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.

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

Peanut Salsa Macha (Easy Recipe) | Crunchy + Spicy

A collage showcases vibrant cabbage dishes: spring rolls, cabbage salad, soup, roasted red cabbage, and Mexican cuisine tacos with cabbage slaw. In the center, text proclaims “CABBAGE vegetable of the year.”.

Cabbage Is the It-Girl Vegetable of the Year (Mexicans Have Always Known)

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

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

Peanut Salsa Macha (Easy Recipe) | Crunchy + Spicy

A collage showcases vibrant cabbage dishes: spring rolls, cabbage salad, soup, roasted red cabbage, and Mexican cuisine tacos with cabbage slaw. In the center, text proclaims “CABBAGE vegetable of the year.”.

Cabbage Is the It-Girl Vegetable of the Year (Mexicans Have Always Known)

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 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 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

Two white bowls filled with black bean soup, white hominy, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and thin onion strips sit on a pink textured surface. Artfully arranged, the bowls evoke a fresh twist on classic pozole.

Black Bean Pozole (Mexican Black Bean Soup)

A beer-battered fish taco on a beige plate with a blue textured background. It’s loaded with red cabbage slaw and diced tomato salsa. A lime wedge sits beside it, while a pink napkin flanks the left and an open Corona beer garnishes the right, creating a perfect tacos night scene.

Crispy Vegan Beer-Battered Tacos (Baja-Style)

Horchata de avena y almendra

Oats Almond Horchata (a twist on a classic Mexican agua Fresca)

tostadas de ceviche vegano

Quinoa Cauliflower Ceviche tostadas

BREAKFAST

Papas con chorizo, vegan recipe

A glass filled with creamy overnight oats and chia seeds, topped with fresh berries like sliced strawberries and blueberries, sits on stacked white plates. A spoon rests nearby, alongside a vibrant strawberry and a purple napkin.

Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds and Berries

Perfect Vegan French Toast Casserole

A glass jar filled with pumpkin pie granola, featuring rolled oats, nuts, and seeds. Scattered granola pieces add a casual, rustic touch on the light surface. The background is softly blurred in white and light blue tones, enhancing the cozy autumn vibe.

Pumpkin granola- pumpkin pie granola

SoUPS

Croutons in a bowl with a person holding a spoon for Portuguese Soup.

Portuguese Garlic and Bread Soup with cilantro

Mexican calabacitas, corn, and tomato soup

A bowl of lentil soup with vegetables and a spoon.

Mexican Lentil soup with chipotle and vegetables

black bean vegan insta pot soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup with Kale (Easy & Healthy!)

VeGGIES

salsa de toamte

Roasted Tomato Sauce (Oven Method for Pasta, Soup & More)

Smashed potatoes with kimchi-mayo

roasted mexican potatoes 11

Mexican Potatoes

Vegan Kale and Potato tacos

SWEETS

A person holds an ice cream cone with a large scoop of pink tofu ice cream. They are wearing a black top and blue jeans with a visible button. The person's nails are neatly trimmed and without polish, holding the cone with a gentle grip. The background is not visible.

Tofu Ice Cream Recipe (Easy And Delicious)

Toffee (Chocolate Almond Toffee with Vegan or Regular Butter)

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

Muffins with Dark chocolate chunks, almonds, and Maldon salt

DINNER

Zucchini Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Kid-Approved and Vegan-Friendly!)

CHAMPIÑONES EN SALSA VERDE

MUSHROOMS IN salsa verde

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

Black bean burger with mole and grilled pineapple

SUPER POWERFUL VEGAN CHORIZO TOSTADAS

vegan CHORIZO TOSTADAS, powerful & delicious

salads

A bowl of fresh mixed salad with romaine lettuce, buffalo chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices topped with a creamy dill dressing. The salad is accompanied by a gold fork and knife placed on a dark green napkin. A bowl of dressing with a wooden spoon is placed nearby on the gray surface.

Buffalo chickpea salad with homemade ranch

Mexican Quinoa Salad (Healthy + Easy)

A platter of chicory salad with sliced endives, shaved cheese, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of spices offers a taste from this delightful endive salad recipe. A wedge of cheese and a bowl of creamy dressing are nearby, with a fork and spoon resting on the plate against the light, textured background.

Bright and Fresh Endive Salad Recipe

A vibrant ensalada crujiente on a white plate features sliced mango, avocado, shredded purple cabbage, greens, cilantro, and nuts. A small pitcher of aderezo de cashew sits nearby on a light pink and white surface. The salad looks fresh and colorful.

Crunchy salad with spicy cashew dressing

DRINKS

three glasses with almond milk

Fresh and Creamy: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Homemade Almond Milk

A refreshing strawberry horchata in a clear glass, filled with ice and diced strawberries, topped with a whole strawberry on the rim. The drink is served with a glass straw, on a light plate

Strawberry horchata (horchata de fresa)

A blueberry smoothie with blackberries on a plate.

Very Berry Smoothie with Protein Powder

A glass of Iced Horchata Latte with a clear straw sits on a light surface. The drink has a frothy top, swirled with cream, and a cinnamon-sugar rim decorates the glass. Two cinnamon sticks rest beside it, with a softly blurred background.

Iced Horchata Latte

appetizers

Seed and nut bread, gluten free and super tasty.

Seed and nut bread

A green ceramic bowl filled with nachos, topped with black beans, poblano cashew crema, sliced yellow peppers, and fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors and textures are captivating, reminiscent of a healthy vegan Frito pie, with another bowl of chips blurred in the background.

Frito Pie with Black Bean Chili & Poblano Crema

sun dried tomato pesto 3 1

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Homemade crackers

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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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