12 Vegan Recipes For Cinco De Mayo

Smash the avocados, slice the limes, and blend the cashew cream, because it's finally that time of year again, the one that gives you an excuse to feed your Mexican food obsession without judgement. That's right, it's time to celebrate the culture, history, and of course, cuisine of our neighbors to the south, and while it can be hard to find vegan-friendly dishes at Mexican restaurants, there are plenty of delicious vegan Cinco de Mayo recipes you can make at home for the occasion.

Cinco de Mayo is a great reason to try your hand at homemade Mexican-inspired cooking. From soups and salads to tacos and enchiladas, there is no limit to the kinds of dishes you can create in the comfort of your very own home. And when it comes to Mexican food, cooking it at home is the way to go. It gives you control over the ingredients — for example, whether or not it is vegan — and control over the spiciness (which is great for a girl like me whose eyes water from too much pepper). Instead of stressing out about your meal options at a crowded restaurant, spend your Cinco de Mayo at home trying something new and homemade.

In case you need some inspiration for your at-home celebration, here are 12 vegan Cinco de Mayo recipes. Don't worry, they all pair perfectly with margaritas.

1. Butternut Squash Black Bean Chili

Everything is better with squash, including the butternut black bean chili from Love & Lemons. A slow cooked chili with plenty of beans, onions, peppers, and, of course, butternut, the only thing that makes this dish even more delicious is all of the optional toppings. Poblano cashew cream, anyone?

2. Mexican Quinoa Salad

For a healthier take on Mexican food, try this quinoa salad Whitney Bond whipped up. The perfect dish for vegetarians and people with food sensitivities, such as gluten, this salad is a hearty bowl you might want to work into your weekly lunch routine.

3. Tostadas & Smoky Sweet Corn Hummus

A fresh and light snack, these tostadas covered in smoky sweet corn hummus from Love & Lemons is the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy. The sweet corn and the spicy chipotle flavors bring out the best in each other in this unique dish great for Cinco de Mayo.

4. Guacamole Stuffed Peppers

A true crowd pleaser, these guacamole stuffed peppers from Whitney Bond are not only delicious, but they're also vegan, gluten-free, and paleo. Fresh and healthy, everyone will want seconds on these.

5. Spicy Vegan Chili

Heat things up this Cinco de Mayo with A Cozy Kitchen's spicy vegan chili. Loaded with beans, corn, and peppers, this is a satisfying stew full of flavor.

6. Next Level Vegan Enchiladas

The name of Oh She Glows' enchiladas says it all, because they really are next level. They have everything — sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, beans, onions — all topped with a spicy, smoky enchilada sauce. These are the things Cinco de Mayo dreams are made of.

7. Kiwi Avocado Salsa Verde

It's not a Cinco de Mayo celebration without some kind of salsa, but instead of serving the traditional kind, try Love & Lemons' kiwi avocado salsa verde. Sweet and spicy, this addicting dip will have you going back for more.

8. Creamy Vegan Queso Dip

If you don't have time to whip up a full blown Cinco de Mayo meal, try The Kitchn's simple yet delicious creamy vegan queso dip. Easy to make and even easier to eat, this will become your new favorite "junk" food.

9. Crispy Quinoa And Mole Sweet Potato Tacos

Mexican food is full of delicious flavors, but nothing compares to mole. Naturally Ella takes that incomparable taste and adds it to crispy quinoa sweet potato tacos. Bold and unique, these vegetarian tacos can easily be made vegan friendly by serving them without the cheese.

10. Vegan Enchiladas With Cilantro Avocado Cream Sauce

A fresh twist on a traditional enchilada, this vegan friendly version from Oh She Glows is nothing short of mouthwatering. Stuffed with spinach, sweet potato, and peppers, the only thing better than the inside of these enchiladas is the creamy avocado sauce they're smothered in.

11. Portobello Tacos With Jalapeno Sauce

There are plenty of vegetable options for taco fillings, but Love & Lemons uses portobello mushrooms and cabbage to create this delicious dish. Topped with a hot vegan jalapeno sauce, prepare your taste buds for these spicy bites.

12. Spiced Zucchini & Rice Burrito

If you want to have a truly homemade dish for Cinco de Mayo, try Naturally Ella's spiced zucchini and rice burrito. Complete with a flour tortillas made from scratch, this test of culinary skills is worth it.

Images: Love & Lemons (4); Oh She Glows (3); Naturally Ella (2);Whitney Bond (2); The Kitchn