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!
Walnut Meat Tacos {soy & dairy free}
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
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Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who helps vegans find ways to make mealtimes easier (and healthier).
When she’s not creating new recipes for her blog, you can find Mary Ellen doting on her two shih tzus or exploring the world with her husband.
kateringforveggies says
I just love tacos. On top of being delicious, they’re quick to make which is always a bonus on busy week nights! Yours look absolutely delicious! Welcome to the world of tacos! 😉
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kate! They are so easy to make – and delicious too! So glad I found the goodness of tacos lol!
Vivian says
Do you soak the walnuts overnight and then blend in a food processor like the cashews?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Vivian, no you don’t have to soak the walnuts. The cashews are soaked so they can be blended more smoothly.
I hope you enjoy!
Ellie | Hungry by Nature says
What a clever “meat”! I have never thought of using walnuts before – I will have to give it a try!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Ellie! Let me know if you give it a try! 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Katrina! The walnut meat is soooo easy to make and give that punch of protein. And lasts for like a week in the fridge so I made a big batch for my daily lunch. 🙂
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
These look wonderful and much healthier than fake meat alternatives, thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Christine! Although I have some meat alternatives every now and then, I try to use whole foods for the nutritional benefits when I can.
Lee says
Say what?! No tacos EVER til recently??? Well, I’m glad your life is now complete. 🙂 And I’m excited to try this walnut version, yum. Omega-3 goodness for my ouchy feet, yay!
Mary Ellen says
I know! It’s so weird. I’ve always had an aversion to ground beef even before going veg so it was something I was nervous to try because I always thought tacos were beef related lol. So glad I got on the taco train!
Jenn - a traveling Wife says
I never would have thought to use walnuts as a meat replacement for tacos. Genius.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Jenn!
ModVegan says
They look so amazingly delicious! And the lime-cashew cream sounds fantastic. My grandmother has used walnuts as a meat substitute in a few dishes – and she’s not even vegetarian! She just has never liked meat, so she often uses walnuts in savoury dishes, like mincemeat pie.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Margaret!
Wow, your grandmother knows what’s up! That’s so cool, I’d love to try a vegan mincemeat pie. 🙂
Cadry's Kitchen says
Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe you’ve been missing out on tacos all this time. I hope you make up for it with lots and lots of tacos in your future. Walnuts are a delicious taco filling. I especially like using them in the summer in collard leaf tacos when it’s too hot to turn on the stove.
Mary Ellen says
I know! How weird is it that I haven’t tried them before? Yes, I actually had the walnut “meat” in a raw collard wrap earlier this summer and that’s what made me think I could do them in tacos!
Tawnie Kroll says
These sounds so yummy! Very creative!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Tawnie!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
You have the best foodie ideas! These look divine. I never would have thought of putting walnuts in them. I’m so glad you’ve had tacos now… because y’all know how I feel about tacos.
Mary Ellen says
Aw, thanks so much! 🙂
Yes, I know how much you love your tacos! I’m so glad I got on the taco train too!
Megan says
I made the “meat” tonight for our loaded nachos. The meat was delicious and I hardly noticed it wasn’t ground beef. I do have a question. I used unsalted, raw walnuts. Is that what I was supposed to use? I think next time I’ll at least toast the nuts and perhaps salt them too. I added a little salt to the finished product. Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Megan! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Yes, I do use raw unsalted walnuts. I’ve never toasting the nuts first but if you do let me know how it turns out!
Miss Whisk (@Miss_Whisk) says
These look so delicious Mary Ellen!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Sarah! 🙂
Deborah Smikle-Davis (@debsmikdav1) says
Hi Mary Ellen,
These walnut meat tacos look so yummy and “meaty”. And the lime cashew sour cream sounds amazing! They are a perfect idea for a satisfying lunch. I can’t wait to make these.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Deborah! Let me know if you give them a try! I made extra of the lime sour cream and have been putting it on everything this week lol!
fitfoodiemama says
These look deliciously amazing! Pinned for later- thanks for linking up 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Annmarie! 🙂
Courtney's Cookbook says
Nice! I’m always on the lookout for veggie-friendly taco-filling alternatives and these looks fab! 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Courtney! Now that I love tacos I’ll be looking for lots of veggie friendly alternatives. 🙂
Raia T. says
Sounds like a yummy meat-free meal! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Allergy Free Thursdays, Mary Ellen!
MaryEllen@VNutrition says
Thanks Raia! 🙂
Debbie Woodruff says
I have to try this! When I make tacos I usually go traditional and use Gardein or some other meat alternative. Or have the sofritas at Chipotle. I never would have thought of walnuts. They look delicious!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Debbie! The meat alternatives would be good in there too. Those Chipotle sofritas are really good too.
kimmythevegan says
Mmmm tacos. I was a super picky eater as a kid, but I actually liked tacos. I was anemic growing up and it was one of the only ways my mom could get me to eat meat. In hindsight I think it was more of the salty flavouring that masked the meat flavour for me as I never liked the taste of meat.
These sound like a great alternative. I can’t have soy much, though I love it, it doesn’t love me. So this is perfect. I also like your idea of using lentils (which don’t love Terry – so this really is perfect for both of us haha).
Chipotle has vegan options????
Thanks for sharing at HVF co-hostess! I’m pinning! I hope you have a fabulous week.
Mary Ellen says
I’m going to try the lentils next!
