I’ve had burritos and I’ve had burrito bowls. I’ve enjoyed enchiladas, tortilla soup, and too many quesadillas to count, but there’s just something special about a taco. And what’s even better is when it’s loaded with nourishing ingredients that fuel my body and soul. Enter: vegetarian taco recipes. Full of veggies, life, and lots of fun toppings, these taco recipes deliver healthy, whole-food meals that don’t sacrifice the flavor of it all. Because why forgo flavor for health when you can have the best of both worlds, am I right?
Featured image by Ashleigh Amoroso.
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Truth is, tacos come in a lot of different forms. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner (what a time to be alive), and can tailor them to your every craving. Chicken fajita tacos? You got it. Tacos al pastor? Check. Chili-rubbed salmon tacos with broccoli slaw? Absolutely. The point is, tacos are a food group in and of themselves and deserve to be treated as such. But instead of tacos filled with meat, we’re highlighting vegetarian taco recipes to help you incorporate healthy ingredients into your daily routine.
These vegetarian taco recipes are—as you probably guessed—veggie-centric and uncompromising to the enjoyability that comes with eating a taco. With whole food ingredients that pack a lot of flavor into a small package, these tacos deserve a spot in your dinner lineup. Because when the vibes are right and the mood strikes, any day can be Taco Tuesday. With that in mind, get ready for our favorite vegetarian taco recipes to spice up your dinnertime.
15 Vegetarian Taco Recipes to Supercharge Your Meatless Monday
Mushroom & Black Bean Tacos
Why We Love It: The nutritional benefits of the humble mushroom are something to behold. This mighty little funghi boasts vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more that help your body from the inside out. In this recipe, mushrooms team up with black beans to deliver simple, delicious, and enjoyable flavors you’ll want to devour.
Hero Ingredient: Pickled red onions bring just the right amount of zing to the mix.
Vegan Chorizo Tacos
Why We Love It: Of the vegetarian taco recipes on this list, this one is probably the most involved. But don’t let that scare you away! It’s still relatively simple and definitely worth the extra effort. It starts with a homemade cassava flour tortilla, which is out-of-this-world delicious. (But know that you can always fill in with what you have.) From there, vegan lentil chorizo takes center stage with a supporting cast of toppings by its side to deliver a truly elevated vegetarian taco.
Hero Ingredient: The chorizo oil on these tacos is something special. It introduces just the right amount of umami to the filling.
Spicy Peanut Brussels Sprout Tacos
Why We Love It: Brussels sprouts may not be top of mind when you think about vegetarian taco recipes, but here’s the truth: they should be. Brussels sprouts roast alongside radishes in the oven until crispy on the edges and totally yummy. Then, they top a charred corn tortilla with a little mashed avocado, pickled red onion, and peanut pieces. This recipe is easy, healthy, and full of flavor for your next taco venture.
Hero Ingredient: Camille calls this sauce a “stealth superhero that takes the rest of the ingredients and turns them into something addictive.” I couldn’t agree more.
Lentil Tacos with Buffalo Mozzarella & Pickled Red Onion
Why We Love It: Bill Granger shared this lentil taco recipe with us and let me tell you, it’s a good one. The lentils are simmered with bay leaf, ancho chilli, and cinnamon sticks until soft and full of flavor. Then, they’re seasoned to perfection and topped with pickled red onion, mashed avocado, crispy shallots, lemon zest and more. It’s the dynamic taco you’ve been looking for.
Hero Ingredient: There’s a lot to choose from here, but I’m inclined to go with the crispy shallot bits. They bring an unexpected savoriness and crunch that’s nuanced and delicious.
PHOTO: Processed with VSCO with a6 preset
Black Bean Tacos with Mango and Radish Salsa
Why We Love It: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, this black bean taco recipe is the little taco that could. It’s so incredibly simple to make that you could probably do it with your eyes closed (though I suggest you don’t). Point is, when you’re looking for a quick dinner recipe for busy weeknights, this one is your newfound bestie.
Hero Ingredient: To save time and stress, you can make the mango salsa ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better when it has a couple of hours to sit and meld. Don’t be afraid to let those flavors get to know each other.
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Pesto
Why We Love It: Cauliflower and avocado combine in this tasty taco that’s simple to make and full of developed flavors. The cilantro pesto over top finishes things off to perfection, and it’s versatile enough to warrant making extra. But the best part might be that this entire recipe can be made beforehand. It’s a great dinner party recipe that ensures you get to enjoy the party, too.
Hero Ingredient: You’ve gotta roast that cauliflower until the edges start to caramelize. A touch of char goes a long way.
Roasted Veggie Tacos with Chipotle Mayo
Why We Love It: Sweet potato, zucchini, and chickpeas form the base of this tasty taco. You’re getting stick-to-your-ribs fiber and protein from the sweet potato and chickpeas, which is always a plus. Then, a drool-worthy chipotle mayonnaise joins the mix and gives everything a delicious richness.
