What to Eat and Drink for Mexican Independence Day | 31 Recipes

Mexican Independence Day is just a few days away. Here are some delectable meatless dishes you can make to celebrate.

When is Mexican Independence Day

Outside of Mexico there’s a common misconception that 5 de Mayo is our day of independence.

It’s actually the 16th of September. But celebrations start the evening of the 15th.

Watch this fun video below to learn a little bit more.

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en nogada or peppers in walnut sauce are the star dish of Mexican Independence Day. They are a very Baroque-era dish typical of the cuisine of Mexico’s melting pot of cultures during those times.

The filling is traditionally made with minced pork and beef, but of course my recipe uses a vegan meat. Fruits and pine nuts are cooked with the meat as well as some aromatic spices.

Then the peppers are battered and fried before being drizzled with the creamy walnut -goat cheese sauce, and topped with pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley.

My recipe is not the 100% authentic original one, but it’s as close as I could get it. Even so, it’s an amazing dish that is so worth a try.

Get my vegetarian chiles en nogada recipe by clicking here.

Pozole Rojo

If you want an easier and vegan dish, then make vegan pozole rojo.

Pozole is another one of the most common foods served for the celebrations. Well, pozole is usually a dish Mexican families make for just about any celebration.

My pozole rojo is vegan and instead of meat uses mushrooms. It’s incredibly satisfying for those who are missing pozole since going meatless. The broth is full of delicious flavors.

Serve with some tostadas, crema and salsa for the ultimate dinner.

Get my vegan pozole rojo recipe by clicking here.

Vegan Birria and Birria Tacos

Birria has become all the rage the last few years. It’s incredibly delicious flavors is why everyone loves this flavorful dish.

You can make a broth with it or make tacos or quesadillas, called quesabirria tacos.

It’s so delicious!

Get my vegan birria recipe by clicking here.

Vegetarian Tamales

Oh tamales! They too are a special meal for many Mexican families. We always had them for different celebrations in my family.

My vegetarian tamales are made with rajas de jalapeño (jalapeño strips) and cheese. You can use Chihuahua cheese to make them vegetarian. Or use a melting plant-based cheese to make them vegan. Either way they are delicious!!

Though in my family we never served a side dish, I do know that many people like to serve with rice and beans. Salsas are a great addition though. A salsa like a molcajete one, or a salsa verde or even a simple tomato with chile de arbol would pair well with the tamales.

Click here to get the vegetarian tamales recipe.

Vegan Birria Tamales

These tamales are very unique and are incredibly delicious. Serve them with a little of the birria broth on the side.

They’re easy to make and you can make a large batch to serve for your fiesta or freeze to use later.

Get my vegan birria tamales recipe by clicking here.

Vegan Tinga Tostadas

Tostadas are another great food for celebrations. These vegan tinga tostadas are always a hit when I serve them, I think you’ll really enjoy them.

Traditionally made with shredded chicken my version uses shredded cabbage and carrots. In lieu of the carrots you could use 2 cans of prepared jackfruit to give you that “meaty” look and texture.

Click here to get my vegan tinga tostadas recipe.

Pambazos

Pambazos are tortas that are dipped in a mild red salsa and then lightly fried before stuffing. They’re filled with chorizo and potatoes, salsa, lettuce, sour cream and cheese.

Pambazos are quite unique and definitely a must try. Perfect for any fiesta!

Get my pambazos recipe by clicking here.

Frijoles Charros

This hearty bean stew is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

You won’t miss the meat at all in these vegan frijoles charros.

Get my vegan frijoles charros recipe by clicking here.

Gorditas and Sopes

These masa pockets and little masa boats are perfect party food.

You can fill them with whatever fillings and toppings you’d like or have at home.

Get my gorditas and sopes recipes by clicking here.

Tacos de Papa

Crispy potato tacos are great party food. They’re easy to make, very budget friendly, can feed a crowd — be it vegan, vegetarian or even meat eaters love them.

Get my tacos de papa recipe by clicking here.

More Main Dishes to Try

I have countless recipe options for you to eat on Mexican Independence Day. You can go to my “Mexican Main Dishes” archives.

But be sure not to skip over:

• Vegan Enfrijoladas
• Chickpea Tuna Salad (Ensalada de Atun)
•  Menudo Made Vegan
• Enchiladas Verdes
• Vegan Chicharron
• Molletes
• Cauliflower Ceviche

Stuffed Conchas for Dessert

If you want THE quickest dessert recipe for your fiesta then make these stuffed conchas.

Literally all you do is take a concha and slice it in half then spread some whipped cream and layer sliced strawberries. The place the top layer of the concha slice and serve.

If you want a richer dessert than instead of whipped cream us Nutella and strawberries. Or you could also even use cajeta and strawberries. All so delicious and easy peasy!

Click here to get the full instructions for stuffed conchas here.

Carlota de Limon

This Mexican lime icebox cake is one of my most favorite desserts ever!

It’s light, airy, creamy, tart and sweet and just melts in your mouth. So, so delicious!

You can make this the day before and leave it in the refrigerator to set and use the next day.

Click to get the carlota de limon recipe here.

Guava and Cheese Empanadas

These dessert empanadas combine sweet with savory for an incredibly delicious treat.

They are super easy to make and you can even make them ahead.

Click to get the empanadas recipe.

Arroz con Leche

Mexican rice pudding is not only delicious and creamy, it’s budget friendly and easy dessert for a crowd.

You can serve it warm or cold. You can make it vegan or vegetarian.

Click to get the vegan arroz con leche recipe here, and for the vegetarian recipe click here.

Fresas con Crema

Mexican strawberries and cream is a whole different level of decadent and mouthwatering dessert.

You can easily make it vegetarian or vegan. Both versions are delicous.

Get my vegetarian fresas con crema recipe here, or click here for the vegan version.

Ancho Reyes Cocktail

This cocktail is made with a Mexican poblano pepper liqueur that’s smoky and a tad spicy.

It pairs perfectly with cucumber and lime — like the traditional pepino snack, that’s actually what inspired me to create this cocktail.

Click to get the Ancho Reyes cocktail recipe.

Skinny Watermelon Margarita

If you’re looking for a sweet cocktail I think you’ll love this skinny margarita.

It’s a refreshing watermelon margarita made without simple syrup and just very little sugar added — it really doesn’t need it if you have a sweet watermelon.

Click to get the watermelon cocktail recipe.

Chelada Beer Cocktail

Cheladas are one of the easiest cocktails you can make. You literally only need 4 ingredients to make it.

It’s a refreshing drink that’s light enough to be served with just about any main dish.

Click to get the chelada recipe here.

Agua de Jamaica

If you’d rather serve an agua fresca, then agua de jamaica is always a great choice.

This is made using dried hibiscus flowers. It’s a tart and tangy, refreshing drink that you’ll really enjoy with your meal.

Click here to get the agua de jamaica recipe here.

Agua de Piña or Pineapple Agua Fresca

Pineapple makes delicious agua fresca. My recipe is sugar free but you can add sugar according to your taste.

If you’d like you could even spike it with some silver tequila for a refreshing cocktail.

Click to get the pineapple agua fresca recipe

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Agua de sandia is one of the most classic agua fresca flavors. Now is a great time to use it before it completely goes out of season.

Click to get my watermelon agua fresca recipe.