When I was younger, Cinco de Mayo was all about the margaritas. Now, it's all about the food. Here are five Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipes to get the party started. All of them incorporate simple but flavorful varieties of cheese, like Monterey Jack, Cotija and Queso Fresco.
Queso Fresco Soup
Photo by Jennifer Meier
A festive soup with a rich flavor and texture, filling enough to be a main course. Small cubes of queso fresco, a type of mild cheese that softens but does not melt, add extra creaminess to each bite.
Vegetarian Tacos with Cheese Filling
Photo by Jennifer Meier
These vegetarian tacos are a light and satisfying option if you want to avoid heavy, meaty dishes. A topping of ricotta or goat cheese mixed with green chiles and cilantro adds richness with adding any greasiness.
Chicken Tacos with Cotija Cheese
Photo by Jennifer Meier
Crumbly cotija cheese is the perfect garnish for chicken tacos. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give the chicken a slightly smokey flavor, and you add as much or as little as you want to the sauce, depending on how spicy you like it.
Kale and Pinto Bean Enchiladas
Photos by Jennifer Meier
The combination of kale and pinto beans doesn't make this dish lighter in flavor or texture, but it does make it healthier. Monterey Jack and cotija cheese add a touch of decadence.
Creamy Black Bean and Cheese
Black Bean Dip. Photo by J. Meier
An easy, creamy dip that can turn a bag of chips into an entire meal.
