Plant-Forward Recipes for Flexitarian Families.

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Recipes
- Weeknight Dinners
- Sweets
- Breakfast
- Salads
- Dips
- Soups
- Veggies
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About
Recipes
- Weeknight Dinners
- Sweets
- Breakfast
- Salads
- Dips
- Soups
- Veggies
Español

Breakfast
Soups
Veggies
Sweets
Mexican
Mains
Salads
Beverages
Dips
Drinks

Real food. Big flavor. Inspired by culture. Made for everyday life.

Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca with Mint

Arroz Primavera (Mexican White Rice with Vegetables)

agua de fresa 7 1

Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresca)

WHAT TO COOK TONIGHT

Soups
Veggies
Sweets
DINNER
Salads
Mexican

A blue bowl filled with Mexican Cabbage Soup (Caldo de Repollo), topped with a cilantro leaf, sits on a white surface. To the side are a plate of fresh cilantro, lime wedges in a small bowl, and a white and green striped cloth napkin.

Mexican Cabbage Soup (Caldo de Repollo)

A bowl of creamy zucchini soup topped with cucumber slices and red pepper flakes sits on a white surface beside a bowl of sliced cucumbers and crumbled cheese, with a brown napkin and spoon nearby, all lit by natural sunlight.

Zucchini Leek Soup (Simple & Creamy)

Tres pequeños cuencos con asas azules de sopa de cebolla vegana, cubiertos de queso fundido y pan, reposan sobre una servilleta blanca con dos cucharas de plata a su lado sobre una superficie de mármol claro. Una ramita de tomillo adorna los cuencos.

French Onion Soup (Easy, Delicious with a vegan option)

A white bowl filled with vibrant Moroccan Lentil Soup, topped with fresh kale, lentils, and dried cranberries sits on a dark surface. A patterned napkin and gold spoon complete the inviting vegan presentation.

Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe (Easy, Hearty & Vegan)

Three bowls of colorful quinoa salad, featuring chopped veggies like red bell pepper and green herbs, are arranged on a white surface. Reminiscent of Cauliflower Fried Rice, the salad is garnished with cilantro, with wooden chopsticks beside one bowl.

Cauliflower Fried Rice (Easy + Healthy)

A rustic green bowl holds Spicy Mexican Potatoes—baby potatoes coated in a reddish seasoning. Next to the bowl on a pale surface are whole dried red chilies and scattered chili seeds, hinting at their fiery flavor.

Papas a la Diabla (Spicy Mexican Potatoes)

A blue bowl filled with roasted broccoli florets, chopped pistachios, and pieces of what appears to be caramelized onions or dried fruit makes this Charred Broccoli Salad shine. A small dish of more pistachios and a striped towel sit nearby on a white surface.

Charred Broccoli Salad (Roasted-Style) with Dates, Mint & Pistachios

Two roasted spaghetti squash rings, inspired by Cacio e Pepe and seasoned with herbs and cheese, sit on a dark plate with a fork atop a turquoise cloth napkin. A tumbler of golden liquid rests on a coaster at the upper left.

Spaghetti Squash Cacio e Pepe

A beige plate holds six neatly stacked Mini Apple Tarts made of glossy, caramelized apple slices, each garnished with a green herb sprig. The plate rests on a folded cloth, with a large spoon and stacked dishes in the background.

Mini Apple Tarts (Easy Muffin-Tin Recipe)

A glass pedestal dish holds a pile of crispy, golden-brown homemade apple fritters dusted with powdered sugar. Chunks of apple peek through the fritters. Nearby, stacked ceramic plates hold part of a fritter. The background is light and minimal.

Apple Fritters (Easy, Homemade & Perfectly Crispy)

A marble surface with chocolate almond biscotti stacked on a white rectangular plate, scattered nuts, two glasses of red wine, a spoon with cocoa powder, and a small bowl of chocolate chunks in the background. Crumbs and biscotti pieces are scattered around.

Healthy Chocolate Almond Biscotti (Vegan & Dairy-Free)

Slices of candied pumpkin, or Calabaza en Tacha, are arranged on an oval plate, with one piece on a round tan plate. A gold spoon rests nearby, while cinnamon sticks and star anise hint at the warm spices in this classic Mexican dessert.

Mexican Sweet Pumpkin Dessert, Calabaza en Tacha

Three bowls of colorful quinoa salad, featuring chopped veggies like red bell pepper and green herbs, are arranged on a white surface. Reminiscent of Cauliflower Fried Rice, the salad is garnished with cilantro, with wooden chopsticks beside one bowl.

Cauliflower Fried Rice (Easy + Healthy)

Two plates with sloppy joe-style sesame seed burgers, topped with lettuce and sliced cucumber, sit on a white surface. Each plate includes shredded cabbage salad, and two glasses of white wine are nearby against a plain, light-colored background.

