Dinner

Delicious & Easy Raw Vegan Tacos Recipe

Name: Delicious & Easy Raw Vegan Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 8 Romaine Lettuce Leaves (long leaves for taco shells); 1 Cup Sunflower Seeds (or walnuts, soaked overnight); 1/4 – 1/3 cup Coconut Aminos (to taste, adds color and umami); 1 Teaspoon Paprika; 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin; 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder; Salt (to taste); 1/2 Cup Red Cabbage (shredded); 2 Tomatoes (roma or cherry, chopped); 1/3 Cup Cashew Cheese (see linked recipe in the article for preparation)

ByHarper Ellington November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

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Introduction

These delicious and easy raw vegan tacos are a fresh, nutrient-packed meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with crunchy romaine leaves and a flavorful nut and seed “meat,” they come together in just 10 minutes and serve eight. Enjoy a vibrant, healthy twist on taco night without any cooking.

Three lettuce wraps are arranged on a white plate with a light brown rim, each wrap made of bright green romaine lettuce leaves. Each leaf holds a layer of finely chopped brown seasoned meat mixed with small pieces of red tomato and thin slices of purple cabbage, topped with a dollop of creamy pale green sauce and garnished with thin green onion pieces. The plate is held by a woman's hand wearing colorful beaded and braided bracelets against a green grass background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 Romaine lettuce leaves (long leaves for taco shells)
1 cup sunflower seeds (or walnuts, soaked overnight)
1/4 – 1/3 cup coconut aminos (to taste, adds color and umami)
1/2 cup red cabbage (shredded)
2 tomatoes (roma or cherry), chopped into small cubes
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup cashew “cheese” (see recipe link below)
Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak your sunflower seeds or walnuts overnight to reduce phytic acid and ease digestion. Drain them well before use.
Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the soaked seeds, coconut aminos, paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture reaches a crumbly, “meat”-like texture.
Step 3: Thinly slice the red cabbage and chop the tomatoes into small cubes. You can add raw toppings like jalapeño for extra heat if you like.
Step 4: Carefully peel off long strips of romaine lettuce leaves, wash them thoroughly, and pat dry to create your taco shells.
Step 5: Assemble the tacos by layering the seed “meat” first, then top with shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, and a generous dollop of cashew “cheese.” Drizzle additional coconut aminos over the top for extra flavor and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use walnuts instead of sunflower seeds for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
Add sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime for a spicy, tangy boost.
Try different leafy greens like butter lettuce if you prefer a softer taco shell.
Prepare cashew “cheese” ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time when assembling.

Storage

Store any leftover seed “meat” and cashew “cheese” separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves dry and refrigerated until ready to use to prevent sogginess. Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheating is not necessary or recommended since this is a raw dish.

How to Serve

Three lettuce wraps are placed side by side on a white plate. Each wrap has a large green lettuce leaf as the base, topped with small pieces of purple cabbage, crumbled brown cooked meat, bright red chopped tomatoes, and a small dollop of white creamy sauce on top. Some green onion slices are scattered on the wraps as garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts or seeds besides sunflower seeds?

Yes, walnuts are an excellent substitute for sunflower seeds and yield a creamier texture. You can also experiment with pecans or macadamia nuts, but soaking overnight remains important to improve digestibility.

What is cashew “cheese” and how do I make it?

Cashew “cheese” is a dairy-free alternative made by blending soaked cashews with seasonings until creamy. It adds richness and tanginess to raw dishes. You can find many easy recipes online, including the one linked in the original article.