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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Vegan Taco Bowl

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When I can get all the nutrients and delicious flavors in one bowl like this Vegan Taco Bowl, I’m all in. Yes, please! Being able to prep everything ahead makes it perfect for busy days, and I can have it ready in just 20 minutes. The combo of crunchy cabbage, seasoned lentil walnut taco meat, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa with my spicy vegan sour cream is so satisfying every time.

A cream colored bowl with a taco bowl inside on a wooden surface surrounded by other ingredients

I’m pretty sure you’ll agree with me when I say bowl recipes are just the best. They’re quick, easy to throw together, and perfect for those non-stop days when I’m juggling errands, school pickups, and everything in between. That’s exactly why I had to add this vegan taco bowl to my list, it’s joining my two other favorites, the vegetarian burrito bowl and my super tasty vegetarian egg roll in a bowl, and I think it fits right in.

In addition to being kid and parent friendly, these bowls are healthy, delicious, and easy to switch up to keep things interesting. I make them even easier by using pre-prepped fillings and toppings when I’m short on time.

I love this vegan taco bowl simply because it’s just so fun to eat. I can build it exactly the way I want, packed with plant-based protein and all the healthy toppings I’m craving. Honestly, my mouth starts watering just thinking about it. Ha! Every bite has something crunchy, creamy, fresh, and totally satisfying.

This vegan taco bowl and customization go hand in hand. Why? Because I can switch out the rice, toss in different greens like lettuce or spinach, or swap in any plant-based protein if I’m out of lentil walnut taco meat. Some days I go with black beans, avocado, and salsa. Other times I mix in corn or change up the dressing. These bowls are super flexible and easy to make my own. When I’m running around with errands or handling the after-school routine, I love that I can prep everything ahead and have dinner ready in just 20 minutes. That kind of flexibility is a total game-changer during the week.

One thing I really appreciate is there’s no mess from taco shells falling apart and no need to cook a separate meal for picky eaters. This bowl feels fresh and fun every single time, and I honestly look forward to it. I’ve made it for friends, prepped it for myself, and shared it with my family more times than I can count. I hope you give it a try too and see exactly what I mean!

🥘 Ingredients

These wholesome ingredients are what I use to build the base of my vegan taco bowl.

Ingredients for vegan taco bowl recipe on a white background.

Shredded Cabbage: Lettuce works too, but I really love the extra nutrition and crunch that shredded red cabbage adds to the bowl.

Vegan Mexican RiceI like making Mexican rice at home so I can control the flavors and ingredients, but regular brown rice or pre-made Mexican rice works just as well if you’re short on time.

Walnut Taco Meat: One of my favorite parts of this bowl is the meat. I usually mix walnuts with lentils, mushrooms, or even tofu to get that hearty, ground-beef-like texture that makes the bowl super satisfying.

Black Beans: When I’m short on time, I use canned black beans, rinsed and drained for convenience, but if I have a little more time I’ll make these homemade black beans which are absolutely delicious! I add them in for more protein, fiber and texture.

Toppings: I like to mix and match depending on what I have, but my go-to combo is creamy avocado or guacamole, salsa, and either a spicy vegan sour cream (which I make by adding hot sauce to my vegan sour cream recipe), or sometimes I’ll go with a simple vegan taco sauce instead.

🔪 How To Make

Making these vegan taco bowls is one of the easiest meals to pull together, especially if you’ve prepped the ingredients ahead of time. Here’s how I like to do it:

Begin Building Your Bowl: I always start with the rice, beans, taco meat, and cabbage. They’re the heartier ingredients and make a solid base that holds up well once the toppings go on.

Rice, beans, walnut taco meat and cabbage added to a large bowl.

Finish Your Bowl: I add my favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or spicy vegan sour cream, then I grab a fork and dig in!

A close up of a loaded up taco bowl with a fork getting a bite out of it.

My #1 Secret Tip for making this vegan taco bowl recipe is to prep everything ahead of time. I like to make the taco meat and rice, and get all the toppings ready the day before, so when it’s time to eat, all I have to do is assemble and serve. The best part is that the fillings and toppings stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, so I can enjoy this bowl more than once during the week without starting from scratch.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Taco Meat Tips: If you’re using my lentil walnut taco meat recipe, it makes 4 cups but you only need a quarter cup per bowl. I usually make the full batch and save the rest for future meals.
  • Layer Properly: The way you layer really matters. I start with rice, beans, and taco meat, then add cabbage for crunch and finish with creamy toppings like avocado and sauce.
  • Warm Base Before Adding Toppings: I always warm the taco meat, rice, and beans before building my bowl. It makes the whole meal taste fresher and more comforting.
  • Make It a Family Meal: My kids love building their own bowls. I set out all the toppings and let everyone mix and match what they like.
  • Keep Avocado Fresh: When I slice avocado ahead of time, I sprinkle it with lemon or lime juice to keep it from browning. It stays fresh longer and adds a nice zing too.

