Name: Walnut Meat Tacos {soy & dairy free}
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups de-shelled walnuts; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1 Tb tamari (( can use soy sauce if not gf or coconut aminos if you do not do soy)); 6 Taco shells ((I used organic & gluten-free)); 1 cup carrots (chopped); 1 cup red cabbage (chopped); 1/4-1/2 cup onion (chopped); cilantro (chopped); 1 Cup cashews soaked overnight ((or soaked at least 10 mins in boiling water)); 1/3-1/2 cup water ((and more if needed)); 2 Tb lime juice; 1 TB apple cider vinegar; Pinch of salt

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These walnut meat tacos are a great alternative to beef and pack a punch of protein. They are so easy to make and the walnut taco meat is so tasty that even omnivores will want second helpings!

Growing up I didn’t try many new foods. I was never that into meat, especially ground meat which is found in most tacos, so I never really cared about trying tacos.

I didn’t realize there was a whole world of non-meat tacos for me to try. Now that I know, I have made so many different tacos like my teriyaki tempeh tacos, breakfast tacos, and buffalo chickpea tacos to name a few).

I love making tacos because they are so easy. Most of the time you can prep the walnut taco meat filling and toppings. That way dinner is easy to get on the table.

Walnut Meat Tacos

Now that my mind has been opened to the goodness of tacos, I wanted to recreate a vegan version for myself that I could have on Taco Tuesdays.

Although I eat soy a few times a week, I decided to switch things up and create a vegan meat alternative for those that are not into tofu.

I was thinking of doing lentils but I ran out last weekend (mental note to get some) so after fishing around my cabinets, I found some walnuts. I’ve ground walnuts before for tart/pie bases and it looks sort of like meat so I figured I’d go with it.

Turns out, walnuts make a tasty meat alternative! I love my walnut meat tacos and have been sharing them with everyone lately.

Does the Walnut filling really taste good?

Short answer – yes! I have made these countless times and every time I get so many compliments. My omnivore cousin really loves these and now makes them for herself.

I think the trick to making the walnut meat extra delicious is the seasoning. The cumin, chili powder, and tamari give the walnut filling a sort of “meaty” flavor (without any meat).

Walnut meat can be used in these tacos but I’ve also used them in my Walnut Meat Vegan Taco Wraps.

Walnut Nutrition

Nutritionally walnuts offer us healthy fat (including omega-3 fatty acids). Fatty Acids are the main component of our cell membranes. Omega 3s can also have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease and depression.

Walnuts are a great source of plant-based protein and contain vitamin B6, magnesium, and fiber.

Looking for more tasty tacos? Check out these out:

Meal Prep Tip: You can pre-make the walnut taco meat a few days before so they can be made in minutes when you have a hectic day!

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4.8 from 20 votes

Walnut Meat Tacos {soy & dairy free}

These walnut meat tacos are a great alternative to beef and packs a punch of protein!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword vegan tacos, walnut meat, walnut meat tacos

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings tacos

Calories 333.1kcal

Author Mary Ellen

Ingredients

WALNUT TACOS

1.5 cups de-shelled walnuts
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 Tb tamari ( can use soy sauce if not gf or coconut aminos if you do not do soy)
6 Taco shells (I used organic & gluten-free)

Toppings

1 cup carrots chopped
1 cup red cabbage chopped
1/4-1/2 cup onion chopped
cilantro chopped

LIME CASHEW SOUR CREAM

1 Cup cashews soaked overnight (or soaked at least 10 mins in boiling water)
1/3-1/2 cup water (and more if needed)
2 Tb lime juice
1 TB apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Add walnuts to a food processor and process until mixture is chopped finely but not pureed.
Put mixture in bowl and add seasonings and mix.
Add rest of the ingredients (up until tamari) and stir until incorporated
Fill taco shells with walnut mixture and top with toppings of choice.
To make the lime cashew sour cream put all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add more water if needed to get a sour cream consistency.
Top tacos with sour cream and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition info includes 1 taco shell per taco and 1 TB of cilantro sour cream.
Sour cream will last in the fridge for about a week.

Nutrition

Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel confident creating sustainable habits that align with their values and health goals. She shares easy plant-powered food to nourish your body + satisfy your tastebuds. Mary Ellen’s recipes and nutrition info have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. She lives in NJ with her husband & two sweet shih tzus, Firenze & Sophie.