We’ll take any excuse to stuff our faces with spicy tacos, dip chips in creamy guacamole, and sip on refreshing margaritas. So we’ve compiled our favorite easy Mexican-inspired recipes for enjoying this Cinco de Mayo!
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over France in 1862. You can learn more about the history and observance of this day here.
(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
Incredibly fluffy guacamole infused with crushed rosemary, garlic, and serrano pepper! Just 10 minutes, 1 bowl, and 6 ingredients required for this plant-based side, appetizer, or sauce!
Easy, 10-minute red salsa with smoky, fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, and fresh lime juice! Flavorful, fresh, and perfect for Mexican night!
A vegan, gluten-free dip with loads of flavor. Black beans provide lots of fiber and protein, the vegan cream cheese a luxurious texture, and raspberry chipotle jam a touch of sweet and heat.
Mexican Quinoa Salad Cups with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
30-minute Mexican quinoa salad cups loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from quinoa, black beans, sweet potatoes, and a creamy, vegan cilantro-lime dressing!
Easy 1-pot refried beans with minimal ingredients. Try our step-by-step methods for getting ultra creamy texture and classic flavor FAST! Perfect for canned pinto beans or beans made from scratch.
These flavorful, creamy refried lentils are infused with smoky spices and chilis and made in 1 pot in less than 30 minutes! Say hello to the perfect side for Mexican night.
Fluffy, fast white rice infused with green broth made from herbs and peppers! Just 7 ingredients and simple methods required + fluffy rice cooking tips!
Brothy, vegan tortilla soup made in 1 pot! Shredded jackfruit is infused with garlic, chipotle peppers, vegetable broth, and lime. A hearty side or entrée for Mexican night.
Instant Pot chili that’s fast, easy to make, and versatile. Hearty, warming, incredibly comforting, and savory-sweet thanks to sweet potatoes and kidney and black beans.
Smoky, hearty vegan enchiladas with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and kale! This recipe puts our Easy Red Enchilada Sauce to use. The perfect simple, 9-ingredient meal for Mexican night!
Amazingly flavorful taco “meat” made with quinoa, smoky seasonings, and salsa! Baked until hot and crispy. A healthy substitute for ground beef (just 9 ingredients)!
Easy, delicious, 10-minute vegan taco “meat” made with walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, spices, and peppers! The perfect balance of spice and smokiness, and loaded with protein and healthy fats. Add to tacos, nachos, salads, and more!
Easy tamales stuffed with roasted sweet potatoes and chipotle-seasoned black beans. Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required for this hearty, plant-based, naturally gluten-free dish!
Green Chile Chicken Tamales that are lard-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. 10 ingredients and perfect for meal prepping and freezer meals. The ultimate comfort food!
Flavorful, hearty skillet bake with black bean enchilada filling and a fluffy cornbread topping. Tastes like chili topped with cornbread but so much faster and easier to make! Just 10 ingredients required. Naturally plant-based and gluten-free optional.
Amazing Mexican-inspired quinoa stuffed peppers made with just 10 ingredients! Simple, flavorful, full of protein and fiber, and entirely vegan and gluten-free!
How to make tender, shredded chicken in 1 pan and 30 minutes! Seasoned with Mexican-inspired spices for big flavor. Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, enchiladas, and more!
Spicy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos made in 1 pan in about 30 minutes! A DELICIOUS, easy-to-make filling that's perfect for tacos, taco salads, burritos, nachos, and more!
Smoky, roasted cauliflower tacos with a spicy chipotle romesco sauce! An easy (30 minutes!) and flavorful plant-based meal that’s versatile, healthy, and so satisfying!
The easiest (most delicious!) way to make fish tacos: tossed in smoky spices and baked to perfection. Just 30 minutes required, and naturally dairy- and gluten-free.
Dates replace sugar in this healthier version of homemade horchata. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla pop through in each sip — perfectly refreshing on a warm day.
6-ingredient rhubarb strawberry margaritas with silver tequila, lime juice, and a homemade rhubarb-strawberry syrup. Tart-sweet, easy to make, and perfect for spring!
Simple mango margaritas with orange, lime, agave, and silver tequila! Cold, sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced. Perfect for Mexican food and warm weather!
If you try any of these Cinco de Mayo recipes, let us know! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
sherry says
that vegan queso is an interesting idea. and i love pickled cauliflower.
Thanks, Sherry! Let us know if you try it!
Barbara says
Thanks so much for the mostly vegan Cinco De Mayo Recipes many of which I plan to make. I was wondering if you had a vegan red Spanish recipe.
Hi Barbara, Do you mean red beans and rice? We don’t but will add it to our ideas list!
Karin Appleby says
I wish these recipes were in a book or magazine!!! I would definitely buy it!!!
Aw, thanks Karin!
Sally says
Would like a recipe for Chili Relanos
We’ll add it to our ideas list!