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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Lunch and Dinner » Chickpea Tacos (that taste like taco meat!)

    ★★★★★ from 19 reviews

    Chickpea Tacos (that taste like taco meat!)

    Published Feb 10, 2020 · Modified Jan 31, 2023 · by Alexis Joseph · 47 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Incredible Chickpea Tacos with a super "meaty" vegan filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. A super satisfying and healthy weeknight meal that serves a crowd. Carnivores and vegetarians alike will love these filling and flavorful tacos. Gluten free!

    The best healthy Vegan Chickpea Walnut Tacos with a super "meaty" filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. This recipe makes a lot of "meat," so it's great for a crowd!

    When it comes to cooking dinner for the week, it usually goes something like this. We cook one meal to eat Sunday and Monday, one to eat Tuesday and Wednesday, whip together something quick for Thursday, and then order pizza or eat dinner out Friday and Saturday.

    All while dancing to Frank Sinatra, wooden spoon in hand, obviously.

    Jeff and I definitely have our weekly staples like my Tofu Tacos and Shrimp Tacos-- delish meals we love that make enough food to serve us both happily for two nights (Jeff eats A LOT). We're talkin' hearty, crowd-pleasing meals, one-pot-wonders like...TACOS!

    We absolutely love make a big ol' skillet of vegan taco meat packed with chickpeas, toasty walnuts, and bursting with nutritious veggies to pair with fresh guac and salsa all nestled between warm corn tortillas. Taco night of my dreams, mmmk?

    Ingredients in Chickpea Walnut Taco "Meat"

    • Chickpeas: The ideal firm yet squishy base to add bulk and texture to this rockstar recipe. Neutral in flavor, they pair wonderfully with veggies, walnuts, and taco seasoning. Packed with fiber and plant protein, too!
    • Walnuts: Perfectly toasted walnuts add rich, umami, flavor and delicate crunch so the taco meat has pizazz. I love that they’re bursting with heart-healthy*, satiating fats for staying power.
    • Remember: walnuts should always be stored in the fridge or freezer (NOT the pantry) to protect those "good" fats.
    • Mushrooms: Shrooms add another layer of meatiness and that critical umami flavor plus a nice bouncy texture.
    • Veggies: A mix of onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes cook down to help set tone for major flavor. When it's in season, zucchini is another great addition.
    • Spices: I'm often told that I heavily spice things, in a good way! You know I'm all about flavor, so we're using a lovely blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano and cayenne for a DIY taco seasoning of sorts.

    The best healthy Vegan Chickpea Walnut Tacos with a super "meaty" filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. This recipe makes a lot of "meat," so it's great for a crowd!

    How to make vegan taco "meat'

    1. First thing's first: toast those walnuts! This light browning will bring out their rich flavor and amp up the deliciousness of the end result. Toasting does NOT alter the nutrition profile of a walnut!
    2. Cook down the veggies to enhance their flavor. Don't skip the tomato---it adds a whole other layer of umami, especially once it's cooked!
    3. Add the chickpeas and walnuts and use a potato masher to create the texture of taco meat.
    4. Add spices and season with salt and pepper. Stuff into shells and top with cabbage, guac, and salsa.

    The best healthy Vegan Chickpea Walnut Tacos with a super "meaty" filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. This recipe makes a lot of "meat," so it's great for a crowd!

    Walnuts are the ultimate heart-healthy* food!

    PSA: February is National Heart Health Month! Let's face it...there are few things better for your heart than plant-based food.

    Did you know walnuts are primarily comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids(18g/oz)whereas most nuts contain mostly monounsaturated fatty acids? That’s why walnuts are the only nut that has a significant source of omega-3’s (2.5 grams of ALA per 1 ounce serving!)

    ALA may help to reduce inflammation and lower the risk for heart disease.

    For more than 25 years, scientists have been exploring how eating walnuts affects various factors related to heart health, such as LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

    The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health examined 25 years of evidence for the role of walnut consumption on cardiovascular risk factors and found that eating walnuts may help to significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

    The best healthy Vegan Chickpea Walnut Tacos with a super "meaty" filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. This recipe makes a lot of "meat," so it's great for a crowd!

    It’s no wonder that walnuts are certified through the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program as a heart-healthy* food!

    Eating unsaturated fats like those found in walnuts, salmon, extra virgin olive oil and avocados has been shown to provide a slew of health benefits.

    From plant-powered protein (4g/oz) and filling fiber (2g/oz) to good fats (2.5g/oz omega-3 ALA), including crunchy walnuts into meals and snacks is a simple, delish and convenient way to add satisfying nutrients to your daily diet!

    Last but not least, walnuts also contain melatonin (3.5 +/- 1.0 ng/g), an important plant compound related to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.

    Now go get yo' walnut on!

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    The best healthy Vegan Chickpea Walnut Tacos with a super "meaty" filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. This recipe makes a lot of "meat," so it's great for a crowd!

