your recipe for Osso Buco currently simmers on the stove anent a slow cooker polenta.
Ba ha ha! Tell him I understand – we are Mexican deprived here in Australia too, that’s why I’ve been so determined to make good homemade Mexican recipes, because we literally cannot get good Mexican here in Australia. Just Tex Mex!! N xx
Let’s all me honest, over the next couple of month we will be skipping to the bottom of the page to check on
Dozer and then we will read the recipe. Hope for a fast recovery.
Made me all weepy reading this! N xxx
What a Mexican feast! Another tempting recipe as always Nagi.
Oh Mr Dozer what a pickle you’re in.
Hope the surgery is a success.
Get well soon!
Sending oodles of love and hugs.
x x x
Thank you Jayne! Hugs passed on and happily received, he’s such a smooch lately! N xx
Poor Dozer! A faithful follower in Canada sends best wishes to Dozer for a speedy recovery. Also doggie kisses from our German Shepherd, Madison.
Returning hugs and kisses to Madison!! Thanks for the best wishes Carien! 🙂 N xx
Dozer your Canadian pal Luca sends woof woof get well regards.
Thanks for Cinco Fiesta recipes
Have a great trip in the US
Gillian and Luca
Thank you for the best wishes Gillian!!! And dozer says WOOF to Luca! N xx
oh poor poor Dozer 🙁 🙁 🙁 I hope he has good recovery, poor little guy, i can’t image what i’d do if that was Archie, goldens are such big dogs I’ve known a few that have had the same thing. I’m glad you had some people to help you out.
I know!! It’s the logistical problems with large dogs!! Are you giving Archie getting all the joint herbs and canned fish too?? N xx
not at the moment, he gets salmon in his kibble and pieces of fish when we get it, he’s still only a puppy so not sure if we need to start just yet. apparently tumeric is good for their joint health and inflammation too!
Oh no – what SAD news. I always scroll down to Life of Dozer FIRST. I will be praying for his quick recovery and for you as you care for him. Sending healing thoughts from Atlanta.
Thank you so much for the lovely message Amanda!!! N xx
Poor Dozer! Maybe some people food might make his road to recovery more bearable; can’t torture an injured pup with untouchable food set ups anymore, Nagi! lol
OMG I’m so worried I will make him fat because I feel so sorry for him!!
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer ,Murphy’s law it had to happen at that time for you ,but Doctors will heal your fur child , but all will be well , Dozer will heal and with lots of love and attention he will be okay, time heals ,always go slow ,think before moving !! I will pray for both of you and your wonderful Mom , happy Mother’s day
His timing, as always, is exceptional 😂 Always the way, isn’t it!!! Thanks for the lovely message Lily! N x
Killer looking feast here Nagi and hugs to Dozer! That sounds incredibly painful, so glad people were around to help you and him.
See you in a few days at the conference.
I CAN’T WAIT!!!!
What a FEASTE! Where does one start! Happy days! Am lucky over here avocados are1.50 each. NAGI AM SORRY YOU HAD TO WORRI ABOUT DOZER, WONT BE EASY BUT THATS WHAT HAPPEN WHEN THEY ARE AGING JUST LIKE AS. HOPE THINGS WORK OUT FOR YOU. BRING YOUR SELF HOME SAFELY.
I know!!! It’s just like with humans – I’ve been riddled with ailments since I clocked over to a certain age group! 😂
Hi Nagi
So sorry to hear about Dozer. We have been here too, twice. It is hard going after the surgery but ask your vet about canine hydrotherapy, it is great for building their muscles and helps relieve the boredom too.
Have a good trip!
Katharine
Thank you for the message Katharine! It’s so good for hearing from others who have been through this and come out the other side! N xx
I am so sorry about Dozer.
My SpringerDoodle, Dugan, had the same thing! Dugan sends his best to Dozer. Yes, it is rough going for awhile, but Dugan is back to 100% – and I know Dozer will be, too.
Hugs and love to you both.
Thank you for sharing that Barbara! I’m so glad to hear Dugan got through it just great, hugs to him from me please! N xx
Yea! I live in SLC! I hope you enjoy it. It’s a beautiful town.
Finally on my way! Sitting at the boarding gate right now as I read this!!