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Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

October 19, 2022
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Savor the bold and delicious flavors of these loaded Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos, perfect for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight treat!

Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

Get ready to devour the most amazing Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos! Loaded with a tasty homemade chipotle sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, poblano peppers, tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, and a hint of jalapeños – these tacos are a flavor explosion, ideal for spicing up your Taco Tuesday or any casual night! All Plant-based + Dairy-free. Gluten-free option.

Closeup of Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

When it comes to tacos, I'm like a kid in the candy shop. I seriously can't get enough of tacos and I just love their versatility with all of the delicious options possible. These Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos are by far on my top list and this Vegan Taco Soup comes a close second (although it's super hard to choose) Haha. These are seriously so delicious and filling that even the most devoted meat-eaters won't be able to resist these meatless tacos!

The star of these vegan tacos, however, is definitely the creamy homemade chipotle sauce. It's perfectly tangy + spicy to balance the savory and sweetness of these tacos. Plus, these tacos are charred to perfection. And you can pile on your family's favorite toppings to complete the meal. If you love tacos (Who doesn't??!?) then try my Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos next, and if you want to take things to the next level learn how to make your own Homemade Flour + Corn Tortillas from scratch!

Everything can be made ahead of time and assembled in a few minutes if you're meal prepping. These plant-based tacos are super easy to make, a great quick weeknight optionentirely meatless, includes bold flavors, balance between savory, spicy, and fresh, and just plain DELICIOUS.

Jump to:

Why You Will LOVE Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

  • Bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Versatile snack, appetizer, or main option for Taco Tuesdays.
  • Easy weeknight meal--Simple preparation + minimal ingredients
  • Totally meatless + protein-packed!
  • crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos including black beans, tortillas, and chipotle chilis

How to Make Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

The four parts of these Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos are the roasted veggies, cooked quinoa, the dairy-free chipotle sauce, and of course---the toppings.

Start by adding your veggies to a baking sheet along with olive oil and the herbs + seasonings. Bake until charred and tender. Meanwhile, you can cook the quinoa over the stovetop, season, and set aside. Then you sauté the black beans, char the tortillas (If you're up for homemade tortillas, check out my Homemade Flour + Corn Tortillas recipe or opt for store-bought) and make the simple chipotle sauce/dressing. And finally, enjoy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for these Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos:

  • Sweet potatoes. You can also use regular russet or Yukon potatoes for a more savory taste.
  • Tomatoes. You will roast these to perfection.
  • Poblano peppers. You will roast these to perfection.
  • Quinoa. Use as the original or multi-color version. Totally up to you!
  • Herbs + spice. I use staple spices like salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Olive oil. you can also use avocado oil or Grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
  • Stock. Use organic vegetable stock. If you’re buying it, use low-sodium.
  • Poblano peppers. I love roasting these for a nice savory flavor.
  • Jalapeños. I like the extra spicy flavor.
  • Tortillas. I like to use street-sized flour tortillas, however, you can use corn or flour. Try making your own homemade tortillas!
  • A can of black beans, though you could also use cooked dried beans.
Sheet pan of seasoned and roasted peppers and diced sweet potatoes

How To Make Dairy-Free Creamy Chipotle Sauce

To top your plant-based tacos and add a bit of heat, make a dairy-free chipotle sauce/dressing with:

  • Vegan mayonnaise. Use any kind you like.
  • Chipotle peppers. I like to use canned chile chipotle peppers. You can also use 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder if you have that on hand instead!
  • Lime juice. Freshly squeezed!
  • Adobo sauce. I like the extra spicy flavor. You can substitute with Tabasco sauce, chili garlic sauce, or ancho chile paste.
  • Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier.
  • Herbs + seasonings. You'll need salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, and cilantro.

See the full Creamy Chipotle Sauce recipe HERE for a more in-depth guide + tips.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR TACOS!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially for Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Roasted tomatoes on parchment paper

Hate Cooking Quinoa in Fear of it Being Bland in Flavor?

