About This Recipe
Mexican snacks are more than just something to munch on—they’re a little party in every bite. Sweet, spicy, crunchy, colorful… they’ve got it all. In Mexico, snacking isn’t about grabbing something quick; it’s about the moment. It’s the mix of chile, lime, and chamoy that wakes up your taste buds, and the feeling of sharing a bag of chips with friends or family.
When my kids were little, I always made a snack bar for their birthday parties—bowls of chips, spicy chips, peanuts, and every chamoy-covered candy I could find. The best part was watching them (and their friends!) mix and match everything, building their dream snack cups. It’s those small, messy, flavor-packed moments that remind me just how much joy there is in Mexican snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, spicy, and crunchy—just like in Mexico.
- Easy to prep and perfect for parties.
- Totally customizable for kids and adults.
- A fun way to bring a taste of Mexican street snacks home.
Ingredient Notes
- Chips & Chicharrones: Use a mix of corn chips, potato chips, and chicharrones de harina for crunch.
- Veggies: Carrot, cucumber, and jicama add a refreshing balance.
- Sauces & Spices: Tajín, chamoy, and lime juice are non-negotiable for that signature sweet-spicy kick.
- Add-ons: Cacahuates japoneses (coated peanuts), tamarind candies, or even spicy dried mangoes.
How to Make Mexican Snack Cups
- Set up the base: Arrange chips and chicharrones in large bowls.
- Prep the veggies: Toss carrot, cucumber, and jicama with chamoy, lime juice, and Tajín.
- Add toppings: Offer small bowls of spicy peanuts, tamarind candy, and other mix-ins.
- Assemble: Let everyone fill their cup with their favorites, finishing with extra lime or more chamoy.
Variations
- Add pineapple and mango to the salsa.
- Use plates instead of cups.
- Add different flavors by switching the corn chips to homemade spicy chips, Doritos, Tostitos, or Takis.
- Feel free to add more Tajin, Chamoy, or other Mexican hot sauces to the mix.
Home-Cook Tips
- Prep the veggies ahead and keep them chilled for freshness.
- For parties, set everything in clear bowls so colors pop—it makes the snack bar extra inviting.
- Don’t skip the lime! The acidity ties everything together.
Mexican Party Snack Cup with Cucumber, Carrot, and Jicama Salsa
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup cucumber peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots peeled and diced
- 1 cup jicama peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons Tajín or your favorite chili-lime seasoning
- 4 tablespoons chamoy sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- Juice of 1 orange
- Corn chips or chips for serving
- 1/2 cup spicy or coated peanuts
- 1/2 cup chile-spiced dried fruit such as mango or pineapple
Instructions
- Dice the cucumber, carrots, and jicama into equal-sized pieces. Aim for a bite-sized dice, around 1/2 inch, to ensure a good mix of flavors in every bite.
- In a small bowl, combine the Tajín, chamoy, lime juice, and orange juice. Mix well to create a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, carrots, and jicama. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- To serve, spread a layer of corn chips or tortilla chips on a serving platter or individual plates or half-fill a party cup. Spoon the dressed vegetable mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle the roasted peanuts and chile-spiced dried fruit over the top for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I am Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes — some Mexican, mostly plant-based — that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I am also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications. Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I would love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and we can talk all things food 🍽️✨