If you’re having trouble deciding what to order at Mexican restaurants, you’re definitely not alone. You can’t go wrong with the country’s traditional dishes, from tacos to huevos rancheros.
Luckily, the internet is full of easy Mexican recipes, so you can enjoy your favorites all week long, even if a trip to your favorite restaurant isn’t on the cards. You have plenty of options, whether you want to add a little variety to your cooking or have some ripe avocados (read: the perfect excuse to make guacamole) to use. To get started, here are some of the best Mexican recipes to try for every dish.
Mexican Appetizers and Dips
Guacamole pieces
There are endless possibilities for guac (guacamole with fruit in it…with poblano peppers), but when in doubt, keep it simple. Try a classic, hearty recipe that uses minimal ingredients in perfect quantities to let the avocados shine front and center.
pico de gallo
You can run to the store and grab the pre-made kind…or you can quickly chop up some tomatoes, onions, and cilantro and make your own. This not-even-a-recipe recipe is super simple and positively sings with a fresh, zesty flavor. You won’t regret DIYing this one.
Guacamole Cups
They’re as cute as they look and couldn’t be simpler. Simply prepare your favorite guac recipe and pour it into “cups” made from baked wonton wrappers for bite-sized guacamole and chips. Want to try a slightly more high-end version? Opt for vegetarian taco cups, which double as a healthy breakfast.
Tomato and Herb Salsa
The effort it takes to make your own salsa is always worth it. But if you don’t feel like breaking out your food processor, opt for this recipe for tomato and herb salsa, which you can adjust according to your desired level of spiciness.
ceviche
Combine fish (or shrimp) with lime juice and spicy chili peppers with this recipe from Rick Bayless and take your taste buds on a refreshing journey. Bonus: It’s perfect for those experimenting with the paleo diet or following a gluten-free diet.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe from The Pioneer Woman takes a little work, but the finished product is packed with dimension thanks to the cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Make extra for lunch tomorrow or another night and experience even richer tastes when you enjoy the leftovers.
Mexican side dishes
Southwestern Black Bean Salad
This spicy, colorful salad makes the perfect warm-weather side dish. It’s loaded with black beans, corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and avocado for a mix of crunchy, mild, sweet, and tangy.
Chickpea, avocado and feta salad
Consider making this recipe when you’re hosting a meeting and need to get food on the table quickly. Serve a healthy, nourishing combination of nutty chickpeas, buttery avocado, zesty lime, and tangy, salty feta to get the party started.
Elote corn
Jazz up corn on the cob by tossing it on the grill and coating it with a delicious sauce. Made with sour cream, robust cotija, and cilantro, this street food is a favorite for a reason.
Mexican Main Dishes
Turkey taquitos
Baked rather than fried, these light and flaky taquitos are super rich and incredibly better than anything you’ll find in the frozen food aisle. They’re also good with shredded chicken and are kid-approved.
Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Guacamole
Fish tacos tend to be fried, but this recipe requires taking out the grill. Topped with lime slaw, tomatoes, and the creamiest guac ever, you’ll be making these all summer long.
Quinoa-Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Pomegranate and Roasted Cranberry Salsa
Even if chicken or beef are your favorite, you shouldn’t neglect vegetarian taco recipes. The salty, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor of the quinoa, sweet potatoes, and pomegranates in these tacos will win you over in no time.
Tinga Chicken Tacos
Adobo peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet onions and a little garlic work together in this recipe to give the chicken a robust, smoky note. Pile them into a tortilla, top with cotija cheese, cream, and avocado, and you’ll have a restaurant-style meal in no time.
Mexican Three Cheese Frittata with Salsa Fresca
Cheese lovers, listen up. This frittata is so pretty to look at, it almost hurts. Whether you’re having a boozy brunch or making breakfast for dinner, you won’t be able to resist digging into this cheesy, gooey and flavorful recipe.
Chili Colorado Con Carne
This recipe is not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle a lot of spicy chili, get ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen. This slow-cooked beef stew (aka guisada) is the epitome of Mexican soul food. You’ll want to dive into the bowl as it cooks thanks to the cumin, oregano, allspice and cloves. Oh, and bacon and beer.
Chicken enmoladas
If you can make enchiladas, you can make these babies. Dip them in a thick, velvety, slightly chocolatey mole sauce that tastes as rich as a chicken-filled savory dish that practically envelopes you in heat and warmth.
Mexican cocktails and mocktails
Horchata
Looking for a mocktail to try Dry January? This creamy horchata recipe almost tastes like a vanilla milkshake – with a pinch of cinnamon and almond.
Skinny Sunrise Cocktail
If you don’t like a margarita, consider making this brightly colored drink instead. The fruity concoction combines orange, strawberry and pineapple.
Mexican desserts
Peach-Mango Riesling Granitas
Do you remember when you were a kid and you used to get ice cream or slushies every time you went to the beach or an amusement park? Enter the grown-up version: Simply blend your favorite sweet wine, juice, and ice cubes in a blender or food processor for a fresh, fizzy, party-ready dessert.
Margarita Foam Bars
Have you ever noticed that when you stick the word “margarita” in front of something, it instantly becomes a hundred times better? Case in point: These Margarita Foam Bars are soft and chewy, tangy and sweet, just a little boozy, and completely out of this world.
Baked Churro Donut Holes
Soft, chewy, cinnamon, cake-like and churro all rolled into one, these donut holes are a bite-sized alternative to the traditional sweet Mexican churro.
Photo credits (in order of appearance): Gimme Some Oven, The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Half Baked Harvest, Billy Parisi, Homesick Texan, Iowa Girl Eats and The Quinoa Queen