OK, so I’ve heard so many people talk about not really being a huge fan of quinoa because it has no taste or the taste is so bland.

Honestly, the KEY is to build flavor for every component of your dish so that together, the flavor is EXPLODING, including with your quinoa.

MY SECRET? Veggie stock or chicken stock (for non-vegan/vegetarian options). Yup. Instead of using water, I just substitute with some sort of stock, adding salt or whatever based on necessity. Trust me, your quinoa will NEVER BE THE SAME after this delicious trick.

How to Make Herb-Roasted Tomatoes

The key to this recipe is to start with great-quality tomatoes. Choose a mix of large and cherries, and several different colors if you can find them.

INGREDIENTS

  • Tomatoes. You can add as many tomatoes as will fit on your baking sheet.
  • Olive oil. Don’t skimp on the oil! It helps concentrate the tomato flavor and makes a nice jammy texture. You can use these roasted tomatoes like a dressing or sauce.
  • Dried herbs. I like a mixture of Italian herbs like oregano, basil and parsley. But you can mix up the seasonings with other fresh or dried herbs. Thyme, rosemary, marjoram and tarragon are all delicious with tomatoes.
  • Spices. Likewise, feel free to play with different spices in your roasted tomatoes. I like paprika, garlic powder and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Overhead shot of a plate of Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

Best Tortilla for Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos?

You can choose either corn or flour tortillas for this vegan taco recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn is your best bet. Whichever option you choose, I recommend the small street taco-size. They’re easy to fill, hold and eat by the dozen!

Of course, in a pinch, larger tortillas will work too. You can also use hard taco shells if you prefer a crunchier taco. If that’s the case, skip heating the tortillas and simply fill your taco shells with the roasted veggies, quinoa, black beans, and toppings.

How to Best Char or Warm Tortillas

To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on the rack. Turn off the oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. For char on a stovetop, pop one of the tortillas onto a gas burner until you begin to see a little smoke. Remove tortilla to rotate it onto opposite side until it’s lightly charred. Repeat until all tortillas are charred.

Plate of Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Taco Topping Ideas

With your easy Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Taco recipe all set and ready to go, it's time to assemble. When it comes to toppings, I enjoy the vibrant, fresh, and sweet medley of ingredients. Feel free to let your creativity run wild and experiment with your favorite toppings!

My favorite taco topping ideas in general include:

  • Shredded red cabbage
  • Grape tomatoes, fresh or roasted
  • Avocado or guac
  • Salsa
  • Vegan queso
  • Jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
  • Yogurt or sour cream
  • Cheese (regular or dairy-free)
  • Candied Bacon
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Mango chunks
  • Hot sauce
  • Lime or lemon juice
  • Cilantro or parsley, chopped

Can I Make The Chipotle Sauce Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The dairy-free chipotle sauce can be prepared ahead of taco night and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or planning multiple meatless taco nights.

OTHER SAUCES + DRESSINGS I LOVE ON TACOS

Overhead shot of a plate of Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos Q + A's

Are Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos Gluten-Free?

Yes! you can easily make these Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos gluten-free. Simply ensure that all of the sauce ingredients are gluten-friendly and use corn or grain-free tortillas instead of flour.

How To Store Leftover Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

Place any leftover ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How to store dairy-free Chipotle

Add the chipotle sauce/dressing to your favorite mason jar or tightly sealed container and refrigerate for 3-4 days for optimal freshness. 

Do I need to use the dairy-free Chipotle for this recipe, or are there alternatives?

The chipotle sauce adds a delightful kick, but feel free to substitute it with your favorite sauce or dressing if you prefer a different flavor.

I prefer spicier food. Any suggestions for amping up the heat in these tacos?

For an extra kick, add diced fresh jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ pinto beans or the jalapeno sauce.

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

It has a kick of heat, but isn't too spicy. To make this sauce/dressing more spicy, add additional chipotle peppers. For less spice, reduce the amount of peppers.

