10+ Mexican Recipes Vegetarian: Delicious Dishes for Every Palate

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients, making it a great choice for those who enjoy delicious meals. If you are looking to explore meat-free options that still capture the essence of traditional dishes, vegetarian recipes can offer a satisfying alternative. You can create a variety of hearty meals that celebrate the rich tastes of Mexico without using meat.

Whether you prefer tacos, enchiladas, or flavorful rice dishes, there are endless possibilities to enjoy. Vegetarian Mexican meals often incorporate fresh vegetables, legumes, and spices that bring warmth and excitement to your dining experience.

From quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate weekend feasts, you can easily find recipes that fit your lifestyle and taste preferences.

Vegetarian Chiles Rellenos

Vegetarian chiles rellenos are a flavorful dish made from poblano peppers stuffed with delicious fillings. These peppers are often filled with cheese, beans, or vegetables, making them a great option for anyone looking for a meatless meal.

To make this dish, you start by roasting the poblano peppers. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the stuffing. Once the peppers are cool, you can stuff them with a mix of your favorite ingredients.

Many recipes suggest using a blend of cheese and potatoes for a creamy and hearty filling. You can also try using grains like quinoa or rice for a healthier twist.

After stuffing, the peppers are baked until everything is hot and bubbly. Serve them with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large poblano peppers
• 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 ounces Monterey jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ yellow onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and spices to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the poblano peppers until charred. Let cool and peel off the skin.
3. Boil and mash the potatoes.
4. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil.
5. Mix potatoes, onions, cheese, and spices.
6. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
7. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Mushroom Tacos al Pastor

Mushroom tacos al pastor are a tasty twist on a classic dish. These tacos use mushrooms as the main ingredient instead of pork. They are packed with flavor and are perfect for vegetarians.

To make them, start by marinating sliced mushrooms. You can use a mix of shiitake, cremini, and portobello for a great texture. Add garlic, chili powder, and pineapple juice for a sweet and spicy flavor.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Sauté the marinated mushrooms until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Warm your tortillas, then fill them with the sautéed mushrooms and your favorite toppings, like fresh onion, cilantro, and lime.

Ingredients

• 1 pound mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, portobello)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
• Corn tortillas
• Fresh onion, cilantro, and lime for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and slice the mushrooms.
2. In a bowl, mix garlic, chili powder, and pineapple juice.
3. Marinate the mushrooms in the mixture for 30 minutes.
4. Heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Sauté marinated mushrooms for about 10 minutes.
6. Warm tortillas and fill with mushrooms and toppings.

3) Vegan Tortilla Soup

Vegan tortilla soup is a tasty and warming dish. The base is a light broth made with tomatoes and dried chilies. This gives the soup a rich flavor.

You can add vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra taste.

Topping the soup with crispy tortilla strips is a must. You can fry or bake these tortillas until they are golden.

Don’t forget to add toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. These fresh ingredients brighten up the soup. Enjoy this dish as a main course or a side.

Ingredients

• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Avocado, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add tomatoes and spices, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, prepare crispy tortilla strips.
7. Serve the soup hot, topped with avocado, cilantro, and lime.

4) Plant-Based Enchiladas with Green Sauce

Plant-based enchiladas with green sauce are a tasty and healthy meal. You can fill them with your favorite vegetables, making them both nutritious and delicious. Common ingredients include spinach, mushrooms, and black beans.

For the green sauce, you often use tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic. This sauce adds a nice spicy kick and bright flavor to your enchiladas.

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare your fillings while the oven heats up.

Roll the filling in corn tortillas, place them in a baking dish, and cover with the green sauce. Bake for about 20 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.

Enjoy your meal with fresh avocado or a sprinkle of cilantro on top!

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Black beans
• Tomatillos
• Jalapeños
• Garlic
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare your vegetable filling.
3. Roll filling in corn tortillas.
4. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
5. Cover with green sauce.
6. Bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

5) Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Quinoa stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy dish. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

To start, you will need bell peppers, quinoa, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. These ingredients combine for a colorful and nutritious meal.

