Cinco de Mayo is all about good food, fun, and flavor—but if you’re trying to keep things a bit lighter this year, you’re in the right place. These easy, better-for-you recipes let you join the party without the post-meal slump.
Street Corn Salad (No Mayo Needed)
Inspired by Mexican street corn—lighter, but still full of flavor.
Ingredients:
-
2 cups corn (grilled or sautéed)
-
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
-
1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
Sprinkle of chili powder
-
Chopped cilantro
How to make it:
Toss everything together and taste as you go. Eat it on its own or scoop it onto tacos, nachos, or bowls.
Lettuce-Wrapped Tacos
Tacos, but with a fresh crunch—and a little less mess.
What you need:
-
Ground chicken
-
Taco seasoning
-
Romaine or butter lettuce leaves
-
Toppings: avocado, tomato, salsa, onion, cheese—whatever you love
How to make it:
Cook the chicken with taco seasoning, fill your lettuce cups, and pile on the toppings. Super easy, super customizable.
Cucumber Jalapeño Mocktail
Refreshing with a little kick.
You’ll need:
-
Cucumber & jalapeño slices
-
Lime juice
-
Sparkling water
-
Ice + a pinch of salt
Muddle, pour, sip. No alcohol needed (but feel free to spike it).
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Naturally sweet, super refreshing, and made for warm weather hangouts.
You’ll need:
-
4 cups chopped seedless watermelon
-
Juice of 1–2 limes
-
A few fresh mint leaves
-
1–2 cups cold water
-
Optional: a little honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter
How to make it:
Blend everything until smooth, taste and adjust the lime or sweetness. Strain it if you want it extra smooth. Pour over ice and garnish with mint or lime wedges. Instant chill.
Frozen Banana Churro Bites
Cool, cinnamon-y, and fun to eat—kind of like churros, minus the fryer.
What you need:
-
2 ripe bananas, sliced into coins
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
1 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
How to make it:
Roll each banana slice in the cinnamon-sugar mix, then freeze on a tray for a couple of hours. Pop them out when you’re craving something sweet but still want to feel good after.
In conclusion...
Whether you’re throwing a party or just making dinner a little more fun, these recipes are a simple way to enjoy Cinco de Mayo without overthinking it. They’re fresh, flavorful, and easy to mix and match—so go ahead and celebrate however feels good to you.