Hero Ingredient: The secret to success is loading up on toppings (if that’s your style, of course). Cilantro, sliced jalapeños, cotija cheese, lime juice, and anything else that constitutes your perfect taco.
Black Bean and Pineapple Salsa Lettuce Boats
Why We Love It: Fresh, simple taco boats are the ideal appetizer or light meal for your next taco affair. And don’t think they’re lacking in flavor because they lay on a bed of lettuce. It’s quite the opposite, in fact, as the filling undergoes an intense flavor journey that prepares it for satisfying enjoyment in each bite. Apple cider vinegar and adobo chipotle sauce usher in a really nice acidity and smokiness.
Hero Ingredient: Hero method: That salsa will keep in the fridge for days. You can enjoy more boats, try it on one of the other vegetarian taco recipes, or lap it up with lots and lots of chips.
California Style Tofu Scramble Burrito
Why We Love It: Although not technically a taco, this burrito gets a pass. It merited its spot on the list of vegetarian taco recipes largely because of the tofu scramble it features. Quinoa, pinto beans, tofu, and a whole slew of seasonings formulate the protein-packed base that bulks up the burrito.
Hero Ingredient: Top as your heart desires and definitely use up what you have! Shredded romaine, sour cream, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, cheese and more are your springboard. The world is your burrito.
PHOTO: Hannah Haston Photography
Roasted Beet Tostada with Avocado Crema, Goat Cheese & Pepitas
Why We Love It: Another taco-adjacent fave, this roasted beet tostada has got it going on. Roasted beets, avocado, watermelon radish, pepitas, and more join forces over a flatbread to deliver serious results. These tostadas are earthy, tangy, sharp, fresh, and everything you could want from a taco night dinner.
Hero Ingredient: Avocado crema drizzled over top is something else. It enhances every flavor underneath it and the best part is, it’s foolproof. It’s literally just mashed avocado, light sour cream, and lime juice.
Pita Tostadas with Butternut Squash, Black Beans, & Avocado
Why We Love It: Last non-taco taco—promise! This pita tostada is just too good not to share. It features creamy butternut squash, hearty black beans, and trusty avocado all in one. It’s not your typical mix of tostada flavors, but that’s precisely what makes it so interesting. Stray outside your comfort zone and embrace the seasonal flavors of this one. You might be hooked!
Hero Ingredient: Two words: lime crema.
Easy Vegetarian Tacos from two peas and their pod
Why We Love It: This combination of mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, and black beans is a real winner. Not only do the flavors work really well together, but each ingredient is nutritious in its own regard. When sautéed together, you get a satisfying and satiating plant-based meal.
Hero Ingredient: Are you team pickled red onions? If so, you’ll love them over these tacos. Check out a quick pickle recipe and get your topping on!
Crispy Butternut Squash & Poblano Tacos from love & lemons
Why We Love It: Crispy butternut squash? I like the sound of that. In these tacos, butternut squash cubes get the royal treatment by being breaded and baked until golden brown. The mixture features panko, hemp seeds, chili powder, onion powder, and salt to flavor that irresistibly crispy exterior. Then, those little pockets of sunshine join up with a few toppings and get wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla blanket. It’s the simple things.
Hero Ingredient: Roasted poblano sauce might be my new favorite. Roasted poblano, shallot, garlic, mayo, cilantro, and lime juice transform into something purely addictive.
Sheet Pan Roasted Veggie Tacos from ambitious kitchen
Why We Love It: It doesn’t get easier than sheet pan recipes. I mean, all that stands between you and a delicious dinner is a simple arrangement of ingredients on the pan. From there, you can kick your feet up and relax as your dinner roasts away. Enter: Sheet Pan Roasted Veggie Tacos. They’re simple, seasoned, and full of plant-based protein that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Hero Ingredient: Sliced red cabbage delivers the freshness and crunch.
Portobello Mushroom Tacos from love & Lemons
Why We Love It: Juicy, meaty portobello mushrooms are a great plant-based filling for vegetarian taco recipes. In this recipe, they’re seasoned with balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to accent their savory flavor profile. Then, they’re met with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a jalapeño sauce you’ll want by the gallon. It’s that good.
Hero Ingredient: The jalapeño sauce is both tangy and spicy, which complements the taco’s other elements nicely. If you have extra, drizzle it over salads and tacos until it’s gone.
Bonus: mexican chopped salad!
Why We Love It: Inspired by the Jerez salad at Fresa’s, this chopped salad is bursting with life. It’s full of fresh veggies and flavors that are married together with a dreamy honey-shallot vinaigrette. It’s an easy side dish to serve with tacos and can even be made into a main. If you serve it with one of these vegetarian taco recipes, you can pack an entire day’s worth of veggie goodness in one tasty meal.
Hero Ingredient: The chickpeas and carrots are marinated in honey, chili flakes, and more to introduce a world of flavor to the salad. The best part? You can marinate them up to a week in advance. It’s a salad miracle.
Do you have a few favorite vegetarian taco recipes? Let’s hear them in the comments!