VEGAN TACOS FOR SUMMER

VEGAN TACOS FOR SUMMER is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Rainbow Plant Life on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 35 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 35 min

Cost: $46.57 total, $11.64 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 small onion Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 4 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2.5 peppers Jalapeño Pepper (sliced, seeds kept for heat)
  • 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided: 2 tbsp for onion marination, 1 tbsp for corn, 1 tbsp for cilantro crema (optional))
  • 4 ears Corn (kernels shaved off; half will be charred, half left raw)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved or quartered)
  • 1 can Canned Refried Black Beans (15‑oz can, warmed)
  • 8 shells Blue Corn Taco Shells (hard shell taco shells)
  • 8 tortillas Soft Corn Tortillas (small‑size, warmed)
  • 2 tablespoons Hemp Seeds (for cilantro crema)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves (packed, for crema)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
  • 1 head Cauliflower (cut into small florets)
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 0.5 cup Plant‑Based Milk (oat milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for coating cauliflower)
  • 6 tablespoons Cholula Hot Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Vegan Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Sugar
  • 1 medium root Jicama (peeled and cut into thin strips)
  • 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint Leaves (thinly sliced)
  • 4 pieces Medjool Dates (pitted and chopped; optional maple syrup 1 tbsp)
  • 1 can Hearts of Palm (14‑oz, drained and sliced)
  • 0.25 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Dulse Flakes (seaweed for oceanic flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Miso Paste (white or yellow miso)
  • 0.5 cucumber English Cucumber (peeled and diced)
  • 0.25 small onion Red Onion (diced)
  • 0.5 cup Chickpeas (cooked, drained)
  • 3 pieces Avocados (ripe, mashed)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (crushed for guacamole)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (for guacamole)
  • to taste Sea Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly cracked)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Red Onion and Jalapeño

    Thinly slice ½ small red onion and 1½ jalapeño peppers (keep seeds). Toss with 2 Tbsp lime juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Let sit for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Shave Corn Kernels

    Remove husk and silk from 4 ears of corn. Place a small bowl inside a larger bowl and rest the flat end of each cob on the small bowl. Using a paring knife, shave the kernels into a large bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Char Half of the Corn

    Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Add kernels from 2 ears of corn, cooking 3‑5 minutes, tossing once, until browned and slightly charred.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Combine Corn Salad

    In the large bowl, combine the charred corn, raw corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and the marinated onion‑jalapeño mixture. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Cilantro Crema

    In a blender, combine 2 Tbsp hemp seeds, 2 Tbsp lime juice, ½ cup cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 garlic cloves, ½ jalapeño (seeds kept), sea salt, black pepper, 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional). Blend until smooth, scraping sides as needed.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Warm Soft Tortillas & Assemble Double‑Wrapped Tacos

    Wrap soft corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 20‑25 seconds. Spread a thin layer of warmed refried black beans on each tortilla, place a hard blue‑corn shell in the center, fold the tortilla over, and press gently so the beans act as glue. Spoon corn salad into the shell using a slotted spoon, drizzle cilantro crema, and serve.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Prepare Cauliflower Florets

    Trim the leaves and core of a cauliflower head, then cut into bite‑size florets, discarding tough stems.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Make Batter

    In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ cup oat milk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Coat Cauliflower

    Toss florets in the batter using your hands, then dredge in 1 cup panko breadcrumbs placed in a shallow dish, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Bake Cauliflower (First Stage)

    Arrange coated florets on a parchment‑lined baking sheet (do not overcrowd). Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 425°F

  11. Prepare Sticky Hot Sauce & Finish Baking

    In a small saucepan, melt 3 Tbsp vegan butter, then whisk in 6 Tbsp Cholula hot sauce and 2 Tbsp coconut sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the partially baked cauliflower, toss to coat, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 425°F

  12. Make Jicama‑Carrot Slaw

    Peel jicama, slice into thin rounds, then cut into thin strips and halve. Shred carrots (or use pre‑shredded). Dice 1 jalapeño (seeds kept), thinly slice mint, and chop cilantro. In a bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp lime juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss jicama, carrots, jalapeño, mint, cilantro, and 4 chopped dates (or 1 Tbsp maple syrup) with the vinaigrette.

