On the lookout for plant-based dinner ideas? Vegan Taco Salad to the rescue! This genius recipe comes to you by the magic of Walnut Taco Meat: a tasty way to make a plant-based version of ground beef. Turns out, walnuts, mushrooms and spices do a spot on job of simulating the savory goodness of meat crumbles. Add to that fresh veggies and a zingy sauce, and you’ve got a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy: including meat lovers!
Walnut taco meat actually tastes like…meat!
The key to a vegan taco salad is the taco meat. It’s just not a taco salad without it, right? Using black beans makes it more like a burrito bowl. This vegan taco salad shines because of the genius that is Walnut Taco Meat. When we created this recipe, we were blown away by the way the spices simulated the real thing. Here’s the basic idea of how it works:
Chop walnuts and mushrooms very finely to the texture resembling ground beef. Add savory seasonings to amp the “umami” flavor of these ingredients. Saute the mixture until it is lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in a little olive oil to approximate the richness of ground beef.
You can make up a skillet in just 15 minutes! It’s fast and easy, making this recipe a great easy vegan dinner idea.
Components in this vegan taco salad
What else fills out this vegan taco salad recipe? Here’s what you’ll need to make it into a meal:
Top it with a vegan sauce or dressing!
Our Classic Taco Salad recipe features our Taco Salad Dressing, a genius mix of salsa and sour cream that forms a super fast dressing. You could always make this with vegan sour cream or cashew cream, but here are a few other options we prefer!
Chipotle sauce: This fast and easy Chipotle Sauce is quick to whip up and vegan by way of tahini. Salsa: If you’re in a rush, simply top the salad with salsa. It actually does the job and tastes great! Taco sauce: You can also use purchased or homemade taco sauce. Cilantro sauce: A favorite sauce of ours is this Cilantro Sauce! It requires soaking cashews so is easiest to make in advance: but it’s absolutely worth it for the creamy, tangy flavor.
What to serve with vegan taco salad
Making a filling vegan meal can be difficult. This vegan taco salad is pretty filling on its own, but even more so with a side dish! Here are some ideas:
Cornbread: This Easy Vegan Cornbread is easy to make a beautifully fluffy and delicious. It’s a fan favorite! Chips & salsa or guacamole: Put less chips in your salad so you can enjoy them with salsa or homemade guacamole on the side. Margaritas: All of these Best Margarita Recipes are vegan! Try everything from a Classic, Creamy Coconut, or Prickly Pear and more.
More go-to vegan dinner recipes
It can be hard to find vegan dinner recipes that are filling and satisfying. (We know from experience!) This vegan taco salad is one of our all time favorites! Here are a few more favorite recipes you might enjoy:
Try our fan favorite Quick Vegan Curry or Thai-style Coconut Tofu Curry Whip up a Black Bean Vegan Burrito Try these tasty Sheet Pan Vegan Fajitas Go for pasta with Vegan Pasta Primavera or Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo Grab Easy Tofu Tacos Try a stir fry like Cauliflower Stir Fry or Go-To Tofu Stir Fry Pick from one of these 8 Great Vegan Sandwiches
This vegan taco salad recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free. 5 from 1 review
