* Recipes by guest contributor Laney Schwartz, creator of Life is But a Dish
Who doesn’t love a good fiesta? And on a Tuesday? I’m in!
You guys… Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner and I’ve got you covered with these 7 Must-Have Mexican recipes for the Cinco de Mayo fiesta of a lifetime! Impress your guests with these easy, delicious, mostly healthy and always festive dishes! Piñata not included.
Mexican Lasagna
This simple, vegetarian meal seems to satisfy even the manliest of men. It still hits that comfort feeling you’re looking for, just with healthier ingredients!
Packed with brown rice, spinach, beans, and peppers, this recipe is full of flavor and tasty surprises. My favorite layer? The bean/pepper mush.
* Click through for the recipe: Mexican Lasagna
Chopped Chicken Salad
This is a genius taco salad served over spanish rice… The rice is like a little surprise at the bottom of each bite. Make the rice, make the salad. Scoop some rice into the bottom of your bowl and top it with the salad. SO MUCH YES.
I’ve been making a version of this salad for ten years and have finally created the version I choose to share with you! It takes some effort, yes, and by effort I mean time. I know, boo. Just DO IT.
* Click through for the recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad
Chicken Enchiladas
The secret to really good enchiladas, is homemade sauce. Shhhhhh. You can 100% use store bought enchilada sauce, but once you make your own, it’s hard to go back. And it’s suuuuuuuuuuuper easy! Throw together some spices and stock…
* Click through for the recipe: Caramelized Onion Chicken Enchiladas
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
These aren’t your typical ground beef and rice stuffed peps. I decided to use quinoa as the base and added tons of bright and colorful veggies to lighten it up. Plus a little bit of cheese. Duh.
But these guys are awesome. Fresh, flavorful, and healthy! Yay healthy! Honestly, sometimes healthy just tastes better. Not all the time, but sometimes, 100% yes.
* Click through for the recipe: Cheesy Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Fresh & Healthy Guacamole
This is the BEST. GUAC. EVER. which is why it’s ALWAYS guac o’ clock. Who’s bringing the chips?
There’s nothing fancy about the recipe, and I’ve done my very best to replicate the exact taste. A lot of it has to do with the sweetness of your avocados and tomatoes. So pick em’ good!
* Click through for the recipe: Rafi’s Fresh Guacamole
Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
I forgot how good these are.
Like, REALLY REALLY good. And pretty much foolproof. It’s hard to mess these guys up. I know it seems childish, but these are kind of the perfect last minute I have no time to make anything but dessert for Cinco de Mayo {because I originally made them for Thanksgiving!}. Ages 1-100!
* Click through for the recipe: Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
Don’t forget the booze!
Nothing says ‘fiesta’ like a margarita! I absolutely love the taste of a sweet, juicy, pineapple. It’s so refreshing, and pairs perfectly with the tangy lime juice and spicy jalepeño. But truly, you could use whatever fruit you like. Strawberry, mango, watermelon.
* Click through for the cocktail recipe: Fresh Pineapple Margaritas
I’ll put it this way, Cinco de Mayo or not, you’ll LOVE these Mexican dishes any day of the year, but they will ensure your party is the best party on the block! Make one, two, choose your favorites, or make them all!
And Enjoy!
You can thank me later when your guests are thanking you!
