These Jalapeño and Cauliflower Tacos with Pepita Salsa Bring the Heat

These satisfying vegan tacos are the perfect summer meal.

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

One of the best taco fillings, in our opinion? Cauliflower. And once you try these plant-based Jalapeño and Cauliflower Tacos with Pepita Salsa, you’re going to be a fan, too.

To top off these tacos, a pesto-like Pepita Salsa. This herbaceous salsa is made with cilantro and pumpkin seeds, and it brightens the roasted cauliflower and jalapeños in these satisfying vegan tacos. However, you can change up the toppings and add your favorite salsa, slaw, guacamole, or whatever you prefer. From fresh herbs to homemade sauces, you can try a variety of different flavor combos in these tacos from season to season with whatever plant-based ingredients you’ve been craving.


More Related Recipes to Try Next:
Vegan Tempeh Tacos with Ancho-Lime Sauce
Pati Jinich’s Vegan Chilorio Tacos with Tofu
Austin-Style Vegan Breakfast Tacos


Jalapeño and Cauliflower Tacos with Pepita Salsa

Servings
4
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Duration
50 min

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6½ cups)
  • 4 tbsp avocado oil, divided
  • ¾ tsp salt, divided
  • 1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeds removed if desired
  • 1 small lime, scrubbed and dried
  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
  • ¼ cup roasted, salted pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ tsp ancho chile powder
  • ⅛ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp agave

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a large-rimmed baking sheet in the oven as it preheats.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower with 3 tablespoons of the oil and ½ teaspoon salt; toss to coat. Set the bowl with residual oil aside.
  3. Spread cauliflower in a single layer on the hot baking sheet and roast until tender and golden, 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through. Add the jalapeño to the bowl with the residual oil and salt; toss. Stir the cauliflower halfway through roasting and add the jalapeño slices.
  4. Grate ½ teaspoon zest off the lime, then halve the lime and squeeze 1½ tablespoons juice. In a small food processor, combine zest and juice, the remaining 1
    tablespoon oil, the cilantro, pumpkin seeds, chile powder, paprika, agave and leftover pinch of salt. Pulse until a coarse paste forms. (Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle, or finely chop all of the dry ingredients together on a cutting board, transfer to a bowl and stir in the juice and oil.)
  5. Transfer the cilantro mixture to a large bowl. Add the hot cauliflower, toss and serve.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size ¼ of recipe
  • Calories 214
  • Carbohydrate Content 11 g
  • Cholesterol Content 0 mg
  • Fat Content 18 g
  • Fiber Content 4 g
  • Protein Content 6 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 2 g
  • Sodium Content 437 mg
  • Sugar Content 4 g