15 Vegetarian Cinco de Mayo Recipes

We may not be in Mexico, but that doesn't mean we don't acknowledge May 5 here in the U.S. Whether you're hosting a get-together for friends, planning an office party, or you just want to honor the day with your own themed dinner at home, these vegetarian Cinco de Mayo recipes will help you celebrate the holiday. Just because you don't eat meat, doesn't mean margaritas are the only Mexican-inspired menu item you can enjoy.

Contrary to (continually incorrect) popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, which is an important national holiday celebrated Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo is actually an annual Mexican holiday meant to honor the country's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but over the years, it has become a multinational celebration that generally includes Mexican-themed food, drinks, and traditions.

In the U.S. alone, there are over 150 official celebrations for Cinco de Mayo nationwide. Schools host special events meant to educate and honor Mexican culture, cities put on parades and community events, and many different social, political, and cultural groups hold demonstrations throughout the country. Cinco de Mayo may be an official Mexican holiday, but that doesn't stop the U.S. from capitalizing on the annual event. So how will you be celebrating this year?

Prepare your taste buds, because things are about to get spicy with these 15 vegetarian Cinco de Mayo recipes. Don't worry, they all go well with margaritas.

1. Salsa Verde Breakfast Nachos

Start your Cinco de Mayo off right with the perfect Mexican breakfast nachos from The Kitchn. Loaded with avocados, fresh salsa verde, and fried eggs, this delicious breakfast will help you celebrate from sunrise to sunset.

2. Pumpkin Avocado Tostadas

Pumpkins might have a smooth and creamy taste to them, but add a little ancho chili, and they're suddenly a spicy blend perfect for tostados. Recreate this simple yet beautiful little bite from Love & Lemons for Cinco de Mayo, but just make sure you make enough to share.

3. Mexican Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Who says tortilla shells are the only thing you can make a taco out of? Whitney Bond knows that sweet potatoes are great substitutes when prepared the right way, aka with beans, jalapenos, pineapples, avocados, and more.

4. Vegetable Burrito Bowls

You deserve better than Chipotle on Cinco de Mayo, so instead of getting a burrito bowl to go, make your own at home with this recipe from Simply Delicious. It's easy to make, and even easier to customize, which makes it the kind of dish you can have fun with.

5. Slow Cooker Black Bean Enchiladas

Are you the set it and forget it type? Then you will love these slow cooker black bean enchiladas from The Kitchn. Throw the ingredients, including fresh peppers, hearty black beans, and plenty of cheese, into the slow cooker, go grab a margarita at the bar, and by the time you come back, you'll have a delicious vegetarian meal to satisfy your cravings.

6. Mushroom Squash Vegetarian Enchiladas

When it comes to enchiladas, it is all about the sauce, and you can't go wrong with Whitney Bond's vegetarian version. Perfectly paired with mushrooms and squash and topped with cheese and fresh herbs, this is the kind of Cinco de Mayo dish you'll want to make all year round.

7. Vegetable-Loaded Pizza Quesadillas

Pizza + quesadillas = heaven. This amazing hybrid recipe from Simply Delicious is your pizza-loving, Cinco de Mayo-celebrating heart's wish come true.

8. Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burrito

Forget diamonds, everyone knows that burritos are a girl's best friend, especially on Cinco de Mayo. This burrito with black beans and sweet potatoes from Foodie Crush is a vegetable-inspired creation you can change to fit whatever you have lying around in the fridge.

9. One Pan Mexican Quinoa

You won't have time to do dishes on Cinco de Mayo, what with all of the margaritas you will be drinking, so for dinner, go with this one pan Mexican quinoa recipe from Damn Delicious. Bursting with flavor and chockfull of vegetables, this is a healthy dish that will leave you feeling full and happy.

10. Crispy Cactus Tacos

If you're in the mood to try something new, then you can't go wrong with Whitney Bond's crispy cactus tacos. A unique dish complemented by fresh corn relish, these might sound strange, but trust me when I say they're delicious.

11. Vegetarian Sopes

Mix up your Mexican menu by substituting tortillas for these sopes from The Kitchn. Top them with delicious vegetables, like avocado, tomatoes, and tomatoes, and in no time, you have a delicious bite perfect for any Cinco de Mayo dinner.

12. Veggie Tacos With Avocado-Tomatillo Sauce

If you're looking for a filling veggie taco for your Cinco de Mayo dinner, look no further than Love & Lemons. Soft tortilla shells filled with eggplant, squash, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and cheese, and topped with homemade avocado tomatillo sauce — is there anything these babies don't have?

13. Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

When I go out for Mexican food, I'm all about the rice, but it's nearly impossible to replicate the flavor at home. That is, until The Kitchn shared this easy to follow restaurant-style Mexican rice. Feast away, friends.

14. Slow Cooker Mexican Egg Casserole

Forget the traditional dishes and instead try a new Mexican-inspired recipe for Cinco de Mayo. Whitney Bond's slow cooker egg casserole combines vegetables, spices, cheeses, and soyrizo to create a unique, mouthwatering meal great for breakfast,lunch, and dinner.

15. Apricot Dessert Tacos

Tacos are appropriate for every meal, including dessert. Whitney Bond combines caramelized apricots, sweet mascarpone filling, and a hint of cinnamon sugar to create this drool-worthy dessert.

Images: The Kitchn (5); Whitney Bond (5); Love & Lemons (2) Foodie Crush; Damn Delicious; Simply Delicious