Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, and who doesn’t relish the opportunity to enjoy some yummy Mexican food on a Monday, just because everyone else is doing it? But why not choose to be daring and different while following the masses? Instead of going the boring route, by simply making some ground beef tacos, topped with store-bought salsa, and washed down with an ice-cold Corona, why not try one of these unique alternatives?

TACOS

Ditch the dried out shredded chicken breasts and bland ground beef for a tastier taco filling like one of these.

1. Beyond Wonderful’s Chorizo Tacos are simple to make, but are certainly not lacking in taste.
2. Chickpea Tacos, featured on Coffee & Quinoa, are just so yummy looking that I think they deserve a spot on every Cinco de Mayo table.
3. Instead of using taco shells, why not use pasta shells? Mexican Stuffed Shells from The Spiffy Cookie turn the average taco into a whole new experience.
4. Taco Lettuce Wraps from Damn Delicious are a great alternative taco for those watching their carbs.
5. Vegan Richa has an absolutely brilliant taco alternative recipe perfect for those avoiding meat. Who wouldn’t want to try Pulled Butternut Squash Tacos?

SAUCES, DIPS, & THINGS TO SLATHER ON TOP OF YOUR MEXICAN DISHES

Store-bought tortilla chips are fine and dandy, but most dips and salsas aren’t nearly as good as what you can make at home. Why not spend the extra five to ten minutes and make your own?

1. Mango-Cucumber Salsa from The Nest is sure to taste great spooned over any taco, enchilada, or quesadilla.
2. Closet Cooking’s Pina Colada Guacamole will definitely be a crowd pleaser. If you’re a guacamole addict lover like me, you may want to double or triple the recipe.
3. This Chipotle Slaw from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck works just as well as a side dish as it does as a spicy topping.
4. Anything will taste better if it’s drizzled with Roasted Poblano Crema from Closet Cooking.
5. For those of you who think that Velveeta is God’s gift to man, give Country Cleaver’s recipe for Margarita Shrimp Queso a try. (I won’t be joining you on this one!)

COCKTAILS

Why stick to Corona and Dos Equis when you could be sitting back, with your feet kicked up, enjoying one of these frosty libations?

1. Mexican grapefruit soda and tequila make this Paloma Cooler from Martha Stewart a great alternative to the every day margarita.
2. If you’re planning a party to celebrate, mix up a pitcher of The Yummy Life’s Sparkling Margarita Sangria Party Cocktails; your friends will thank you.
3. The Kitchn’s Michelada is a weird beer version of a Bloody Mary, without the tomato juice.
4. Watch out for The Sneaky Tequila featured on HGTV; this tasty drink will most likely sneak up on you with its high alcohol content.
5. Wash everything down with a mug of Mexican Iced Coffee from Cupcakes and Cashmere.

MAIN COURSES THAT WILL MAKE YA’ HOLLER OLÉ

Looking for something a little bit different? Something that will make the whole family go “Wowzers;” well you should try one of these dishes.

1. JJ Begonia’s Fiesta Wontons will make your family dinner a festive affair. They can also be enjoyed as a handheld appetizer for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
2. This Mango Pico de Gallo Burger with Habanero Cheese Sauce and Guacamole from Dixie Chik Cooks is the perfect recipe for the less adventurous eater.
3. Empanadas are simple to assemble as well as quick to bake, making this Chicken Enchilada Empanadas recipe from Cooking for Keeps the perfect weeknight meal.
4. Martha Stewart’s Tortilla and Black Bean Pie is sure to impress all of your amigos with its wonderful taste and crunchy texture.
5. There’s nothing I love more than a quesadilla when it comes to Mexican cuisine, so I’m excited about this Margarita Chicken Quesadilla with Margarita Guacamole from Half Baked Harvest. Brenna’s secretly hoping for me to make this as well; it means chicken for dinner for a certain furry little girl.

DESSERTS

While you’re at it, why not enjoy one of these delicious dessert options as well, because we all know that Choco Tacos aren’t really Mexican!

1. Chocolate Flan Cake, featured on Love and Laundry, combines the best of both worlds, chocolate cake and creamy flan.
2. My Recipes featured Margarita “Poptails” turns a delicious cocktail into an even more delicious dessert, and who doesn’t love that?
3. Use up some of those gorgeous red strawberries that can be found at your local grocery or farmer’s market in this Strawberry Margarita Pie, featured on Recipe Girl.
4. Buns in My Oven have taken my breath away with this Mexican Brownie Bottom Cheesecake.
5. Want to make a dessert that you can enjoy for the whole week following Cinco de Mayo? Try this Mexican Hot-Chocolate Refrigerator Fudge from iVillage.

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck

-Colleen

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