Cinco de Mayo isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a lively celebration of culture, flavor, and togetherness. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta for friends or whipping up a cozy family dinner, this holiday is the perfect excuse to turn up the flavor and serve something unforgettable.

And, who better to ask to bring the heat than our friends at HERDEZ®! Known for its rich heritage and bold taste, HERDEZ® delivers the authentic flavors of Mexico in every jar. From zesty salsas to fiery hot sauces, each HERDEZ® product is crafted to elevate your favorite dishes or inspire new ones. Whether you’re digging into these Slammin’ Salsa Wings or juicy Saucy Verde Meatballs, these recipes pack a punch with every single bite!

So this Cinco de Mayo, go beyond the basics and let HERDEZ® be your secret weapon that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

Taco Smashed Potatoes

Difficulty: Medium • 6 Tacos • Total Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild
• ⅓ cup HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild
• ½ cup HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium
• 6 Yukon gold potatoes, boiled
• 1 ½ cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• ¼ cup pickled onions
• ¼ cup tomato, diced
• ¼ cup cotija, grated
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450ºF.
2. Arrange the boiled potatoes on a parchment lined baking sheet with plenty of space between. Carefully, use a glass to press down the center of each, and flatten the potatoes.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, until crispy.
4. Meanwhile, mix the shredded chicken and HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild.
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven, and let cool slightly.
6. Top the potato “tacos” with the chicken, pickled onions, and HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild. Sprinkle the tomatoes, cotija, and cilantro over each. Serve with lime wedges and HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium for dipping.

Slammin’ Salsa Wings

Difficulty: Easy • 2-6 Servings • Total Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild, divided
• ¼ cup HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium
• ¼ cup HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild
• 1 ½ pounds chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. Combine the chicken, cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice, oil, and ¼ cup of the HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild in a large freezer bag. Mix well, and refrigerate overnight, or at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place a cooling rack on top. Arrange the wings on the rack, and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven, flip the wings, and brush with remaining HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild. Return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.
5. Serve with lime wedges, and HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium and HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild for dipping.

Fiesta Stacked Mexican Pizza

Difficulty: Easy • 1 Serving • Total Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup HERDEZ ® Salsa Verde Mild
• 1 tablespoon HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium
• 2 tablespoons HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild
• 2 taco-sized tortillas
• ¼ cup refried beans
• ⅓ cup carne asada, chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheese, divided
• ½ jalapeño, thinly sliced
• ½ tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• ½ tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
2. Spread the refried beans on one of the tortillas. Add the carne asada, the HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild, ¼ cup shredded cheese, and top with the other tortilla.
3. Spread a layer of HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium over the second tortilla, followed by the remaining cheese, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomato.
4. Bake the “pizza” for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
5. Remove from the oven, top with sour cream, HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa, and cilantro.

Creamy Salsa Chicken

Difficulty: Easy • 1 Serving • Total Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup HERDEZ ® Salsa Verde Mild
• 1 1/2 cups HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild
• 1 tablespoon HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium
• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cotija, grated
• 1/2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• optional: 1 cup rice, prepared

Directions:

1. Brush the chicken breast with HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild, and sprinkle the seasonings on both sides.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add a small drizzle of oil, then sear the chicken on both sides until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breast. Be sure to check with a thermometer it’s reached 165ºF.
3. Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest before slicing.
4. In a saucepan, reduce the HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild until extra thick, about 5 minutes.
5. If desired, arrange rice on a plate. Add the chicken on top, and cover with the reduced salsa. Top with a spoonful of HERDEZ® Casera, the cotija, and cilantro.

Saucy Verde Meatballs

Difficulty: Easy • 2-4 Servings • Total Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild
• ¼ cup HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium
• ½ cup HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild
• ½ pound ground pork
• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• ½ white onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon oil, for frying
• ¼ cup cotija, grated

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the pork, beef, egg, onion, garlic, ¼ cup cilantro, salt, cumin, and coriander. Mix well, until well combined.
2. Create 16-20 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 ¼” in diameter.
3. Heat a deep, oven safe pan over medium-high. Add the oil, and when sizzling, add the meatballs. Sear on all sides.
4. Remove from the stove, and place in the oven. Bake for 8 minutes.
5. Pour the HERDEZ® Salsa Verde Mild into the pan, and return to the oven for 6 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven. Drizzle HERDEZ® Salsa Casera Medium over top, add the cotija, and garnish with the remaining cilantro. Serve with HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa Mild for dipping.