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Home Mexican Recipes

A Big Mexican Fiesta That’s Easy to Make

By:Nagi
Published:4 May '18Updated:25 Sep '20
149 Comments
Recipe v Dozer v

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!

Overhead photo of Mexican Fiesta taco dinner party, with pork carnitas, tacos, grilled corn, guacamole, salsa, pickled red cabbage, tortilla chips and taco sides.

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!

Mexican Fiesta menu plan

Overhead photo of Mexican Fiesta taco dinner party, with pork carnitas, tacos, grilled corn, guacamole, salsa, pickled red cabbage, tortilla chips and taco sides.

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!

Close up overhead shot of crispy golden and juicy Pork Carnitas .

Overhead photo of two Pork Carnitas Tacos with tequila shots on the side.

Carnitas not your taco filling of choice? Not to worry – any of the following make just as brilliant alternatives!

More Taco Fillings

Mexican Shredded Beef taco spread - tortillas, sour cream, avocado, lime, pico de Gallo
Mexican Shredded Beef (and Tacos)
Big platter of Prawn Tacos (Shrimp)
Prawn Tacos (Shrimp)
Close up of Ceviche in a spoon
Ceviche
Close up of Lime Chicken on a plate, garnished with cilantro/coriander, chilli and fresh lime slices
Lime Chicken (marinade – great for grilling!)
Beef Fajitas - Made extra juicy and extra tasty with a wicked marinade!
Beef Fajitas
Close up of sliced Chicken Fajitas alongside charred peppers, avocado and warm tortillas, ready to be served.
Chicken Fajitas
Mexican Shredded Chicken - The smokey, rich, mildly spicy sauce is incredible! Super easy, fast to prepare, for the slow cooker, pressure cooker or stovetop!
Mexican Shredded Chicken
Close up of Fish Tacos on a plate, ready to be eaten
Fish Tacos

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. 🙂

Authentic Mexican Guacamole in a small rustic white bowl

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).

Quick pickled red cabbage - great side for a Mexican menu - in a rustic brown bowl.

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.

Photo of homemade tortilla chips on a silver tray next to a dish of Restaurant Style Salsa.

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!

Code cracked: Queso Dip made with real cheese that's ultra silky even when it cools. recipetineats.com
Life Changing Queso Dip (Mexican Cheese Dip)
I call this a PIG OUT Salsa. Sensible people would call it an Chorizo, Black Bean and Corn Salsa. :) recipetineats.com
Pig Out Salsa (Chorizo, Black Bean and Corn Salsa)
Close up of Corn Salad with Avocado with a Lime dressing
Corn Salad with Avocado
Fluffy, beautifully seasoned Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo). Truly like what you get at restaurants! recipetineats.com
Mexican Red Rice

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!

Margaritas with lime wedges, ready to be served

More Fiesta Drinks

Two Tequila Sunrise cocktails by a pool, garnished with orange slice and maraschino cherries ready to drink
Tequila Sunrise
Close up photo of freshly made Mojito in a glass garnished with lime slice and fresh mint
Mojito
Celebration Fruit Punch (holiday punch recipe)
Celebration Fruit Punch
Frozen Mango Daquiris in cocktail glasses, garnished with strawberries.
Mango Daiquiri & Tales from a MANGO FARM!!
Close up of Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris by the pool - best summer cocktail!
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri!!

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!

Churros, an ideal dessert to end a Mexican Fiesta

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

Overhead photo of Mexican Fiesta taco dinner party, with pork carnitas, tacos, grilled corn, guacamole, salsa, pickled red cabbage, tortilla chips and taco sides.

PS I know this Mexican Fiesta isn’t a recipe but I consolidated it all into one handy little printable recipe for you. 🙂

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Overhead photo of Mexican Fiesta taco dinner party, with pork carnitas, tacos, grilled corn, guacamole, salsa, pickled red cabbage, tortilla chips and taco sides.