    Time: PT15M

  13. Assemble Crispy Cauliflower Tacos

    Warm corn tortillas (or char on a skillet). Place a few sticky cauliflower pieces on each tortilla, top with a generous spoonful of jicama‑carrot slaw, and drizzle cilantro crema if desired.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Prepare Ceviche Marinade

    Whisk together ¼ cup orange juice, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dulse flakes, and 1 Tbsp white miso until miso dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Make Vegan Ceviche Salad

    Drain and slice 1 can hearts of palm into rounds. Dice ½ cucumber, 1 jalapeño (seeds kept), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup cilantro, ¼ small red onion, and ½ cup chickpeas. Combine all with the hearts of palm, pour the citrus‑dulse‑miso dressing over, season with salt and pepper, and toss. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

    Time: PT10M

  16. Make Guacamole

    In a bowl, mash 3 ripe avocados with a fork. Stir in 2 crushed garlic cloves, juice of 1 large lime (≈2 Tbsp), ½ jalapeño (finely chopped), a handful of cilantro, and salt & pepper to taste. Mix until just combined; keep some texture.

    Time: PT5M

  17. Make Homemade Hard Taco Shells

    Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel, microwave 20‑25 seconds, then place them upright in a taco holder or on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 8‑10 minutes until crisp and golden.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  18. Assemble Vegan Ceviche Tacos

    Fill each homemade hard shell with a slotted‑spoonful of the chilled ceviche salad, then top with a generous dollop of guacamole. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: vegan, dairy‑free, nut‑free, soy‑free

Allergens: gluten

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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VEGAN TACOS FOR SUMMER

Recipe by Rainbow Plant Life

A fun, flavor‑packed trio of vegan tacos from Rainbow Plant Life: a double‑wrapped black bean and corn salad taco, a crispy spicy cauliflower taco with jicama‑carrot slaw, and a bright vegan ceviche taco with guacamole. All tacos are plant‑based, colorful, and perfect for a summer feast.

MediumMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 50m
Prep
40m
Cook
18m
Cleanup
2h 48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$46.57
Total cost
$11.64
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the red onion and jalapeño for at least 20 minutes to soften the bite.
  • Charring half of the corn kernels for flavor contrast.
  • Ensuring each cauliflower floret is fully coated with batter and panko before baking.
  • Baking the homemade hard taco shells until crisp but not burnt.
  • Allowing the vegan ceviche to marinate for at least 1 hour for proper flavor development.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets and skillet.
  • Be careful with the sharp paring knife when shaving corn and cutting vegetables.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a safe distance while charring corn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of vegan taco recipes in Mexican cuisine?

A

Tacos are a cornerstone of Mexican street food, traditionally filled with meat or fish. In recent decades, plant‑based versions have emerged to accommodate vegans and vegetarians, preserving the communal, handheld nature while showcasing fresh vegetables and legumes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tacos in Mexican cuisine?

A

Regional Mexican tacos range from Baja fish tacos to Yucatán cochinita pibil. Each region uses local proteins, spices, and tortillas—corn in the south, flour in the north—highlighting the diversity of flavors across the country.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional taco typically served in Mexico?

A

In Mexico, tacos are usually served on warm corn tortillas, topped with simple garnishes like cilantro, onions, salsa, and a squeeze of lime, and eaten immediately while the tortilla is still soft and pliable.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are tacos traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Tacos are a staple at family gatherings, street festivals, and celebrations such as Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo, where they are enjoyed as casual, shareable fare.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Mexican tacos versus acceptable vegan substitutes?

A

Traditional tacos often feature carne asada, al pastor, or grilled fish. Vegan substitutes like seasoned black beans, hearts of palm, or cauliflower provide similar texture and flavor while keeping the dish plant‑based.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with these vegan tacos from Rainbow Plant Life?

A

These tacos pair beautifully with Mexican street‑style corn (elote), fresh guacamole, a chilled agua fresca, or a simple black bean soup for a complete meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the double‑wrapped black bean and corn salad tacos?

A

Common errors include over‑filling the tacos, which makes the hard shell soggy, and not allowing the onion‑jalapeño mixture to marinate long enough, resulting in a sharp bite.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a batter and panko coating for cauliflower instead of simply roasting the florets?

A

The batter creates a moist interior while the panko gives a light, crispy crust that holds the sticky hot‑sauce, delivering a texture contrast that plain roasted cauliflower cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make the vegan ceviche ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the ceviche mixture and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, then keep it covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 24 hours; drain any excess liquid before assembling the tacos.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cauliflower is done baking?

A

The cauliflower should be golden‑brown, with a crunchy exterior and a tender interior. The coating will be firmly attached and the hot‑sauce glaze should be glossy, not burnt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rainbow Plant Life specialize in?

A

Rainbow Plant Life focuses on vibrant, plant‑based recipes that emphasize fresh vegetables, bold flavors, and accessible cooking techniques for home cooks seeking vegan meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rainbow Plant Life's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Rainbow Plant Life adapts classic Mexican street foods into fully vegan versions, often using creative ingredient swaps like hearts of palm for fish and cauliflower for meat, while maintaining authentic spice profiles and textures.

channel

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