Vegan Jackfruit Tacos + Taco Salad Recipe!

Vegan Jackfruit Tacos + Taco Salad Recipe! is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Alyssia Sheikh on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $30.51 total, $7.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cans Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (20‑oz cans, drained, rinsed and shredded)
  • 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil (For sautéing)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (Diced, about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Aminos (Low‑sodium soy sauce alternative)
  • 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning (Store‑bought or homemade blend)
  • 1 whole Lime (Juice and zest used separately)
  • 2 Tbsp Water or Vegetable Broth (Add only if mixture looks dry)
  • 4 pieces Large Flour Tortillas (8‑10 inch) (Gluten‑free or regular, whichever you prefer)
  • 1 Tbsp Cooking Spray (Prefer avocado‑oil spray)
  • 0.5 cup Vegan Sour Cream (Can use dairy sour cream if not vegan)
  • 0.25 cup Vegan Mayonnaise (Can use regular mayo if not vegan)
  • 0.25 cup Salsa (Mild or medium, your choice)
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 small Jalapeño (Seeds removed, finely chopped (optional))
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce (Chopped)
  • 1 cup Spinach (Fresh, roughly chopped)
  • 1 cup Kale (Stems removed, chopped)
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (Sliced, any color)
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels (Canned, drained or frozen thawed)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
  • 0.25 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese (Vegan cheese optional; omit for fully vegan)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)

Instructions

  1. Shred and Rinse Jackfruit

    Drain the canned jackfruit, rinse under cold water, and use your hands or two forks to pull apart the pieces until they resemble shredded meat.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Onions

    Heat 2 Tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6‑8 minutes until caramelized.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Add Garlic

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Combine Jackfruit and Seasonings

    Stir in the shredded jackfruit, 2 Tbsp coconut aminos, 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, and the juice of half a lime. If the mixture looks dry, add 2 Tbsp water or vegetable broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6‑8 minutes until the edges begin to crisp.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Finish Jackfruit Filling

    Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the jackfruit, give a final stir, then remove from heat. Set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Shape Tortilla Bowls

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray. Gently press each tortilla into an oven‑safe bowl or ramekin, pinching the edges to follow the rim and create folds.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Bake Tortilla Bowls

    Place the shaped tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 15‑20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tortilla is firm.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Cool Tortilla Bowls

    Remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack; they will crisp up further as they cool.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Prepare Creamy Salsa Dressing

    In a food processor or blender, combine 0.5 cup vegan sour cream, 0.25 cup vegan mayo, 0.25 cup salsa, 0.5 tsp ground cumin, zest of one lime, 2 Tbsp lime juice, and the chopped jalapeño (if using). Blend until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Chop Salad Vegetables

    While the bowls are cooling, chop romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, bell pepper, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Assemble the Salad

    Pour the creamy salsa dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Add the prepared jackfruit filling, corn, shredded cheese (or vegan cheese), and give a gentle toss.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Fill Tortilla Bowls

    Once the tortilla bowls are completely cooled, spoon the dressed salad mixture into each bowl, pressing lightly to fill the cavity.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegan (when using vegan sour cream, mayo, and cheese), Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free option, Dairy‑Free option

Allergens: soy, gluten (if using regular flour tortillas), dairy (if using non‑vegan sour cream, mayo, or cheese)

Last updated: April 29, 2026

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Vegan Jackfruit Tacos + Taco Salad Recipe!

Recipe by Alyssia Sheikh

A Mexican‑inspired vegan taco salad served in a crispy baked tortilla bowl. Shredded young green jackfruit mimics pulled pork, tossed with fresh greens, veggies, and a creamy salsa‑lime dressing. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

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

Source Video
36m
Prep
42m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$30.51
Total cost
$7.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shredding and rinsing the canned jackfruit to remove brine flavor.
  • Allowing the jackfruit to crisp up on the edges for authentic pulled‑pork texture.
  • Pressing and shaping the tortillas tightly against the bowl to avoid cracks.
  • Baking the tortilla bowls until golden and fully set.
  • Blending the dressing until completely smooth to avoid grainy texture.
  • Ensuring the tortilla bowls are completely cooled before filling to prevent sogginess.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a safe distance and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • The baked tortilla bowls are fragile when hot; handle with oven mitts and allow them to cool fully before filling.
  • Sharp knives – use a stable cutting board and keep fingertips tucked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit tacos in Mexican-inspired vegan cuisine?

A

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South Asia, but its shredded texture has been embraced by vegan chefs worldwide as a plant‑based alternative to pulled pork. In Mexican‑inspired vegan cooking, jackfruit tacos provide the same mouthfeel as traditional carnitas while keeping the dish plant‑based, reflecting the growing fusion of global ingredients with classic Mexican flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of taco salad in Mexican cuisine?

A

Traditional Mexican taco salads, known as "ensalada de taco," often feature shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and a crunchy tortilla shell. Regional twists include adding black beans in the south, corn tostadas in the Yucatán, or pickled jalapeños in northern states. The vegan version swaps meat for jackfruit and uses plant‑based dairy alternatives.

cultural
Q

How is a taco salad traditionally served in Mexico?

A

In Mexico, taco salad is usually served on a fried tortilla bowl or a crisp tostada, topped with salsa, crema, cheese, and sometimes a squeeze of lime. The dish is eaten with a fork, allowing the crunchy shell to hold the fresh vegetables and dressing together.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is jackfruit taco salad bowl traditionally associated with in vegan Mexican cuisine?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, vegan taco salads have become popular at casual gatherings, potlucks, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations where hosts want a plant‑based option that still feels festive and familiar.

cultural
Q

What makes jackfruit taco salad bowl special or unique in Mexican vegan cuisine?

A

The combination of shredded young jackfruit that mimics the texture of carnitas with a bright, creamy salsa‑lime dressing creates a contrast of flavors and textures—crunchy tortilla, tender jackfruit, and fresh veggies—that is both satisfying and entirely plant‑based.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan jackfruit taco salad bowl?

A

Common errors include not rinsing the canned jackfruit enough, which leaves a briny taste; over‑cooking the jackfruit so it becomes mushy; and filling the tortilla bowls before they are fully cooled, which can make them soggy or cause cracks.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use avocado oil instead of butter for sautéing the onions?

A

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for medium‑high heat sautéing without adding dairy, keeping the dish vegan and ensuring the onions caramelize without burning.

technical
Q

Can I make the jackfruit filling ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the jackfruit filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat in a skillet before assembling the salad to restore its crisp edges.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is done cooking?

A

The jackfruit should be browned on the edges with a slightly crisp texture, resembling pulled pork. It should be dry enough to hold its shape but still moist inside; any excess liquid should have evaporated.

technical
Q

How do I know when the baked tortilla bowls are done?

A

The tortilla bowls are done when the edges turn golden brown and the tortilla feels firm to the touch. They should no longer be pliable and will crisp up further as they cool.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Alyssia Sheikh specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Alyssia Sheikh focuses on easy, approachable vegan and vegetarian recipes, often with a global twist. Alyssia emphasizes simple ingredient swaps, meal‑prep friendly dishes, and vibrant, flavorful plant‑based cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Alyssia Sheikh's approach to Mexican-inspired vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Alyssia Sheikh blends classic Mexican flavor profiles with vegan ingredients like jackfruit, offering quick, pantry‑friendly meals. Unlike some channels that rely heavily on processed meat analogues, Alyssia highlights whole‑food substitutes and encourages using everyday grocery items.

channel

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