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September 16th is a celebration of the day in 1810 when the war that led to Mexico’s independence began. Today, it is known as Mexican Independence Day, and also as “El Grito,” which means “the cry.” This references the “Cry of Dolores,” the shout by a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that encouraged Mexicans to free themselves and defend their rights. After eleven years of civil war, the Treaty of Córdoba, which recognized Mexican independence, was signed in 1821. Sadly, Father Hidalgo never got to see it, as he was killed by Spanish troops in 1811. He is considered the father of Mexico.

Today, people celebrate Mexican Independence Day with flags, red, white. and green flowers, lights, and parades. The historic bell from Dolores is rung by the Mexican president with shouts of “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la Independencia.” Of course, there is also lots of delicious food.


Mexican food is very popular but much of the food people eat today at chain restaurants is not authentic Mexican food. Mexican food is filled with fresh veggies, fruits, protein, and spices and is healthy and well-balanced. Rich in history, Mexican food has influences from many different cultures. It’s also a cuisine that is easy to veganize with its bounty of vegetables, tomatoes, beans, coconuts, peanuts, vanilla, and chocolate.

September 16th is also National Guacamole Day and if you need recipes for your own Mexican celebration, then we have plenty. Take a look at Try These Recipes for a Fiesta in Honor of National Mexican Independence Day, 10 Super Simple, Spicy Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes, and Stop Paying Extra For Chipotle’s Guac, Here’s the Easy Recipe! Last year, we shared 26 Meatless Mexican Recipes and now here are 15 more for the most flavorful fiesta ever!

1. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

While we always look forward to tacos, sometimes it’s nice to change the routine up with something unique! These Roasted Cauliflower Tacos do just that! Crispy cauliflower florets, white beans, lime, and zesty avocado spread? Yum! Taco night just got better.

2. Mushroom and Pepper Fajitas With Spiced Cashew Cream Sauce

These Mushroom and Pepper Fajitas With Spiced Cashew Cream Sauce are going to become a favorite in your house. A medley of sautéed vegetables are tucked neatly into a corn tortilla, then topped with avocado, cilantro, and a spicy cashew cream sauce. Leave some of the zesty sauce on the side for dipping tortilla chips!


3. Cauliflower Ceviche Tostadas

Cauliflower is nature’s miracle vegetable. Lightly cooked cauliflower is the perfect stand-in for seafood in these Cauliflower Ceviche Tostadas. It’s cooked in salted water so it softens just a bit and it’s then tossed with lime juice, red onion, and kumquats. Served on a crispy corn tortilla, it strikes the perfect balance of crunchiness and soft, flavorful veggies.

4. Cheesy Corn and Smashed Avocado Quesadillas

These Cheesy Corn and Smashed Avocado Quesadillas may feel like a total comfort food indulgence, but they are remarkably healthy! The “cheese” is made with corn, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt, and with the avocado and cherry tomatoes, these are pretty well-rounded ingredient-wise. Who knew ooey-gooey deliciousness could be so wholesome?


5. Cheesy Doritos Chicharrones

Chicharrones de harina are a crispy Mexican snack made from wheat flour. Light and airy, they’re similar to cheese puffs without the cheese. Since their texture is so perfect for that flavor, this recipe for Cheesy Doritos Chicharrones uses nutritional yeast to add cheesiness and a blend of other spices to give it some heat. The result? Crunchy fried snacks that are perfect for munching on.

6. Mexican Cornbread Pizza Cake

The only thing better than pizza is pizza cake and the only thing better than pizza cake is vegan Mexican Cornbread Pizza cake! That’s right – three layers of sun-dried tomato jalapeño cornbread plus refried beans, nacho cheese, guacamole, pizza sauce, and veggies galore. This cake is nothing short of epic.


7. Quesadillas With Cashew Mozzarella and Chipotle Cream

These vegan Quesadillas With Cashew Mozzarella and Chipotle Cream are going to blow your mind. They’re melty, gooey, stretchy, spicy, and best of all? They take just 20 minutes to prepare, including the made from scratch cashew mozzarella! Feel like celebrating yet? You will when you taste these!

8. Chorizo Spiced Potato Enchiladas

These Chorizo Spiced Potato Enchiladas are really tasty! Potatoes are tossed in a blend of hot spices and wrapped up in a warm tortilla with black beans and fresh herbs. They’re then topped with a spicy sauce and a creamy vegan cheese sauce. The red sauce is simple and easy, the potatoes are mix-and-bake and the beans and greens are minimally processed as the flavor is all provided by the chorizo spices. Simple to make, although not completely fuss-free, this is well worth the minimal effort.

9. Cauliflower Tortitas: Mexican Fried Cauliflower

Cauliflower Tortitas is a Mexican side of crispy fried cauliflower. Traditionally, tortitas are dropped in an egg batter and fried, but for this version is totally egg-free! The tomato-chipotle sauce gives this dish the acidity and spiciness that pairs very well with the crunchiness of the cauliflower. This is great as a side or as a main served with grains and a side of greens.

10. Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sturdy vegetables, like the bell pepper, are perfect food vessels for all sorts deliciousness. In these Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, bright bell peppers are stuffed with zesty Mexican-style quinoa and topped with a tangy-tart avocado sauce. This dish is bright, colorful, fun and filling!

11. Layered Fiesta Taco Bowl

Smoky coconut bacon, warm black beans and corn, and lime roasted bell peppers are all layered on top of each other in possibly the most epic Mexican-style veggie bowl ever. This Layered Fiesta Taco Bowl is warm, zesty, citrusy, and above all, delicious! Top this baby with coconut sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro and you’ve really got yourself a fiesta.

12. Whole Foods Loaded Nachos

These Whole Foods Loaded Nachos are perfect for a game day afternoon, a lounge-y Friday night movie marathon, or even a weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy tortilla chips, lentil-walnut taco meat, and melty cheese sauce will leave you obsessed! You can use as many or as little add-ons as you want and it’ll be a vegan nacho party for your taste buds!


13. Black Lentil Chili With Pico de Gallo and Shoestring Fries

This Black Lentil Chili With Pico de Gallo and Shoestring Fries is the epitome of comfort food and is packed with a whole lot of roasted pepper and tomato goodness. It’s perfect on its own or you can dress it up with yummy crispy shoestring fries and an incredible, crunchy, and colorful veggie Pico de Gallo that really adds a fresh quality to the mix. You can eat this chili with chips or add it to quesadillas, burritos, tacos, and salads. Yum!

14. Enchilada Casserole

Combine the best of Mexican food and American comfort food with this Enchilada Casserole. Soft corn tortillas are filled with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and topped with beans. The enchiladas are then arranged in a baking dish, covered with a homemade salsa, and baked in the oven until warm and bubbly. This dish will be a hit at home or at any potluck.

15. Cucumber Chili Paletas

Do you ever wish that your frozen treats could be spicy and chilly? Look no further! These Cucumber Chili Paletas, Mexican ice pops made from water, fruit, and sugar, are a mix of contrasting flavors — sweet, sour, refreshing, and spicy. To prepare these cucumber chili ice pops, you only need five ingredients and they can be prepared in less than half an hour.

Independence and freedom are always worth celebrating and there’s no better way to do that than with these dishes! Viva Mexico!

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Lead image source: Cheesy Corn and Smashed Avocado Quesadillas