Let’s “taco ’bout” how to keep your Cinco de Mayo celebration both flavorful and healthy with my favorite RD-approved strategies and recipes.

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and with it comes vibrant dishes, festive drinks, and plenty of reasons to gather with family and friends. But if you’re working toward health goals, this celebration can feel like a challenge. Between bottomless chips, sugar-packed margarita mocktails, and creamy entrées, it’s easy to go overboard – and wake up on May 6th feeling like you need a reset.

As a registered dietitian and performance nutrition coach who loves global flavors, I’m here to tell you: you can celebrate without sacrificing your wellness goals. The key is balance, smart swaps, and a little planning.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Smart Tips

1. Moderation Is Key – But Make It Fun

Yes, you can still have the chips and margarita mocktail – just upgrade them! Smart Swap, like choosing baked or air-fried tortilla chips over deep-fried.

Make it festive:
Create the Ultimate Taco Board – a build-your-own taco setup that’s Instagram-worthy and nutritionally balanced. Arrange ingredients by color and texture for a party-perfect centerpiece.

My go-to taco board includes:

  • Proteins: Mojo chicken, seasoned black beans, or lean carne asada
  • Veggies: Pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, sautéed mushrooms, roasted poblanos
  • Carbs: Corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, or thinly sliced jicama “shells” for a low-carb twist

2. Load Up on Veggies (and Get the Kids Involved!)

Add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to your dishes for added fiber and flavor. Try these dips to get the kids involved and increase veggie intake:

  • Guacamole: The fiber and vitamins in the avocado keep your gut and party happy. Make a quick and healthy guacamole by mixing ripe avocados with lime juice, chopped veggies, cilantro, garlic, and seasonings.
  • Salsa: An easy recipe to get kids involved and encourage more veggie consumption. Try making your own salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice to control sodium levels.

3. Choose Lean Proteins for Balanced Tacos

Protein helps you feel full and keeps your blood sugar stable—especially helpful when party snacks are everywhere.

Great lean protein choices for Cinco de Mayo:

  • Grilled chicken or turkey
  • Fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi, lightly seasoned and roasted
  • Black beans or pinto beans for a plant-based option

Add to your taco board or toss over greens for a taco-inspired salad. Be creative, and if you want to go free-tortilla, a flavorful taco bowl can be a great option, too.

4. Hydrate with Mocktails 

Celebrate with hydrating, antioxidant-rich mocktails that keep you energized all night long

These drinks keep things light while adding festive flair!

Cherry Mocktail

5. Reinvent Leftovers Like a Pro

Cinco de Mayo leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste—get creative and turn them into easy meals for the rest of the week.

Leftover hacks we love:

  • Breakfast Chilaquiles: Toss leftover chips with salsa, top with a fried egg, and a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Taco Salad Bowls: Use extra taco toppings over a bed of lettuce with crushed plantain chips for crunch.
  • Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with leftover beans, quinoa, veggies, and cheese, then bake for a next-day win.

These ideas reduce food waste and keep the flavor going well past May 5th.

Celebrate with Joy, Not Guilt

Cinco de Mayo is a time for community, culture, and celebration – not calorie-counting or food guilt. These tips and recipe ideas are here to help you enjoy the flavors you love while staying aligned with your health goals.

So this year, build a taco board that wows, raise a mocktail to balance, and keep things colorful with produce-packed plates. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you.

And remember and nutrition isn’t about perfection. It’s about making choices that support your energy, your goals, and your joy. ¡Salud!