Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration that commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 

In Puebla, there are parades, speeches, and reenactments of the battle to celebrate today. And, here in the United States, the Mexican community uses the day as a means of promoting their culture and heritage.

Of course, if you love Mexican food, it’s a day that’s become synonymous with hitting your favorite local Mexican restaurant and enjoying a delicious meal. But you don’t have to go out to dinner – you can recreate some of your restaurant faves at home.

• Best Ever Guacamole: If chips and guacamole are your jam, then you need a great guacamole recipe. There are lots out there, but this one from Downshiftology is simple and hits the mark with all of the flavors – garlic, cilantro, onion, and jalapeno.
• Classic Pico de Gallo: Pico de gallo is great on top of many Mexican recipes, and it’s also tasty with some tortilla chips. With just a few basic ingredients, this pico de gallo will add some freshness to any meal. (And be sure to check out the variations shared in the recipe post. The fruit salsas are really good!)
• White Queso Dip: Does your favorite Mexican restaurant have a white queso dip that you love? Is it practically impossible to stop eating it when you’re there? This recipe will remind you of that from your favorite restaurant – and it only has three ingredients! So easy to make!
• Elote: Elote translates to corn cob in English, and you probably know it as Mexican Street Corn. If you’ve never tried it – you must! It is definitely unique, and the spices really make the fresh corn flavor pop!
• Mexican Slaw with Cilantro and Lime: This Mexican Slaw with Cilantro and Lime makes for a great side dish with just about any Mexican main course you might be serving. And it’s amazing on tacos! Use it on tacos al pastor, fish tacos, or pork belly tacos to add some crunch!
• Ceviche: Do you love shrimp, avocados, tomatoes, and cucumbers all marinated in lime juice? Then you want to make ceviche! You can serve it on tostadas or with tortilla chips – or just grab a spoon and dig in!
• Pulled Pork Taquitos: Yummy pulled pork with lots of spices, shredded cheese, and salsa all rolled up in a tortilla and then fried – how good does that sound? If you found yourself nodding and saying, “I want some!” then this recipe is for you. 
• Sopes with Refried Beans and Cheese: A sope is a classic Mexican dish made with masa dough and then topped with – really with whatever you like! This one is really simple and topped with refried beans and queso fresco, but you can get creative with your toppings.
• Mexican Tortas: A torta is a Mexican sandwich that is served on a roll or bun and can be either hot or cold. The particular recipe is made with chicken, refried beans, guacamole, and shredded cheese – and would be perfect to take on a picnic!
• Green Chile Chicken Tamales: Are you a fan of tamales? Then make a big batch of these Green Chile Chicken Tamales. This is a time-intensive recipe, so you might want to make them on the weekend to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo.
• Sopapillas: Sopapillas are little squares of fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey – and they’re a fantastic ending to your Cinco de Mayo meal.
• Classic Margarita: And yes, you need a Classic Margarita recipe! 

This year why not celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home with some homemade Mexican dishes and a tasty margarita? Take a look at these recipes and pick up the groceries you need to make it happen!