We all know that having good food can make or break a party! Today I am going to share with you my 3 best recipes for a fiesta. These are my go-to recipes for any party, to be honest. You definitely don’t have to save them just for a fiesta. The Black Bean recipe is one that I get asked to share over and over! And so, here you go! My absolute favorite party appetizers for a casual gathering! They are easy to make and they always disappear fast! I like to serve salsa in an individual bowl for guests if possible. Here I used cupcake cups that are made to hold liquid. They are from Party Hat Paper Company.

This is my husband’s recipe for Salsa! Ron’s recipes are always so good- it can be hard to get him to write down the measurements for what he makes because he loves to just “iron chef” it – but I have been convincing him to write it down lately. My kids love this salsa so much- and I do, too- and so I thought you guys might like to have it on hand! It is soooo good!

Best Ever Salsa Recipe

Lydia Menzies

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Ingredients

  

• 1 small sweet onion
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (add more if you wish)
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• Fresh jalapeño in amount of preference (half of a medium size is what I use)
• 6 to 7 medium to large tomatoes

Instructions

 

• Chop all ingredients to place in a food processor.  You will probably need to process in a few batches then final mix everything together in a bowl.  Serve with bite size Tostito’s.
• Enjoy!

My second easy recipe- which is great for Taco Tuesday ideas- is a burrito bowl. I can’t tell you how much I love how easy this is!! My husband and I just put out all of the choices and then everyone makes their own! I love serving them in small pots with a large lettuce leaf for the base just for the fun of it- but they are also great served in a taco bowl. Needless to say, it works equally as well on any bowl you have!

Best Burrito Bowl Ideas

Yellow Rice (you can choose any rice you like, but we like yellow rice for something different) Other good choices are Mexican Rice or white rice with your favorite spices. Cook as directed on package

Black Beans or Pinto Beans Cooked

Torn Lettuce or Spinach

Chopped Tomatoes

Shredded Cheese

Avocado Slices

Salsa (see recipe above)

I saved my very favorite recipe for last. This is called Cowboy Caviar but, for some reason, I have never liked that name. So, Black Bean Dip works just as well for me. Anyway, when my husband and I were engaged, my coworkers hosted a Fesita shower for me. This dish was one of the appetizers, but I didn’t actually have any at the party (I was too busy being the bride-to-be). One of my friends got the recipe and then gave it to me and told me that I had to make it. I didn’t take her too seriously but she told me again that I should make it for a party I was going to – and so I finally did! And, the rest, is history. It has become my go-to recipe for anytime I need to bring an app to a party. I even had a chef once ask me for the recipe! I thought that was funny and was quite a compliment. So, here is the recipe…

Cowboy Caviar

Lydia Menzies

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Ingredients

  

• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 oz. chopped black olives
• 1 small chopped onion
• 1 clove chopped garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• Mix all ingredients (except for cream cheese) together in a medium bowl.
• Spread cream cheese on a serving platter.
• Add bean mixture to top of cream cheese.
• Garnish with lemon slices or pepper slices and cilantro.
• Serve with bite sized Tostitos or blue corn chips.
• Enjoy!

I hope this is a favorite at your house, too! My kids can’t stay away from it when I make it. There is something about all of the flavors together that are just so delish! Let me know what you think in the comments below! And, remember that you can easily double this recipe if you have a large crowd. No one will complain! 🙂 Have a great day!

XO,

Lydia