📖 Variations

While I’ll often just eat this recipe as is, my family loves it when I put out a bunch of toppings for them to add to and customize their bowl! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Other Veggies: I like to mix in about half a cup of extras like jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or even roasted corn. Roasted squash or sweet potatoes are also delicious and make the bowl feel extra hearty.

Other Proteins: Sometimes I switch it up with half a cup of pinto beans, white beans, crumbled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. They all work great and still keep the bowl totally plant-based.

For Texture: I love adding around half a cup of taco-seasoned jackfruit or mushroom carnitas. It gives the bowl a nice meaty bite without using actual meat.

Other Sauces and Salsas: A couple of tablespoons of hot sauce, cheese sauce, my delicious chipotle corn salsa , or pineapple pico de gallo can completely change the flavor. I always finish mine with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Most of the time, I serve these bowls with a toppings bar so everyone can build their own. But when I want to change things up a bit, this recipe also goes great with a few of my favorite Mexican-inspired sides and appetizers.

Other Side Dishes: I like to serve these bowls with lighter sides like my Mexican street corn fries or my healthy taco dip. They add a fun touch without making the meal feel too heavy.

Drinks: A glass of cucumber lime or hibiscus agua fresca is always a great match. It’s refreshing and helps cool down the heat from the salsa and spices.

Other Mains: If I’m making a bigger spread, I’ll serve these bowls alongside my vegan taquitos or this vegan tortilla soup.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: I don’t recommend storing these bowls once assembled. However, you can store each of the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They will keep for up to 5 days.

Freezing: This recipe doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating: I usually warm up the fillings separately, but you can also assemble the bowl and heat it in the microwave for one to two minutes. Just heat until everything reaches your ideal temperature.

❓Recipe FAQs

Is this taco bowl healthy?

Yes, it absolutely is! I love this vegan taco bowl because it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying. You get plant-based protein from the lentil walnut taco meat and black beans, fiber and crunch from the cabbage, healthy fats from avocado, and tons of flavor from the salsa and creamy sauce.

Are these bowls good for kids?

Definitely. My kids love building their own and picking their toppings. It’s a fun way to get them involved and they always eat it up.

How do I keep the avocado from browning if I’m meal prepping?

To keep avocado fresh, I recommend adding it just before serving or store it separately with a squeeze of lime juice and plastic wrap pressed to the surface to prevent air exposure.

Can I make this bowl without rice or grains?

Yes! You can sub the rice with cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, or quinoa if you’re looking for a grain-free or lower-carb option.

Love this vegan mexican recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

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Vegan Taco Bowl

When I can get all the nutrients and delicious flavor in one bowl like this Vegan Taco Bowl, I’m all in. Yes, please! Being able to prep everything ahead makes it perfect for busy days, and I can have it ready in just 20 minutes. The combo of crunchy cabbage, seasoned lentil walnut taco meat, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa with my spicy vegan sour cream is so satisfying every time.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: 30 Minutes or Less, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 672kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 cups Mexican rice , or use any rice you prefer (use ready made for a fast meal)
  • 1 cup lentil walnut taco meat , or any other taco meat you prefer (see note)
  • 1 cup black beans , homemade or store bought
  • 1 avocado
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup spicy sour cream , or any other sauce you prefer (homemade or store bought)
Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Build the taco bowls by putting the ¾ cup cabbage, ½ cup rice, and ¼ cup taco meat and ¼ cup beans at the bottom of each bowl.
  • Top with ¼ the avocado, 2 tablespoons salsa, 2 tablespoons spicy sour cream and any other garnishes you prefer!
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • My #1 Tip for making this vegan taco bowl recipe is to prep everything ahead of time. I like to make the taco meat and rice, and get all the toppings ready the day before, so when it’s time to eat, all I have to do is assemble and serve. The best part is that the fillings and toppings stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, so I can enjoy this bowl more than once during the week without starting from scratch.
  • Taco Meat Tips: If you’re using my lentil walnut taco meat recipe, it makes 4 cups but you only need a quarter cup per bowl. I usually make the full batch and save the rest for future meals.
  • Layer Properly: The way you layer really matters. I start with rice, beans, and taco meat, then add cabbage for crunch and finish with creamy toppings like avocado and sauce.
  • Warm Base Before Adding Toppings: I always warm the taco meat, rice, and beans before building my bowl. It makes the whole meal taste fresher and more comforting.
  • Make It a Family Meal: My kids love building their own bowls. I set out all the toppings and let everyone mix and match what they like.
  • Keep Avocado Fresh: When I slice avocado ahead of time, I sprinkle it with lemon or lime juice to keep it from browning. It stays fresh longer and adds a nice zing too.

Nutrition

Calories: 672kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 1103mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1014IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 6mg

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