Cinco De Mayo has been BIG in our house ever since the arrival of my middlest girl, who was born smack in the center of that festive day. It’s no wonder she’s always up for a party. It’s also meant more than a few Mexican-themed birthday parties that began with chips and guac and ended with a big pinata. And even though she’s nearly 17 now (and not particularly interested in themed parties planned by her mother), I can’t let the day pass without at least some festive Cinco de Mayo fun.
This year, I’ve teamed up with the folks at the National Mango Board to drum up five easy ways to brighten your Cinco de Mayo. The mango recipes are colorful and creative, without taking all day to execute. And since mangos are a traditional Mexican treat, they’re a perfect match for the fifth of May. They also happen to be ridiculously good for you:
- Just 100 calories per cup
- Fat-free and cholesterol-free
- A good source of fiber
- Loaded with vitamins A and C, both powerful antioxidants.
5 Ways to Brighten Up Your Cinco De Mayo
1. Create a Colorful Salsa
Swap out your standard salsa and use bright, fresh mangos instead. Here’s a go-to recipe in our house: In a medium bowl, squeeze the juice of one lime over 3 tablespoons diced red onion. Marinate for 5 minutes. Add 1 large diced mango, 1/2 large diced avocado, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, and a scant 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. If you want a kick of heat, add 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno. Mix well and serve with tortilla chips, on top of grilled chicken breasts, or over these Baja Style Shrimp Tacos.
2.Whiz up a Mango Mocktail
Put one cup cubed mango, 1 ½ cups coconut water, 2 teaspoons lime juice, 2 teaspoons agave nectar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 ice cubes into a blender. Blend well until frothy and smooth. Makes 2 servings. (No judgements here if grown ups care to slip a splash of tequila into the blender)
3. Make A Rainbow Skewer
Alternate cubes of fiber-rich mango, strawberries, and blueberries onto skewers for a lunch box treat or colorful snack.
4. Prep a Power Pop
Turn your favorite mango smoothie into a tasty frozen treat. Here’s a simple one to get you started: In a blender combine ¾ cup cubed mango, 1 cup plain yogurt, ½ cup orange juice, and 1 frozen ripe banana. Blend until smooth, pour into pop molds, and freeze.
5. Find a Festive Snack
Cut fresh mango, cucumber, and jicama into spears and serve with lime wedges and Tajin (a tangy Mexican spice blend) or chili powder. Douse a spear of mango with lime followed by a dash of spice.
Tip: If you don’t know how to cut a mango, head here for a terrific video tutorial.
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