This Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos recipe is packed with major Mexican-inspired flavors and spices! They say you should eat the rainbow, which is definitely the case with these plant-based protein-packed tacos! Think beans, red cabbage, tomatoes, spinach, mango, jalapeños, and creamy avocado (the star of the show). A healthy vegan lunch or dinner with a gluten-free option that is ready within minutes!
You can't go wrong with these simple Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos topped with a fresh, zesty avocado dressing, which is perfect for Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, or, let's be honest --any other day of the week.
These tacos are packed with flavor and protein; you won't even miss the meat (I promise). You can make a delicious and filling dinner for a group in no time with this simple, slightly spicy bean filling and your favorite crunchy taco toppings.
These vegan tacos have a sunny island vibe thanks to the mango and avocado dressing that brightens up even the darkest winter nights. This is a great recipe because you can use frozen mango, which is available year-round (Yay!).
It's always a good time for some vegan, heart-healthy, and delicious black bean tacos topped with a creamy mango avocado dressing.
While the zesty mango and avocado dressing might steal the show, this easy bean taco filling is packed with flavor. Not to mention it’s incredibly easy to make, and whether you are cooking for one or ten, you will be happy to get your cook on with these bad boys! There are a few steps involved in making this recipe, but once everything is ready, putting them together is a blast.
You’ll need a few pantry-staple ingredients:
Black beans. Use canned, drained, and rinsed beans for convenience. In a pinch, you can also use another canned bean, such as pinto or garbanzo, if that’s what you have on hand because this recipe is all about ease, remember?
This homemade plant-based easy taco seasoning is best made with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is my go-to finger-licking taco flavor enhancer. However, if you have a favorite pre-mixed taco seasoning, feel free to use it to make a fast two-ingredient vegan black bean taco filling.
If you prefer a less spicy taco (because not all of us love that burn..Haha), you can omit or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and/or chili powder in the black beans...Easy peasy!
Or, if you’re all about spice, amp up that flavor with extra cayenne and/or chili powder; feel the burn! And don’t forget to pile your tacos sky high with jalapeños (leave the seeds in for extra spicey goodness).
To make the plant-based black bean tacos, simply heat the black beans in a large skillet. Season with the spices, and you’re done...Yup, it's that simple! Remove the bean filling from the skillet and cover it to stay warm. You can use this same skillet to heat your taco shells (Yay!! Less cleaning is always a win if you ask me).
To really bring your vegan black bean tacos to life, DO NOT skip this creamy avocado dressing with mango and basil. It’s slightly sweet, herbal, and oh so satisfying and tasty that you are going to be licking it from the bowl, I swear.
All it takes to make this silky-smooth dressing is to add avocado, mango, basil, a bit of olive oil, and lemon juice to a blender and purée until fluffy. Season the sauce to taste with salt, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley for an extra herby finish.
If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you can also make this creamy dressing in a food processor or with an immersion blender. If you’re having trouble blending a smooth sauce, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the ingredients blend smoothly.
This recipe is fairly easy to customize. If you don’t have every item on the ingredient list, here are some simple swaps and substitutions that won’t sacrifice flavor:
You can make this quick taco sauce with frozen or fresh mangoes. Frozen mangos will need a bit more blending and added water to loosen up a bit. Avocado adds a delicious creaminess and thick texture to the sauce for perfect drizzling over your tacos.
Now that you have your spicy bean filling and zesty avocado dressing ready, it’s time to build your vegan tacos. When it comes to toppings, I love a mixture of brightly colored, fresh crunchy ingredients.
My favorite vegan plant-based taco topping ideas include:
To soften the cabbage so it’s easier to eat and digest, I like to sauté it briefly, so it’s still crunchy but not too chewy. However, it works just as well in its raw state. Just be sure to slice or shred your cabbage nice and thin. You can do this in a food processor if you like for mess-free shredding.
Before you fill your taco shells, warm small flour or corn tortillas in a skillet until they’re lightly charred and pliable. I like to get a nice dark char in spots for extra crunch and a smokey flavor.
Finally, fill them up with black beans and all the toppings and dig in! I’m totally obsessed with these easy vegan tacos, and I know you will be too!
You can choose either corn or flour tortillas for this 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 black beans and toppings.
Or, if you want the best of both worlds, fill a crunchy taco and wrap a soft one around it... A sneaky little taco hack that will catch all the crispy taco shells!
You can store the black bean taco filling in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave to make more tacos because why not have tacos two days in a row?
Store the avocado-mango dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If you see any separation, simply give the dressing a good shake before serving.
I don’t recommend freezing the beans or sauce, as they won’t have the same texture when they defrost. However, you can easily freeze leftover tortillas and pop them out to defrost when you’re ready for another round of Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos!
In short, YES!
A serving of ½ cup of black beans contains 7.3 grams of plant-based protein, making them protein powerhouses. Black beans can be used in a variety of recipes (like our yummy plant-based tacos) to help you get the daily plant-based protein you need.
Other benefits include-
Helps to Regulate Blood Sugar
Improves Digestive Health (Yay to healthy gut flora)
Full of Helpful Antioxidants
On a vegan plant-based protein kick? You’ll love these other healthy plant-powered dinner recipes to try next:
And if you’re more interested in the taco part of this recipe than the vegan part, be sure to give these meaty Sweet Heat BBQ Braised Rib Tacos a try next. It’s all about balance, right?
These Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos would go well with any of the following recipes if you're looking for a side to complete your taco night:
If you make this Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos recipe or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love!
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos
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These tacos hit!!! They were extremely delicious and flavorful. I added a tad bit of Cholula hot sauce and used corn tortillas. I'm extremely glad I stumbled upon your site. Next up is the black bean burger recipe. Your dishes have soul 😉
Hi Romy! OMG! I'm so glad that you love these tacos! They really are a fave in my house! I can't wait to hear what you think about the burger! 🙂
I don’t see where it says how many avocados, how many should I use for the sauce?
Hi Cee! So sorry that it was missing. It's 1 medium avocado! 🙂
Will most definitely be trying this weekend! Thanks for this recipe!
I hope that you enjoy them Tiff! They are really great!
I love black bean tacos and this sauce sounds legit. I can't wait to try it.
Yes, I love them too Sondria! Trust me, the sauce makes it all perfect! I hope that you enjoy it!
I love how fresh these tacos sound and you are so right, the Avocado Basil Mango sauce would be the perfect finish to these tacos. I also love the cabbage slaw on the top. These would absolutely make the perfect light summer dinner.
Thanks so much Linda! They definitely are the perfect summer dinner!
You had me at black beans and avocado...and jalapeno. Looks so good! The sauce looks divine - I'm so trying it.
Thanks so much Cindy! I love black bean tacos too! And the sauce is SO AMAZING! I definitely hope that you enjoy it once you give it a try!
Oh my goodness, that avocado basil mango sauce - YUM!! These are such a perfect vegan dinner option and we're always looking to incorporate more plant-based meals in our house.
Thanks so much Chrissy! That sauce definitely tastes better than it looks! The herbs and sweetness of it just makes everything perfect! We try to eat plant-based in our house a few times a week also, so I enjoy combining new flavors! I hope you enjoy!
Ohh yummyyyyyy and so pretty!! My goodnesss!
Thanks so much Dana! It really is good!