First, cook your quinoa. While it’s cooking, prepare your peppers by cutting them in half and removing the seeds.

Mix the cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices. Once mixed, stuff the peppers with the filling.

Place them in a baking dish and cover with salsa. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

These stuffed peppers are not only filling but also a great source of protein and fiber. Enjoy them as a main dish or a side!

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salsa

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
3. Cut the bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
4. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
5. Stuff the peppers with the quinoa mixture.
6. Place in a baking dish and cover with salsa.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

6) Roasted Poblano and Sweet Corn Vegan Tacos

Roasted poblano and sweet corn tacos are a delicious and simple meal. The smoky flavor of the poblanos pairs perfectly with sweet corn.

Start by roasting the poblanos and corn in the oven. Preheat it to 450°F (232°C). Toss the vegetables with a bit of oil and salt on a baking sheet. Roast until they are tender and slightly charred.

You can serve these tacos in corn tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro for extra flavor.

These tacos are quick to make and full of tasty ingredients. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Ingredients

• 2 poblano peppers
• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Avocado, for topping
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Toss the poblano peppers and corn with oil and salt.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Warm the corn tortillas.
5. Fill tortillas with roasted veggies and add toppings.

7) Black Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

Black bean and spinach enchiladas are a delicious and healthy choice for a vegetarian meal. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a perfect dinner option.

Start by mixing black beans, wilted spinach, and your favorite cheese. You can use vegan cheese if you prefer. This filling is both satisfying and nutritious.

Next, fill corn tortillas with the mixture and roll them up. Place them in a baking dish and cover with enchilada sauce.

Bake the enchiladas at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend together nicely and the cheese to melt.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups fresh spinach, wilted
• 1 cup cheese (regular or vegan)
• 8-10 corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine black beans, spinach, and cheese in a bowl.
3. Fill corn tortillas with the mixture and roll up.
4. Place in a baking dish and pour sauce over the top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

8) Cauliflower Ceviche

Cauliflower ceviche is a fresh and tasty twist on the traditional recipe. This dish is completely vegan and perfect for a light meal or snack.

Start by cutting cauliflower into small florets. Then, marinate them in lime juice, which adds a tangy flavor and softens the cauliflower.

Add diced tomatoes and onions for sweetness and crunch. You can also include chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Let your ceviche sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

This dish is colorful, nutritious, and easy to make. Serve it chilled, and enjoy the refreshing taste!

Ingredients

• 1 small cauliflower
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
2. In a bowl, combine the cauliflower, diced tomatoes, diced onion, and chopped cilantro.
3. Pour lime juice over the mixture and add salt.
4. Mix well and cover the bowl.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

9) Vegan Tamales with Spicy Beans

Vegan tamales with spicy beans are a delicious and satisfying dish. They are perfect for any occasion and full of flavor.

To start, you need to prepare the masa and spicy bean filling. A blend of black or pinto beans mixed with spices like cumin and chili powder works well. This adds a nice kick to the tamales.

Once the masa is ready, spread it on corn husks, add the spicy bean filling, and fold them up. Make sure to tie them securely if needed.

Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours at 425°F (220°C) until the masa is firm.

These tamales are great served with salsa or avocado on the side. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Massa harina
• Water or vegetable broth
• Black or pinto beans
• Onion
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Corn husks

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes.
2. Mix masa harina, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Prepare spicy bean filling with beans, onion, and spices.
4. Spread masa on corn husks, add filling, and fold.
5. Steam tamales for 1 to 1.5 hours at 425°F (220°C).

10) Zucchini and Corn Mexican Salad

This Zucchini and Corn Mexican Salad is fresh and full of flavor. It combines grilled zucchini and sweet corn for a tasty dish.

You can add bell peppers and onions for extra crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors.

This salad is not only colorful but also very healthy. You can serve it as a side dish or even as a light main course. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).

2. Toss the zucchini, corn, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Grill the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes until they are tender.

4. Then, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly.

5. Drizzle the vegetables with lime juice and toss in cilantro before serving.