Vegan sloppy joes, a perfect recipe

A golden-brown mushroom Wellington cut in half reveals a savory vegetarian Wellington filling inside flaky puff pastry. It sits on a wooden board with thyme, while a rust-colored cloth and blurred decorative plant are visible in the background.

Portobello Wellington

Dos platos con enchiladas de camote doradas y dobladas, generosamente cubiertas de cremosa salsa verde y espolvoreadas con hierbas frescas. Un pequeño cuenco con salsa y una servilleta con motivos verdes están cerca, sobre una superficie clara. La comida parece fresca y vibrante.

No-Bake Vegan Enchiladas (Sweet Potato Enchiladas with Salsa Verde & Poblano Crema)

A bowl of Emerald Kale Salad with shredded cabbage, chickpeas, and herbs sits on a marble surface. A block of Parmesan cheese on crumpled brown paper and black salad servers are nearby, creating a bright and fresh Hillstone-inspired scene.

My Version of Emerald Kale Salad (inspired by Hillstone)

A blue bowl filled with roasted broccoli florets, chopped pistachios, and pieces of what appears to be caramelized onions or dried fruit makes this Charred Broccoli Salad shine. A small dish of more pistachios and a striped towel sit nearby on a white surface.

Charred Broccoli Salad (Roasted-Style) with Dates, Mint & Pistachios

A plate with wedges of purple radicchio drizzled with bold, Creamy Parmesan Dressing and garnished with chopped herbs. A gold fork and beige napkin sit beside the plate, while more dressing glows in soft natural light. Easy elegance on display.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing (Easy, Bold, Ready in Minutes)

A bowl of fresh green and purple Winter Green Salad with crunchy garlic croutons on top sits on a gray surface. Two gold salad servers are placed beside the bowl. The salad appears vibrant and crisp.

Winter Green Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette & Garlic Croutons

Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca with Mint

Arroz Primavera (Mexican White Rice with Vegetables)

agua de fresa 7 1

Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresca)

A jar of salsa macha sauce with a spoon on a plate.

Peanut Salsa Macha (Easy Recipe) | Crunchy + Spicy

A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a white blouse, stands in a bright kitchen. She holds a glass of white wine and leans on a counter with fresh tomatoes, an onion, and leafy greens in front of her. The atmosphere looks cheerful and relaxed.

I’m Alejandra—a Mexican cook, mom, and flavor lover living in Houston.

I share real food with big flavor, inspired by my culture and everything I’ve picked up along the way. Most of what I cook is plant-forward, designed with flexitarian families in mind — always made for everyday life and meant to bring us together at the table.

Mexican Favorites

A blue plate holds two crispy Shrimp Tacos with salsa, placed on a wooden tray. A small bowl of green sauce with a wooden spoon sits on the side. Lime wedges, cilantro, a glass of water, and a woven basket complete this authentic taco spread.

Authentic Tacos Gobernador (Shrimp and Cheese Mexican Tacos)

A skillet filled with homemade refried beans sprinkled with cheese sits on a woven placemat. A wooden spatula rests in the pan. Next to it, a gray bowl holds crispy tortilla chips, all on a white marble countertop.

How to Reheat Canned Refried Beans (And Make Them Taste Homemade)

A bowl of soup with noodles, chickpeas, greens, and a dollop of cream—reminiscent of comforting sopa de conchas—sits on a plate with a yellow napkin. Nearby are lime wedges, salt, fresh herbs, and sour cream.

Sopa de conchas | Mexican Pasta shell soup

mango ceviche

mango Ceviche, delicious and vegan

BREAKFAST

Dos vasos de pudín de chía infusionado con esencia de té chai y cubiertos con nueces descansan sobre una bandeja blanca. Cerca, un pequeño cuenco con semillas y un colador acompañan el decorado. Al fondo, una tetera de vidrio llena de té aromático reposa sobre un posavasos de madera. Dos cucharas descansan sobre una servilleta rosa doblada en primer plano sobre la superficie de mármol blanco.

Chai Chia Pudding: A Cozy, Flavorful Treat

Oats with caramelized bananas

Healthiest Vegan Vanilla Chia Pudding

Vegan Banana-nut french toast

SoUPS

Chickpea soup with roasted avocado and charred lime

Chickpea soup with avocado and lime

A bowl of yellow pastina soup with a sprinkle of white tapioca pearls, served in a white bowl on a greenish-grey plate with a gold spoon. Next to it is a white cup containing a yellow liquid and a used tea bag tag. A cream-colored cloth napkin is partially visible on the right.

gazpacho de sandía, watermelon gazpacho

red bell pepper Watermelon gazpacho

Mexican Chickpea soup, garbanzo soup

VeGGIES

tacos gobernador veganos

Tacos gobernador (Mushroom plant based recipe)

A black roasting pan filled with thick slices of grilled cabbage coated in a red zarandeada sauce sits atop a white platter. Next to the pan are neatly arranged slices of tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a lime wedge.