    Chickpea Tacos Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 19 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
    • Category: Main Meals
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Mexican
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Incredible Chickpea Tacos with a super "meaty" vegan filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. A super satisfying and healthy weeknight meal that serves a crowd. Carnivores and vegetarians alike will love these filling and flavorful tacos. Gluten free!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 1 bell pepper, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 8oz mushrooms, chopped
    • 2 small tomatoes, chopped (1 cup)
    • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
    • 2 13.5oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 2 tbsp mild chili powder
    • 4 tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
    • 1 tsp kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • For assembly: taco shells, sliced purple cabbage, guacamole, and salsa

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350F. Place walnuts on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat/parchment paper and toast for about 7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
    2. Heat oil a large skillet (this recipe makes a lot of meat!). Once hot, add onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add pepper, garlic, mushrooms, and tomatoes and cook, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes or until veggies are cooked down and water has evaporated.
    3. Reduce heat to low. Add chickpeas, toasted walnuts, spices, salt and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash the chickpeas with the rest of the ingredients until just a few whole ones remain. (If you don't have a potato masher, you'll need to process the chickpeas in a food processor until they're broken down then add to pan.) Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed. I like to add a splash of lime juice and Chipotle Tabasco. You can also stir in up to ½ cup water if the mixture seems dry.
    4. Assemble tacos by spooning filling into warmed shells. Top with guacamole, cabbage, salsa, and hot sauce if desired. Store leftover meat in an air-tight container for up to a week. To freeze, spread meat on a lined baking sheet and place in freezer. Once frozen, transfer crumbles to a freezer bag and use within a month.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    This post is sponsored by California Walnuts, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Hummusapien possible!

    *Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid, the plant-based omega-3.

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Vicki says

      April 06, 2022 at 12:39 am

      The taco "meat" was so good! I've never been a mushroom lover and have never cooked with them, but I decided to go for it (since they're chopped up small), and I'm so glad I did! The whole thing was awesome - so flavorful and great in the tacos. And it felt good knowing that this taco "meat" was actually good for me, so I piled it on my tacos. Thanks for the great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        April 06, 2022 at 1:07 pm

        Yayy!! I'm thrilled you loved it so much! I agree--mega flavor 🙂

        Reply
    2. Joyce Bedrosian says

      February 10, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      I made this exactly as written (except I didn’t have Chipotle Tabasco so splashed a few shakes of Tapatio). It is soo delicious and “meaty”! Definitely making this again and again! Great tacos! Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 10, 2022 at 5:00 pm

        Perfection, thanks for letting me know Joyce!

        Reply
    3. Mickey adams says

      July 25, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      Can this filling be made ahead and frozen or how long will it keep in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 26, 2021 at 3:45 pm

        Sure! It should keep at least 5 days.

        Reply
    4. Cheri says

      June 03, 2021 at 2:20 am

      Made this for dinner tonight and my husband (who was skeptical when I told him I was making tacos with chickpeas and walnuts) ate 4 tacos! I love how meaty and satisfying it is while being all whole foods plant based. I'm going to share this recipe with my grandma, who has started eating plant based and lost 50 pounds! She also reversed her heart disease. Plants for the win! Thanks for another amazing recipe. I've tried several of yours and they never disappoint.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 03, 2021 at 1:10 pm

        I love that!! Thanks so much, Cheri. I appreciate your sweet review so much and I'm thrilled it was hubby approved!

        Reply
    5. Anna says

      February 20, 2021 at 12:55 am

      Amazing recipe!! Makes a lot too so I’m going to freeze some to see how that works.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 24, 2021 at 4:53 pm

        I love freezing it!!

        Reply
    6. Ghadeer Nasser says

      February 11, 2021 at 6:35 pm

      This is one of my favorite recipes lately! I've made it about 5x now and it never disappoints! I can't believe how much it makes. I fed 5 adults with this recipe and still had SO much leftover!!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 15, 2021 at 8:28 pm

        Heck yes!! I love leftovers. The best! If you'd be up for leaving a star rating with your review that would be STELLAR. It helps others find my recipes 🙂

        Reply
    7. Hannah says

      January 10, 2021 at 8:44 pm

      This is SUPER tasty! No need for beef to enjoy tacos 🥰 The slight crunch from the toasted walnuts along with the sautéed veggies (lots, and SO good together) is perfect. Highly recommend!! 😊

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 11, 2021 at 4:16 pm

        That's what I love to hear! Thanks, Hannah!

        Reply
    8. Elle says

      January 02, 2021 at 6:43 pm

      Fresh walnuts is important - ours were a little old and rancid 🤪 so the taco meat is bitter...BUT still delicious. Also, learned at the last minute we were out of chickpeas and so I subbed pinto beans, and that was a great sub!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 05, 2021 at 4:38 pm

        Amazing, thrilled that pinto beans worked! Store your walnuts in the fridge or freezer and you'll be golden 🙂

        Reply
    9. Kelly says

      December 05, 2020 at 11:39 pm

      This was SO good and you don’t miss the meat one bit. Flavor and texture are perfect. You will have a TON of leftovers! Will keep this on rotation and likely not make ground beef tacos ever again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 06, 2020 at 12:34 pm

        Love it, thanks so much Kelly!!

