When you’re in need of an easy yet tasty meal that won’t break the bank, try out my authentic and budget-friendly vegan taco salad! With just five dollars worth of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can enjoy a delicious plant-based meal that will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. Try it out today – your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!

If you love this recipe, you may also like my Vegan Chicken Fajita Tacos and Rainbow Salad with Creamy Pineapple Dressing recipe!

COURSE: Main, Side, Salad

CUISINE: Mexican, American, Soul Food

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 2 Cup Serving)

Calories 320
Protein 12g
Dietary Fiber 6g

Why You Will Love This $5 Vegan Taco Salad:

This healthy vegan taco salad recipe is perfect for those days when you’re short on time but need something nutritious fast! You can make the separate ingredients ahead of time so it’s ready to assemble when hunger strikes or batch cook it and store it in the fridge so you have lunch or dinner available whenever life gets hectic. Not to mention, this easy vegan taco salad's dressing is a delectable spicy sauce that fires up your taste buds in all the best ways. It’s also great for bringing to potlucks—just double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you’re feeding!

About the Ingredients:

This vegan taco salad is made of fresh, accessible, and inexpensive black beans, zesty rice, and chopped lettuce to bulk up this salad and then we add grilled corn, fresh tomatoes, and top it off with a cilantro jalapeño creamy dressing that packs a fierce flavor punch. All these ingredients come together to create an incredibly delicious dish your body is sure to thank you for.

Cooked Black Beans

Cooked black beans add a subtle smoky and earthy taste that takes your vegan taco salad to the next level. The black beans add a hearty and satisfying element to your salad, filling you up with plant-based protein and fiber that keep you energized throughout the day.

But that's not all - black beans are also a great source of antioxidants, helping to protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation in your body. They are also rich in essential nutrients like iron, folate, and potassium, making them a superfood that nourishes your body from the inside out. For an even better budget-friendly feast, buy dried beans, soak them in water overnight, and boil them in hot water with delicious seasonings and spices like cilantro, cumin, and chilis!

Chopped Lettuce

Lettuce is a crisp, refreshing, and nutritious base that perfectly complements your vegan taco salad recipe! With every bite, you taste the crunchy and juicy texture of the lettuce, providing a burst of hydration and fiber that nourishes your body.

Lettuce is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like potassium and calcium. Plus, it's low in calories and high in water content, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and balanced meal. Not loving lettuce? Serve this vegan taco salad on a big bowl of chopped spinach, kale, or mixed greens!

Yellow Corn (Fresh or Canned)

Yellow corn in your taco salad gives it a crunchy and juicy texture that adds a burst of sweetness to every bite. The natural sweetness of the corn balances out the savory flavors of the other ingredients, creating a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.

Yellow corn is also a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect your body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Plus, it's low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight and keep their digestive system running smoothly.

Cooked Chickpeas

When you use cooked chickpeas to make a spicy sauce for your taco salad, you'll enjoy a smooth and creamy texture that's loaded with flavor. The chickpeas have a mild and nutty taste that's perfect for soaking up the bold and spicy flavors of the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded and satisfying sauce.

Chickpeas are also a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They're also rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate, which are essential for maintaining good health.

Fresh Jalapeno

You can use fresh jalapenos to make a variety of spicy sauces for your vegan taco salad - finely diced and mixed with lime juice and agave nectar for a simple and tangy sauce, or blended with avocado and cilantro for a creamy and delicious dressing. They also pair well with other ingredients like garlic, onion, and tomato, making them a versatile and tasty addition to any recipe.

Jalapenos are also a great source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to support your immune system and protect your body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. They're also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight and keep their digestive system running smoothly.

Questions and Tips:

What equipment can I make this recipe in?

You don't need any fancy equipment to make this vegan taco salad. All you need is a mixing bowl, a large pot, a cutting board, a sharp knife, a blender, and a large serving bowl. So, let's get chopping and enjoy this delicious salad!

Are the extra toppings necessary?

Extra toppings are not necessary for vegan taco salad, but they can definitely add more flavor and texture to the dish. A typical vegan taco salad might include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and more beans, but additional toppings like corn, jalapeños, crushed chips, vegan cheese, salsa, or guacamole can provide a more diverse and satisfying meal.

What else can I serve with this $5 Vegan Taco Salad?

If you're looking to make a complete and satisfying meal with your vegan taco salad, there are plenty of side dishes that would pair well with it. You can have it with some nachos and a veggie bowl for a healthy twist. By serving any of these side dishes with your vegan taco salad, you can create a well-balanced and delicious meal that will satisfy your hunger and taste buds.

How long does this recipe last?

Typically, a freshly made taco salad should be consumed within 2-3 days of preparation to ensure freshness and quality.

If you want to make the salad ahead of time, it's best to store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy or losing their freshness. When you're ready to eat, simply assemble the salad by combining the ingredients.

Will non-vegans like this?

Yes, non-vegans can definitely enjoy a vegan taco salad! The salad is full of flavor and textures that are satisfying and filling. In fact, many non-vegans enjoy vegan dishes as a way to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet. The beauty of a taco salad is that it can be customized to suit individual preferences.

How to Make the Best Vegan Taco Salad for Just $5