Mexican Fiesta Menu

Author: Nagi
Prep: 1 hr
Cook: 10 hrs
Total: 11 hrs
Mains
Mexican
4.95 from 19 votes
Servings8
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Round up the amigos for a Mexican Fiesta! The suggested menu plan below is a great low-effort one with wow factor. Plenty for making ahead and the Carnitas freeze perfectly! See recipes linked to each dish, or where not linked, directions are below. Cook time includes slow cooking time for Carnitas.

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:

  • Marinated Chicken for tacos
  • Lime marinated chicken
  • Chicken Fajitas
  • Mexican Shredded Chicken
  • Beef Fajitas
  • Mexican Shredded Beef
  • Fish Tacos
  • Prawn/shrimp Tacos

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:

1. Pickled Red Cabbage is in the Fish Tacos recipe. Scale up the recipe to make plenty using the servings slider (click on the Servings and slide)!
2. White onions are not as sharp as brown onions. Very commonly used as a taco garnish in Mexico.
3. I dress up canned refried beans. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes! It's in this Carnitas Tacos recipe.
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

LIFE OF DOZER

Before:

Dozer the golden retriever at Bayview just before ruptured ACL

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!!!❤️

Dozer the golden retriever inside a pet play pen, on strict rest to heal ruptured ACL.

* 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.

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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149 Comments

  1. Sassica says

    April 15, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    Hi Nagi,
    Can I ask where you buy the ingredients for Mexican food (tortillas, salsas, smoked chilli)?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 15, 2021 at 4:21 pm

      A lot of it is now stocked in major supermarkets here thankfully! N x

      Reply
  2. Em says

    July 26, 2020 at 10:37 am

    Made the pork, fish and fajitas with your sides for friends and finished with churros. Was amazing!! Thank you

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 27, 2020 at 11:36 am

      You’re so welcome Em!! N x

      Reply
  3. Angela says

    February 2, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    I randomly googled (or giggled as it wanted to autocorrect) “full Mexican feast” and decided to click on your link. I am so glad I did. I never click on one link and use everything from one expert. I usually pick and choose from different people to make a meal that suits my taste. Your links and optional add-ons, flairs to canned food, secret to dynamite guacamole (You were right, they all LOVED it- it was gone before dinner, def will make more next time!!), and personality that oozed through your writing, made it a pleasure to sift through your well-organized work of art and determine how to plan my Mexican Fiesta with ease. I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your page. I’m looking forward to spending more time here and making more of your recipes.

    Reply
  4. Sue B says

    January 22, 2020 at 1:36 am

    5 stars
    I made most of this menu for a pre-fiesta for friends going to Mexico. Everything was AMAZING!! Particularly loved the queso, refried beans and guac. I made the white chicken enchiladas but am dying to try the pork carnitas next. Thank you for the excellent recipes, they are ALL keepers!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 22, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      WOOT! Sounds like a feast Sue! I’m so happy you enjoyed it all 🙌

      Reply
  5. Josie says

    January 3, 2020 at 6:58 am

    Hi! We prepared the mexican fiesta menu for our New Year party and it was delicious! We had a party or 15 and everybody loved the food.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 3, 2020 at 12:14 pm

      WOOT! Perfect Josie!

      Reply
  6. Emilie says

    October 22, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    This all looks amazing! I plan on making the entire spread for my Christmas fiesta. Are some of these recipes ones you can do in advance?

    Reply
  7. Gwen says

    May 12, 2019 at 8:45 am

    Exactly what I needed to find! This is going to be our Mothers day spread tomorrow. Thanks Nagi 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:54 am

      Wahoo, I hope you loved it Gwen!

      Reply
  8. Margy says

    May 2, 2019 at 6:27 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Nagi, I was trawling the web, searching for a Mexican Fiesta menu for my son’s birthday party, and there you are! I’m kicking myself for not going to your site first. You always have the best recipes. Thanks, yet again! Margy 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 3, 2019 at 11:13 am

      Thanks so much Margy!

      Reply
  9. JoAnne says

    October 20, 2018 at 6:09 am

    So glad I found your website! The theme for my daughter’s bridal shower was just changed to a “fiesta”. You have made it easy for me to put together the menu. Can’t wait to make these delicious recipes.

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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