10 Mexican-Style Vegetarian Recipes for Cinco de Mayo
Happy Cinco de Mayo! The holiday might look a bit different this year — hey there, COVID-19 — but the pandemic shouldn’t stop you from planning an at-home fiesta! Check out 10 of my favorite Mexican-style vegetarian recipes below. For even more content, check out all recipes tagged “Mexican” by clicking here.
From tacos to enchiladas to tostadas, there’s something for everyone! 🎉
MUSHROOM ASADA TACOS
Meaty marinated portobello mushrooms are the perfect substitute for sliced beef in this reimagined vegan version of Asada Tacos! I prepared the tacos in a non-traditional way by spreading a thin layer of vegan refried beans onto the tortillas before topping them with mushrooms. Crunchy diced yellow onions and fresh cilantro finish off these super simple Mushroom Asada Tacos! I suggest pairing with Spring Green Rice with Peas.
ENCHILADA CASSEROLE WITH JALAPEÑO CREAM SAUCE
COMFORT FOOD ALERT 🚨 This recipe for Enchilada Casserole with Jalapeño Cream Sauce is naturally gluten-free + can be tweaked slightly to be 100% vegan. It's light but feels decadent, cheesy without being over-the-top. Plus, it’s absolutely packed with veggies and has tons of plant-based protein in the form of kidney + pinto beans!
MEXICAN PIZZA
Allow me to introduce you to my reimagined, grown-up Mexican Pizza. I could’ve used a giant tortilla here, but I decided to go with whole wheat dough for that classic pizza vibe. The sauce is a mixture of vegetarian refried beans and enchilada sauce, and the whole thing is loaded up with a variety of veggies. Pepper jack cheese adds an extra little kick, and sliced avocado rounds out this smorgasbord of textures.
CREAMY BLACK BEANS
These creamy black beans are some of the best I’ve made, hands down. They’ve super simple and are loaded with flavor; when the beans are still hot, stir in the crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. The creaminess of the cheese and the brightness of the cilantro will instantly fuse into the beans, and you’ll be in heaven. They’re not too runny, either, and would be great as a base for nachos!
CHIPOTLE LENTIL VEGGIE TACOS WITH GRILLED CORN
The “meat” in these tacos — they’re one of my all-time favorites — consists of cooked brown lentils, shredded carrots, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced green chiles, sautéed onions + garlic plus lots of seasonings and spices. This is a one-pot meal where all you have to do is let it simmer down into a smokey, spicy, flavorful concoction. The filling is 100% vegan, but I did end up topping my tacos with shredded pepper jack cheese, as well as sliced radishes for crunch and fresh cilantro for brightness. We originally paired the tacos with simple grilled corn, but you could also whip up some beans and rice.
GREEN CHILE SOUR CREAM ENCHILADAS
I usually like to keep things pretty healthy here at OKC Veggie, but I’ll be straight with you when I say that these enchiladas are decadent—albeit delicious—as all hell. There’s an ounce of queso fresco in each enchilada, the sauce includes 1 1/2 cups of sour cream, and it’s all topped with melted, broiled Mexican cheese. I used the light versions of these dairy products where possible, but still…best be avoided if you’re lactose intolerant!
MUSHROOM AL PASTOR TACOS
Warm weather and the onslaught of fresh pineapple means one thing: Tacos Al Pastor. Mushrooms provide the perfect plant-based substitute for these spicy tacos, topped simply with diced onion, pineapple and cilantro. You won't believe the flavor in this sauce — plus, the tacos come together in under 30 minutes! They’re fabulous on their own, but you could also pair with them with Agave Sriracha Brussels Sprouts.
BLACK BEAN TOSTADA STACKS WITH FAJITA VEGGIES
Have an abundance of beans in the pantry? Go ahead and whip up these easy Black Bean Tostada Stacks with Fajita Vegetables! Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand, and leave off the cheese to make this dish vegan (it's already gluten-free). The fajita marinade features a blend of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, vegan Worcestershire sauce and garlic and is oh-so-savory and delicious.
COPYCAT CHIPOTLE BURRITOS
Anyone else a diehard fan of fast-casual Mexican chain Chipotle? You’ll definitely recognize (a homemade take on) their signature Cilantro Lime Rice and Corn Salsa! The burritos are also packed with delicious sautéed poblano peppers + red onions, black beans and avocado. This is such an easy, satisfying meal for busy nights!
BAKED BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH RED CHILE SAUCE
Taco night never tasted so good! These healthy Baked Black Bean Tacos with Red Chile Sauce are the perfect fuss-free meal. Loaded with plant-based protein and tons of veggies + flavorful spices, the tacos are super easy to throw together and are drizzled with the most delectable homemade red chile sauce.