Grilled cabbage with zarandeada sauce, col zarandeada

A black plate of sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts garnished with herbs and green onions sits on a wooden serving board. Lime wedges are on the side. A small jar with a spoon is in the background, slightly blurred. The setting is bright and minimalistic.

Sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts

ensalada de aguacate y calabaza

Avocado and zucchini salad

SWEETS

A round plum upside-down cake with a slice removed sits on a speckled ceramic plate. The cake showcases a glossy, caramelized plum topping in shades of orange and purple. Nearby lie a red napkin, two forks, and stacked ceramic cups with a dusky pink hue on a light, textured surface.

Peach Plum Upside Down Cake

Peach and raspberry crumble

Vegan latte blondies

Café con Leche Vegan Blondies

Scones de chocolate en una bandeja para hornear sobre una mesa.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Scones

DINNER

Dos platos de color beige sostienen sendas tortillas de maíz dobladas, como las clásicas enfrijoladas, cubiertas con frijoles refritos, cucharadas de crema agria, cebollas rosas encurtidas y rodajas de rábano sandía. Los platos descansan sobre servilletas azules; cerca hay tenedores y una cuchara.

Easy Enfrijoladas Recipe (Authentic)

Close-up of a plant-based bowl featuring a fresh salad with cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced onions, and sprinkled sesame seeds. The bowl sits on a light surface with a blurred blue bowl in the background, creating a bright and fresh ambiance.

watermelon poke bowl

Black bean and mole burgers recipe. Easy, delicious and vegan.

Black bean burger with mole and grilled pineapple

A person holds a plate with three chipotle roasted cauliflower tacos filled with shredded purple cabbage and carrot strips, garnished with fresh cilantro. A lemon wedge and a small black bowl with a red spice accompany the vibrant dish. The person wears a light shirt and blue jeans.

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Crunchy Chipotle Slaw

salads

A vibrant salad is served on a rectangular white plate. The salad features chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and avocado pieces, garnished with seeds. A small bowl of cilantro dressing sits at the top left with two blue and white striped-handled spoons placed beside it.

Cilantro Dressing with Ginger and Soy

Two bowls filled with a colorful salad featuring spinach, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, quinoa, and red cabbage are drizzled with creamy cilantro mint dressing. A halved avocado and a jar of the vibrant green dressing with a wooden spoon lie in the background on a white surface.

Quinoa Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Mint Dressing

A large white bowl filled with a vibrant cauliflower tabbouleh sits on a light gray surface. This healthy recipe features cherry tomatoes, cucumber pieces, and chopped greens. A serving fork and spoon with black and bronze handles rest elegantly beside the bowl on the table.

Healthy And Easy Cauliflower Tabbouleh Recipe

ensalada de aguacate y calabaza

Avocado and zucchini salad

DRINKS

A textured glass of chocolate milk with a gold metal straw sits on a purple cloth, beside a gold spoon and a scoop of powdered ingredient—an inviting setup for any vegan frappuccino recipe, all set against a light hexagonal tile backdrop.

Healthy homemade Frappuccino

Two clear glasses filled with a light beige limonada con chia sit on a terrazzo tray, each garnished with a lime slice. A glass pitcher with more fresh drink is in the background, and a bowl of limes is on the side. The scene is set against a white textured background.

Limonada con chia (limeade with chia seeds)

strawberry smoothie 3

strawberry smoothie with cauliflower

Pineapple, green leaves and banana smoothie. Pineapple smoothie.

Banana Pineapple smoothie

appetizers

Cranberry sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce with orange

chiles toreados

How to make chiles toreados

three cglass cups with esquites

Esquites, Mexican street corn in a cup

mango

Mango guacamole

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Breakfast
Soups
Veggies
Sweets
Mexican
Mains
Salads
Beverages
Dips
Drinks

Real food. Plant-forward with options for all.

This is cooking for real families with different ways of eating. You’ll find vegetarian and plant-forward recipes, plus flexible options to make each dish your own. And while AleCooks isn’t only a Mexican food blog, it’s where my Mexican roots shine through in bold, plant-forward recipes full of flavor.

Piloncillo y Vainilla LLC participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

© 2026 Piloncillo&Vainilla

About
Recipes
- Weeknight Dinners
- Sweets
- Breakfast
- Salads
- Dips
- Soups
- Veggies
Español

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