Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year, which isn’t exactly prime party timing — but that doesn’t mean you skip it. It just means you keep it easy. Trader Joe’s is built for this kind of low-key get-together, with enough ready-to-go food to pull off a solid spread.
Here are 13 Mexican-inspired Trader Joe’s items that actually make sense for a low-key get-together.
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
$2.99
Trader Joe’s Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers bring the classic street corn flavor — cheesy, tangy, and a little spicy — into a chip. They’re perfect for guac or salsa and sturdy enough to handle both, which is all you really need for a Cinco de Mayo spread.
Chicken Chile Verde Burritos
$3.99
If the party turns into a late-night situation and people start looking for something more filling than chips, Trader Joe’s Chicken Chile Verde Burritos are an easy freezer grab good to have on hand that still fits the vibe. They’re filled with chicken, tomatillos, and green chiles, wrapped in a soft tortilla, and ready in a couple of minutes.
Beef Birria
$7.99
Cinco de Mayo falling on a Tuesday this year makes birria tacos feel like a very reasonable life choice. Trader Joe’s Beef Birria does the hard part for you, so all you need is tortillas and a pan.
Carne Asada Burritos
$5.99
Another hit in the frozen aisle, Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Burritos are packed with grilled beef, onions, and roasted poblano chiles, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. These work as an easy way to bring something a little more filling to the table.
Guacasalsa
$3.99
Guac and salsa are the glue to any Mexican food party, each doing its own thing — so Trader Joe’s just went ahead and merged them. Guacasalsa blends creamy avocado with tangy tomatillo, plus a little lime and jalapeño for kick. It covers both bases in one bowl.
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Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
$2.99
If you’ve got the Guacasalsa on the table, these Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are the obvious match. They’re extra crunchy with that spicy, tangy kick, which works really well with the creamy avocado and bright tomatillo in the dip.
Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
$4.99
Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken, wrapped in corn tortillas, and covered in a tangy tomatillo salsa with just enough heat. They’re an easy add when you want something warm on the table without doing much.
Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip
$3.79
Trader Joe’s Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip mixes that smoky, cheesy elote flavor with a creamy yogurt base and actual corn in it. It works with chips, veggies, or anything you can scoop with.
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Chicken Mole
$6.99
If you want to switch things up from the usual tacos, Trader Joe’s Chicken Mole is a solid pick. It’s tender chicken in a rich, slightly spicy tomato and chile-based sauce with a deeper, more layered flavor. Heat it, serve it in tortillas or over rice, and Julio is your tio.
Cheese & Green Chile Tamales
$3.79
Tamales feel right at home on a Cinco de Mayo table, and Trader Joe’s Cheese & Green Chile Tamales keep it simple. They’re filled with melty Monterey Jack and green chiles, wrapped in soft corn masa, and ready in a few minutes.
Organic Margarita Mix
$3.99
Remember when I said guac was the glue to a Mexican food setup? Scratch that — margarita is the glue. Trader Joe’s Organic Margarita Mix includes lime juice and agave already balanced, you’ll need only to mix it with tequila. Or don’t — your choice.
Mini Chicken Tacos
$5.99
Trader Joe’s Mini Chicken Tacos are the kind of thing you put out and don’t have to explain. They’re small, crispy, and filled with seasoned chicken, so people just grab one … and then a few more.
Salsa Taquera
$2.49
Trader Joe’s Salsa Taquera is made with tomatoes, tomatillos, and a mix of chiles, so it has a bit of heat and a deeper flavor than your usual jarred salsa.
