How to Make the Perfect Vegan Tacos
Mexican · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Smoky spiced lentil and walnut taco filling packed into warm tortillas with fresh toppings. These tacos are hearty enough to satisfy even the most dedicated meat eaters.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Tacos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 440 calories with 17g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils rinsed
- 1 cup raw walnuts roughly chopped
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 medium avocado mashed
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 0.5 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Combine rinsed lentils with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil then simmer over medium-low heat until tender and water is absorbed, about 18 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Walnut Crumble
Pulse walnuts in a food processor until they resemble a coarse crumble. Do not over-process or they will become a paste. Combine with cooked lentils in a skillet.
Step 3: Season the Filling
Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to the lentil walnut mixture. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon filling onto warm tortillas. Top with mashed avocado, pico de gallo, and shredded red cabbage. Finish with an extra squeeze of lime and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- lentils → black beans or chickpeas for a quicker option
- corn tortillas → flour tortillas or large lettuce leaves
- pico de gallo → store-bought salsa or diced fresh tomatoes with cilantro
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Do not skip the walnuts as they add essential texture and richness to the filling
- Do not use wet or undercooked lentils or the filling will be mushy
- Do not overfill the tacos or they will fall apart when you try to eat them
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 440 calories, 17g protein, 52g carbs, 18g fat, 11g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →