Despite its Mexican origins, the taco is enjoyed and widely adapted in cultures and cuisines all over the world. Today, as more and more people embrace a plant-forward lifestyle, tacos made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients are trending. And with hearty California walnuts in your arsenal, there’s an endless supply of delicious plant-forward taco recipes to try. If you need some inspiration, here are a few tasty ways to celebrate Taco Tuesday or any other night of the week.
Plant-Forward Eating x Our Favorite Tacos
Plant-forward is all about using more plants and fewer animal products in the kitchen. And there’s no better way than with this wholesome meat alternative. If you’re ready to dig into some of these untraditional tacos, you’ll need to know how to make plant-based meat. But don’t worry, it’s simple! It’s simple!
Walnut “Chorizo” Tacos with Pickled Vegetables
In this 5-star recipe for Walnut “Chorizo” Tacos with Pickled Vegetables, walnuts and black beans come together to make a hearty chorizo “meat.” Pulse walnuts and beans in a food processor and cook in a cast-iron skillet for just 10 minutes, adding in delicious Mexican-inspired spices like ancho chili, smoked paprika and cumin. Serve on top of fresh tortillas with colorful garnishes like pickled radish, fresh cilantro and jalapeño for a showstopper of a plant-based taco.
Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos
Swap out ground beef in this sensational revival of a fan favorite: Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos. Roasted cauliflower adds flavor and dimension, while toasted walnuts enhance the savory, earthy notes of the dish. Together with a mix of traditional Mexican spices, this veggie and walnut base makes for a hearty, unbelievable meat alternative. With hot jalapeño peppers; warm chili, garlic and cumin spices; bright tomatoes and oregano, this taco “meat” will be a hit among carnivores, flexitarians and vegetarians alike! Top with cilantro, lime, cotija cheese crumbles and shredded cabbage as the finishing touch.
Walnut Stuffed Korean Street Tacos
Save for gochujang sauce, you won’t have to stray too far from ingredients already in your kitchen for this plant-forward taco delicacy, Walnut Stuffed Korean Street Tacos. The walnut “meat” is flavored with gochujang, soy, garlic and ginger, and then layered with a spicy chili crema made with Greek yogurt. Veggies marinated in a sweet vinegar base fill out each tortilla. This recipe combines the completely unparalleled tastes of Korea’s banh mi with easy-to-make tacos.
The beauty of plant-forward taco dishes is their versatility and ability to satisfy any taste. California walnuts, combined with a few simple ingredients, are all that’s needed to try some of these fun taco recipes at home.