Hands holding a Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Taco

Other Taco Recipes You’ll Love

If you are a fan of my vegan Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos, you will also love these other taco recipes!

MADE OUR RECIPE?

If you tried this Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Closeup of Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos

October 19, 2022
4.84 from 6 votes
Get ready to devour the most amazing Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos! Loaded with a tasty homemade chipotle sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, poblano peppers, tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, and a hint of jalapeños – these tacos are a flavor explosion, ideal for spicing up your Taco Tuesday or any casual night! All Plant-based + Dairy-free. Gluten-free option.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

QUINOA:

  • 1 cup red quinoa, uncooked (You can also use white or multi-color)
  • 3 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

ROASTED VEGGIES:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled + cubed
  • 2 Tbps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups roasted herb tomatoes
  • 2 poblano peppers

SAUTEED BLACK BEANS:

  • 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained + rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

TACOS:

  • homemade Corn or Flour tortillas, charred  (See Notes!)
  • Jalapeños, chopped

CHIPOTLE SAUCE/DRESSING:

  • 1 Dairy-Free Chipotle Sauce/Dressing

Instructions

TO MAKE THE ROASTED HERB TOMATOES:

TO MAKE THE ROASTED VEGGIES:

  • Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes and poblano peppers along with the olive oil and all seasonings, gently mixing everything together until veggies are fully coated.
  • Add the veggies unto the baking sheet (in a single layer) and and bake for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes and peppers are charred and golden. Remove from oven and chop the charred poblano peppers into pieces.

TO MAKE THE QUINOA:

  • Begin by adding the veggie stock to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Add in the quinoa, whisking continuously while boiling for 1-2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to bring to a simmer, whisking every 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through, and stock has dried, and the quinoa has thickened. Add in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, stirring them in until combined.

TO SAUTE BLACK BEANS:

  • In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the black beans, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, parsley, and cumin mixing together, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

TO MAKE THE CHIPOTLE SAUCE/DRESSING:

CHAR OR WARM TORTILLAS:

  • To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on rack. Turn off oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. For char on a stovetop, pop one of the tortillas unto a gas burner until you begin to see a little smoke. Remove tortilla to rotate it onto opposite side until it’s lightly charred. Repeat until all tortillas are charred.

ASSEMBLY:

  • To assemble tacos, add a few spoonfuls of cooked quinoa atop a charred tortilla followed by: roasted poblano peppers, sweet potatoes, black beans, chopped jalapeños, and chipotle sauce. Repeat until desired amount of tacos are made. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Place any leftover ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made and individually stored as meal prep (excluding tortillas) and assembled when ready to serve.
  • TORTILLAS: To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on rack. Turn off oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. For char on a stovetop, pop one of the tortillas unto a gas burner until you begin to see a little smoke. Remove tortilla to rotate it onto opposite side until it’s lightly charred. Repeat until all tortillas are charred.
  • EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with these Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos. Everything from my fave high-powered blender, baking sheets, wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 837mg | Potassium: 741mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 17076IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 3mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Script text: Xx, Shanika

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  1. I just discovered your website with this yummy looking recipe. I had never heard of quinoa tacos and just googled it. I like to then click images and click on the yummiest looking recipe and yours was it! I'm excited you have a book.I love soul food and Jamaican food! I'll definitely be getting it!

  2. Thanks, this looks amazing I'll definitely make it. I'm so glad you talk about chicken stock. I'll definitely be using chicken stock fo the quinoa. I'm not strict and just looking for recipes that actually TASTE good. I do not like bland food so it's a turn off when thinking of going vegan.

    • Hi Nicholette! Awww, of course! It definitely makes a difference using chicken stock! I completely understand and hope that you enjoy trying a few meatless and vegan dishes! 🙂

  3. Hello! In step #2 for the quinoa it’s says to add tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is not listed in ingredients above; how much is needed??

    • Hi Alex! Thanks so much for pointing that out---this was an error and I have updated it. So sorry for the confusion!