Yes, I was so excited to hear Chipotle has vegan options! The sofritas, black and pinto beans, white and brown rice, the fajita veggies, and guacamole are all vegan. (At least that’s what PETA says)
Rachel says
I make a “meatball” with walnuts. Never would have thought to use it as taco meat!! Great idea.
Mary Ellen says
I’ll have to check out your walnut “meat” ball! That sounds great!
Jean says
I make walnut meatballs also. They are incredible!!!
Mary Ellen says
I totally need to try to make those Jean!
Angela says
Oh my goodness, what a great idea! We make lentil tacos a bunch so I am excited to shake it up and try these out, thank you!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Angela! I need to try lentil tacos. Let me know what you think if I try these!
Vicki says
These look really good… I usually do a lentil taco “meat” for my tacos, but I will have to give this a try!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Vicki! I haven’t tried lentil tacos but I need to give those a try too! 🙂
Deborah Smikle-Davis (@debsmikdav1) says
I’m a big fan of veggie tacos and I love to try various vegan filling recipes so I am so delighted that you shared your healthy and delicious Walnut “Meat” Tacos recipe with us at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I’m Pinning and sharing this!
Christina says
Hi there,
This looks amazing! What brand of tortilla did you use?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Christina! I used these: http://www.mirancho.com/products/organic-corn-taco-sliders/
calyb says
These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them. Curious though…..
Did you ever try heating up the walnut mixture? I like my ‘meat’ hot. It seem like a quick sautee just to warm them wouldn’t change much other than temp?
Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Calyb! Thanks so much!
I have actually never tried heating them up but I but that would be tasty. Like you said just a quick sautee probably wouldn’t change anything at all. If you do try it, let me know what you think. I may try that next time I make them too!
Andrea says
This was delicious! I love that it made plenty to eat during the week! I actually ate mine warm. I also sautéed them with black beans, a little onion and a little red bell pepper. So good! It also tastes good with a little hot sauce! Will be making it again! Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Ellen says
I’m so glad you liked them Andrea! Yes, I take leftover of them to work too!
Yum, I love the idea of adding the beans and veggies, I’ll have to try that too (plus the hot sauce, I put that on everything!). 🙂
Radhika says
These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them. Curious though… thanku for sharing with us
Cara says
Um…how are these soy free??? Tamara is wheat-free SOY sauce.
Cara says
Ugh Tamari***
Mary Ellen says
Cara, I’m sorry, it shouldn’t say soy free – it should say soy-free option. When creating my Pinterest image I did not take out the “soy” part of it which I had in there from a previous recipe. You can sub coconut aminos for the soy sauce to make it soy free.
Edyta at Innocent Delight says
What an interesting idea. I would have never thought about making walnut meat. You got me intrigued. I will need to give it a try.
Mary Ellen says
Hi Edyta! I hope you enjoy if you do give it a try. They’re so easy to make and tasty too! 🙂
Misha says
Hi,
These walnut meat tacos look so yummy and “meaty”. And the lime cashew sour cream sounds amazing! They are a perfect idea for a satisfying lunch. I can’t wait to make these.
Beauty Bulletins says
I love your idea but I’m allergic to nuts. Such a bummer.
Mary Ellen says
Oh that stinks. Many people are allergic to nuts so I’m going to try to do a lentil version soon.
Falynn says
Words can barely describe how amazing these tacos are. We added some pinto beans when mixing, otherwise left everything else the same… … YUM! I am grateful your blog is on my radar. You will be hearing from me again. Everything here looks delicious. Thank you!
Mary Ellen says
I’m so happy you enjoyed the tacos Falynn! Great idea to mix in some beans. So glad you found my blog as well! 🙂
Kristin says
I started a 30 day vegan challenge January 1st and was getting bored with the usual vegan go-tos. Came across this recipe at work today and already had the ingredients at home. Made these tonight and they’re SOOOO good. I’ll be using the leftover “meat” and “sour cream” on nachos with some salsa and vegan cheese 😋 Thanks for sharing.
Mary Ellen says
Hi Kristin! So glad you found the recipes enjoyed them! Those nachos sound good – I might have to do the same soon! 🙂
Mariee says
Thanks so much for this great recipe. Super quick and easy. I just tried it and it was delicious! I baked a sweet potato, then used the walnut mix as crumbles to top my tater. Added cilantro, ginger, and Italian seasoning to your recipe. Soy sauce was a good call! Yummy? Thank you sooo much for being part of the vegan community and sharing your ideas!
Mary Ellen says
Mariee, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Love the idea of adding it as a topping for your sweet potato and your seasoning additions to make it your own. Thank you so much for your comment!:)
Jen says
So good!
Margaret Carroll says
Great alternative to traditional tacos and they taste amazing!
Kim says
I was looking on Pinterest for a lime cashew cream to use as a salad dressing and chili topper, and so I have just made the cream so far and WOW! It is the ranch replacement I have been looking for to use in my meals. I can’t wait to try the walnut taco filling.
Mary Ellen says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Kim! Thanks so much for letting me know! I hope you like the walnut filling if you get to try it as well. 🙂
Peggy says
There is no menation of warming the walnut meat so I assume these are cold tacos?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Peggy. Yes these tacos are served “cold” but usually they’re not actually cold, just room temp. If you’d like, just add them to a pan on low heat for a few minutes until they’re warmed through.
I hope you enjoy!
Dianne says
PLEASE….WHAT DOES TB MEAN? WHAT IS IT?
Mary Ellen says
TB = Tablespoon