Favorite Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes 🌶 Here’s a few of our top picks & tips for enjoying a festive fiesta at home!
For those of us who live in the Southwestern United States, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by the beauty, colors and flavors of the Mexican culture which has shaped this region. From the influence of the beautiful architectural styles, folk art, terra cotta brick, colorful tiles, hand blown glassware and hand painted Talavera pottery – the rich history and heritage of Mexico is a part of our everyday lives. And the food. Oh my . . . the food.
I would dare say, few cuisines have captured the popularity and collective appetites in the U.S. that a plate of enchiladas, rice and beans can command. There’s good reason for that – it’s delicious! When I get a food craving, it’s usually for Mexican food and it’s no wonder so many neighborhood taco shops stay open late. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find restaurants that prepare their dishes with all vegan ingredients, so I have created my own recipes using entirely plant-based ingredients.
One of the many great things about Mexican food is it’s perfect for serving at parties and large groups, particularly when the weather is warm and comfortable for outdoor entertaining. A Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) event can the perfect kick off for patio party season.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is very popular holiday, but do you know why it is celebrated?
There is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. Instead, it commemorates a single battle in Mexico’s history.
According to history.com
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Wednesday, May 5 in 2021, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
How to celebrate a vegan Cinco de Mayo
Here in San Diego, where I live, Cinco de Mayo events are extremely popular. If you’re planning on celebrating, here are a few of my favorite vegan Cinco de Mayo recipes for creating your own festive fiesta.
Be sure to load up on fresh tortilla chips, avocados, limes, salsas & ice. Want to know how to make the best guacamole? Just use fresh avocado, lime juice & salt. That’s it. Sure, you can add tomato, onions, and cilantro etc., but not everyone likes the same things. Keep it easy on yourself.
Create a Nachos Bar!
What’s more fun than a build-your-own nachos bar? This is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. All you need is a countertop or table draped in a colorful cloth or Mexican serape blanket. Add a couple big baskets of fresh (preferably warm) tortilla chips and an assortment of toppings such as:
- Refried pinto beans or black beans
- Vegan cheese sauce
- Guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced green or white onions
- Vegan sour cream
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- A variety of salsas
- Pico de gallo
- Slices of fresh lime
- Tajin or chile lime salt
Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce
Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce for Nachos 🌶 Make the creamiest, dreamiest, tastiest cheese sauce made with healthy plant-based ingredients like cashews, carrots, potatoes and fresh lemon. Gluten-free and oil-free. Very vegan & very good!
Easy Cheesy Pepper Poppers
Easy Cheesy Vegan Pepper Poppers 🌶 Get the party started with these roasted mini sweet bell peppers loaded with plant-based cheeses, spices, herbs & topped with toasty crisp breadcrumbs.
Fresh & Easy Watermelon Pico de Gallo
Fresh & Easy Watermelon Pico de Gallo 🍉 This spicy, sweet and refreshing combo of fresh watermelon, cucumber, lime and mango will brighten up any patio party, potluck, or picnic. Oil-free & gluten-free.
Easy Garden Fresh Gazpacho
Easy Garden Fresh Gazpacho! 🍅 This healthy & refreshing chilled soup is loaded with fresh veggies right from the garden! Ripe red tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, celery, and a splash of citrus make this vibrant 100% vegan garden fresh gazpacho so flavorful! Gluten-free. Oil-free option.
Southwestern Quinoa Salad
Southwestern Quinoa Salad 🌱 Super food. Super good. This vibrant colorful salad is full of bright, fantastic flavor, protein & fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. You’ll love this easy and healthy vegan recipe. Oil-free option & gluten-free.
Easy Vegan Chili
Easy Vegan Chili ❤️ A budget-friendly hearty, delicious & nutritious one-pot vegan recipe that will be ready to eat in under 30 minutes! This is the perfect easy & satisfying to feed a crowd. Oil-free option. GF
Easy Vegan Mexican Rice
Easy Vegan Mexican Rice Recipe 🌶 This recipe continues to be a fan favorite. An easy & delicious plant-based dish made with rice, vibrant veggies, peppers & zesty bright flavor! GF and oil-free option.
Easy Vegan Potato Enchilada Casserole
Easy Vegan Potato Enchilada Casserole 🌶 This zesty festive dish is like a party on your plate! Add a side of beans, rice & salad and you’ll have the whole enchilada! Easy to prepare & gluten-free.
Vegan Palmier or Orejas Pastries
Vegan Palmier Heart Pastries 💚 A simple traditional caramelized pastry enjoyed around the world, including Mexico where they are popularly known as Orejas or “ears”.
Favorite Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Did you enjoy these recipes? I’d love to know about it! Please rate them ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on the recipe pages. Thanks a bunch!🥕
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