Cauliflower Tacos- Steamed cauliflower, chickpeas, and fresh tomatoes are combined with a splash of hot sauce for some heat to make the filling for these delicious tacos. Top each taco with baby spinach and homemade ranch dressing for a savory treat that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Taco Tuesday is a cherished tradition in many households. What could be better than a delicious, handheld meal that you can customize to your liking? Tacos are the perfect way to use up those leftovers from the previous night. But if you're tired of the same old ground beef tacos, why not try something new?
Cauliflower and chickpea tacos are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional tacos. The cauliflower provides a hearty, meaty texture, while chickpeas add a boost of protein. Plus, they're both packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins C and B6. So next time Taco Tuesday rolls around, think outside the box and give cauliflower and chickpea tacos a try. You may find that they're your new favorite way to enjoy this Mexican classic.
Why You'll Love This Vegan Cauliflower And Chickpea Taco Recipe
Mouthwatering- The combination of spices in this recipe creates a delicious flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Healthy- These tacos are packed with healthy ingredients like cauliflower, chickpeas, and tomatoes. And it's even more nutritious when you top it with baby spinach and homemade vegan-friendly ranch dressing.
Quick and Easy- This recipe is quick and easy to make, so it's perfect for busy weeknights.
A Real Crowdpleaser- These tacos are sure to please whether you're serving them to meat-eaters or vegans. So go ahead and invite all of your friends over for a taco party!
Customizable- Don't like spicy food? No problem. Just leave out the hot sauce. Prefer black beans over chickpeas? That works, too. These tacos are easily customized to fit your taste.
Equipment Needed To Make Cauliflower Tacos
- Food Processor
- Large Bowl
- Vegetable Steamer or Microwave
Ingredients For Vegan Ranch Cauliflower Tacos
For The Dressing:
- Cashews
- Dairy-Free Milk
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Maple Syrup
- Onion Powder
- Dried Chives
- Dried Dill
- Dried Parsley
- Ground Black Pepper
For The Tacos:
- Cauliflower
- Chickpeas
- Tomato
- Hot Sauce
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Vegan Corn Tortillas
- Baby Spinach
How To Make Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos With Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing
Making vegan cauliflower tacos at home is much easier than it sounds! Start by making the dressing. Add soaked cashews, maple syrup, liquid ingredients, herbs, and spices to a food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to add more milk to the mixture to achieve a more dressing-like consistency.
Once the dressing is made, store it in a jar with a lid in the refrigerator so the flavors can meld together.
To make the filling, steam cauliflower, let cool, break them up into very small pieces, and place them in a large bowl. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to the large bowl and mix well.
Soft taco shells should be fried in oil for a minute or two on each side, folded over to drain, and cool into a taco shape. If you are using hard tacos, you are ready to assemble.
Spoon the cauliflower chickpea mixture into each taco, add baby spinach, and drizzle with the homemade ranch dressing. Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve/Pair With Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
These tacos are delicious on their own, but they would also be great with a side of rice and beans or roasted potatoes. For a lighter option, serve them with a simple salad.
If you're looking for a tasty beverage to pair with these tacos, I suggest serving them with an ice-cold beer or a glass of cold water with a slice of lime.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
There are so many ways to customize this recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
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Add some heat- If you like your food with a bit of spice, add a diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Make it creamy- Add 1-2 tablespoons of tahini or avocado for an extra creamy dressing.
- Pack in the veggies- Feel free to add more veggies to the tacos, such as shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or chopped kale.
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Change up the tortillas- Use your favorite type of tortilla or lettuce wraps.
- Add protein- Top your tacos with grilled tofu or tempeh. You could also add cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra protein boost.
- Toppings- Add guacamole, salsa, a dollop of dairy-free sour cream, or sprinkle with vegan shredded cheese.
How To Reheat & Store Homemade Chickpea Cauliflower Tacos
What Is The Best Way To Store Cauliflower Tacos?
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, the tacos, filling, and dressing should all be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How Long Will Vegan Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos Last In The Fridge?
The shells will keep for 2-3 days, the filling for 4 days, and the dressing for 2 weeks if stored separately in airtight containers.
Can I Freeze Cauliflower Tacos?
Yes, you may freeze the taco filling. On the other hand, the dressing will separate when thawed, so it's best to make a fresh batch when you're ready to eat the tacos. Taco shells do not freeze well. I also recommend making a fresh batch of shells.
How To Reheat Chickpea Cauliflower Tacos?
If you have stored the tacos in the fridge, reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed. If the shells have become hard, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
When reheating from frozen, thaw the taco filling in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Cauliflower Chickpea Taco FAQs
Do I have to fry the taco shells?
No, you don't have to fry the taco shells, but it does give them a nice flavor and crunch. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can bake the taco shells in a 350F degree oven for 5-7 minutes.
Is there something I use in place of hot sauce?
Yes. You can use salsa or diced tomatoes in place of the hot sauce.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the filling and dressing ahead. Store the components in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble them when you're ready to eat.
Do I need to use fresh cauliflower?
No, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe. Just steam it before adding it to the bowl with the other taco-filling ingredients.
What is the best type of dairy-free milk to use for the dressing?
I like to use unsweetened almond milk, but any type of dairy-free milk will work.
Ranch Cauliflower Tacos
Ingredients
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup cashews - cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drained
- ¾ cup dairy free milk, plus more if needed
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 1 head cauliflower - cut into florets, probably about 3 cups
- 15 ounces chickpeas - canned, chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10 tortillas - vegan corn tortillas of your choice, hard or soft
- 2 ounces baby spinach, rinsed well
Instructions
To Make the Ranch Dressing:
- Put the soaked cashews in a food processor. Add all the remaining 8 dressing ingredients
- Process until smooth. Add more milk, if needed, to get the consistency of dressing.
- The flavors will meld after resting in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, but you can still use it immediately. Pour into a container and store in the refrigerator. The ranch dressing will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
To Make the Tacos:
- Steam the cauliflower florets for 15 minutes.
- Let cool and break up into very small pieces. Place in a large bowl.
- Add the chickpeas, tomato, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- If you have soft tacos, fry them in hot oil for a minute or two on each side. Fold over to drain and cool in a taco shape. If you are using hard tacos, you are ready to go and to go oil free.
To Assemble:
- Spoon the filling into each taco, add baby spinach, and drizzle with ranch dressing. Serve.
Danielle
We love cauliflower tacos - they make such a nice change. I am going to have to try adding some ranch next time.
Shashi at SavorySpin
Yay for taco Tuesday - though some weeks, it's more like #tacoeveryday 🙂
These tacos sound delish and definitely going on our roster - especially with that homemade ranch dressing laced with chili flakes!
Kristina @ Love & Zest
What a creative taco! I have to try these out....possibly tomorrow since it is Taco Tuesday!
Sharon
These vegetable tacos are the bomb! I love the ranch dressing for the ultimate topping.
Jill
I have never met a taco I didn't like. Love how healthy these are!
Suzi
I made this yesterday and we had it for dinner straight away. Warmed it up tonite for leftovers and so much better!! The flavors had to set with that ranch, as you suggested and the filling was more tender reheated and the tomatoes were tossed in and warm too which I liked. Excellent and unique take on a healthy vegan taco! Oh I subbed half northern beans cuz thats what I had in the fridge open. Really good recipe!!