        Reply
    10. Allison says

      August 11, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      This recipe is so simple and actually tastes like taco meat. My meat-loving fiance loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        August 11, 2020 at 7:19 pm

        Awesome, thank you tons Allison!!

        Reply
    11. Sarah says

      July 03, 2020 at 12:49 am

      This. Is. Amazing. & so so simple! Definitely will make again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        July 07, 2020 at 12:35 pm

        Wonderful, thank you Sarah!

        Reply
    12. Marie says

      June 18, 2020 at 8:05 pm

      Yummy yummy! I made it and loved it. The walnuts, the green bell pepper, the fresh garlic, everything came together beautifully and deliciously. I didn't use any oil and it was great!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        June 22, 2020 at 9:26 pm

        So good to know, thank you Marie!

        Reply
    13. Ardis Weight says

      June 02, 2020 at 1:39 am

      So so soooo good! Even my teenage meat eating kids loved it! This will definitely be on regular rotation.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        June 03, 2020 at 10:48 am

        Wonderful! It's a regular for us, too 🙂

        Reply
    14. Kelly says

      May 04, 2020 at 1:24 am

      Oh my - this recipe is AH-mazing. Made it as nachos instead of tacos and the family loved it. Hubby said it's his new favourite! I added a little bit of pasata sauce to make the mixture a little bit more moist - just a personal preference. Thanks Hummasapien for some great recipes!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        May 04, 2020 at 12:47 pm

        That is so smart! I totally want to go make nachos now 🙂

        Reply
    15. Sarah says

      April 16, 2020 at 11:22 pm

      Made these for dinner along with Hummussapien's guacamole to top and they were a hit! The beans, walnuts, and all the veggies makes it really filling too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        April 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm

        Isn't it so filling? Love it! Thanks for the review, Sarah 🙂

        Reply
    16. Blog amateur says

      April 04, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      This is such a great recipe ! It’s so easy to make and there is always plenty for several days of lunches!! Easily a part of my weekly routine!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Morgan Pocock says

      April 04, 2020 at 2:05 am

      I love this recipe- it has become one of my weeknight go-tos because of how easy and versatile it is. The toasted walnuts and the mushrooms give it a great meatiness and the way the mashed chickpeas soak up all the fresh juices and spices is delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    18. Laura says

      April 02, 2020 at 4:43 am

      I use to have asthma attacks .

      Reply
    19. Laura says

      April 02, 2020 at 4:41 am

      Did you know walnuts has a calming effect on the body. It's good for people with asthma cause it relaxes the muscles in the chest use when you have an asthma (i use to have them often until I got rid a perfumed laundry soaps, dish liquid I was allergic to) and got rid of very bad constipation cause walnuts help these muscles relax, but don't eat more than 1/3 cup per day. I am serious. Thank you for such a great recipe, take care...

      Reply
    20. Marlyn Davis says

      March 02, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      The salt content is way too high, but the rest of it sounds great and can't wait to try it in my own kitchen.

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        March 05, 2020 at 9:26 pm

        The great thing about cooking is you can salt to your own preferences!

        Reply
    21. Erin says

      February 26, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      My new favorite taco meat! I love how versatile this recipe is. My kids loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Lindsay says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:32 pm

      Do you think freezing this recipe would be ok?

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 24, 2020 at 11:06 pm

        Definitely! I would lay it out on a lined sheet pan, freeze it, then put it in a baggie once frozen.

        Reply
    23. Regina Jacinto says

      February 10, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      Is there a specific brand of taco shells that you recommend? I haven't been able to find one that I like. They all taste too processed for me!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 10, 2020 at 7:40 pm

        We have a local brand called Koki's that makes nice tortillas, but I usually grab the soft corn ones at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. I also like the baked blue corn ones!

        Reply
      • Lindsay says

        January 07, 2021 at 11:35 pm

        This is one of my favorite recipes ever! So delicious, simple, and healthy. Even my meat-eating husband loves these tacos. I would give this recipe more than 5 stars if I could!

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Alexis Joseph says

          January 08, 2021 at 11:01 pm

          My hubby loves them, too! Thanks so much, Lindsay.

          Reply
    24. Ashley says

      February 10, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      This recipe is SOO easy! I love it! It feeds my family for a week.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 10, 2020 at 7:41 pm

        Yayyy, thanks so much Ashley!

        Reply
    25. Dylan says

      February 10, 2020 at 11:40 am

      These tacos are one of our weekly meal-staples too! It all comes together so quickly!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm

        YAY! Wish you could come over for taco night, friend!

        Reply

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