Easy Mexican Recipes for Cinco De Mayo

Today, I'm sharing my favorite recipes for Cinco de Mayo. Vegan Mexican food is easy to make and elevates special events like a Mexican dinner party, so let's celebrate with these delicious vegan Cinco de Mayo recipes at home.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.  During these festivities, people celebrate with parades, food, music, folkloric dancing, and battle reenactments. 

Despite popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated in  Mexico. Instead, the world's largest Cinco De Mayo celebration takes place in Los Angeles, California. As a result, Cinco de Mayo is more of a Mexican-American holiday than a Mexican one.

Cinco de Mayo's colors mirror the Mexican flag's – red, white, and green. However, the meaning of the flag colors has evolved, with green representing hope and independence; white, unity and purity; and red, religion and the blood of the national heroes.

Even though we don't need an excuse to drink Margaritas and eat excellent Mexican food, vegan Mexican sides make this Cinco de Mayo memorable by making healthy Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo at home. 

Our Favorite Taco Recipes

For instance, try whipping up homemade this Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe! It's a favorite with kids and adults alike. This copycat Taco Bell creation is easy to make and is made with Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce made from carrots and potatoes.

Another one of my favorites, Cauliflower Tacos, is quick, easy, and oil-free. Roasted in homemade taco seasoning and topped with avocado cilantro cream, pickled red onions, and microgreens, these bite-sized treasures are perfect for Cinco de Mayo. 

For a quick and easy taco recipe, try lentil tacos. I always make a double batch and freeze the lentil taco meat for Southwest Egg Rolls!

Jackfruit makes a delicious taco filling for any vegan Mexican food; however, we love it inside tacos the best!

Sofritas, a Chipotle copycat, is a fabulous crumbled tofu meat for tacos.

Tacos aren't just for dinner. Try these vegan breakfast tacos this Cinco de Mayo!

Vegan Mexican Salad Recipes and Bowls

This homemade version of a Chipotle LifeStyle Vegan Bowl is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home!

This cowboy caviar is always a home run! Everyone loves it, and it's so versatile. You can add it to anything!

If you prefer your Mexican recipes in a bowl, try this Vegan Breakfast bowl!

A healthy burrito bowl has everything in one bowl, so you get a bite of every delicious ingredient in every bite.

Make it simple with this easy Mexican salad, and remember the southwest salad dressing.

Mix some of your favorite Mexican salad ingredients into this yummy Mexican Quinoa salad.

Try this Mexican pasta salad if you love pasta, like I do. It can be served cold or warm, depending on your mood.

The kids love this taco pasta salad recipe. It has all the taco fixings and pasta in a delicious, simple dressing.

Everyone loves a good chopped salad, and this Mexican chopped salad is a party pleaser!

Keep Cinco de Mayo Recipes healthy with this vegan taco salad recipe.

If you love coleslaw, try this fabulous southwest coleslaw recipe with crispy, air-fried tortilla strips.

Vegan Mexican Side Dishes

These roasted Mexican potatoes are slightly spicy and pop with flavor in your mouth.

Mexican rice is the perfect side dish for any vegan Mexican menu!

These Mexican pickled carrots, red onions, and jalapenos are one of my personal favorites. I add them to everything!

Whatever you do, don't forget the nacho cheese sauce. This recipe can be made in various ways, for a chili cheese dip, salsa dip, or many other options.

Vegan Mexican Entrees

Not a Taco fan? This vegan tortilla soup is packed with jackfruit, roasted corn, and veggies in a sassy Mexican broth. Topped with oil-free air-fried tortilla strips, love every bite of goodness. 

I love this vegan enchilada casserole because I can make it the day before and reheat it, which is always a plus.

Another kiddo favorite, this enchilada pasta is a one-pot meal with no leftovers. East to make, and only one pan to clean up. Any questions?

These sweet and sassy enchiladas are packed with veggies and never-ending flavor!

Did someone say burrito? After eating this burrito, this Mexican recipe will be etched in your mind forever.

This Mexican recipe is a kiddo favorite! These crispy vegan taquitos can be filled with any vegan filling and cooked quickly in the air fryer or oven.

Shredded jackfruit, spinach, black beans, and a sassy sauce fill these jackfruit enchiladas.

Try to keep the kids away from these southwest egg rolls, so you get at least one before the plate is empty.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a vegan Mexican fiesta to remember!