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    Home » Recipes » Taco + Burrito

    Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cilantro-Lime Sauce

    May 26, 2014 by Kaitlin

    A vegan Black Bean Tacos recipe with a flavorful creamy avocado cilantro-lime sauce. It's only 15 minutes and filled with healthy plant-based protein and fiber. So satisfying and great for lunch or dinner! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free option.)

    Vegan black bean tacos with lettuce, tomato, and avocado cream sauce

    These black bean tacos are quick and easy!

    The flavorful black bean mixture is made in just 5 minutes with black beans, salsa, and warm spices. Simple yet so satisfying!

    Plus they're a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. (Each small taco has about 9 grams protein.)

    So they're great for either lunch or a weeknight dinner.

    Cooked beans in a small white bowl

    Ingredients For Black Bean Tacos

    For the black bean taco meat you will need:

    • Black beans: These are a heart-healthy source of protein, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and more. I use two cans of black beans, but feel free to use your own cooked from scratch. You will need about 3 cups cooked beans for this recipe.
    • Salsa: I like this easy homemade Restaurant-Style Blender Salsa or Fresh Garden Salsa, but simply use your own favorite.
    • Ground cumin: I also like to add a little smoked paprika in addition to this.
    • Chili powder: I use mild. Or you can omit the cumin and chili powder and use Taco Seasoning instead.
    • Corn tortillas: Or you can use flour tortillas, or other tortilla of choice. Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free tortilla option.
    • Toppings of choice: Use your own favorites, or see the ideas below.
    Creamy vegan avocado cilantro sauce in food processor

    Ingredients for Sauce

    For the creamy avocado cilantro-lime sauce you will blend in a blender or small food processor:

    • Avocado: You will need either one small avocado, or half of a large avocado.
    • Fresh cilantro
    • Lime juice: You will need about one lime for this recipe.
    • Fresh garlic clove
    • Olive oil: Or you can simply substitute water for an oil-free version.
    • Agave: Or other sweetener of choice like pure maple syrup.
    • Salt: I use fine grain salt for this recipe.
    Three vegan tacos with avocado cilantro-lime sauce on a white plate

    Customizing

    Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper, chipotle in adobo sauce, jalapeno, a spicy chili powder, or simply top with your favorite hot sauce to taste before serving.

    Onion + garlic: You can also sauté diced onion and garlic in the skillet before adding the black beans for more flavor.

    Serving

    Toppings of choice: Romaine lettuce, tomato, onion or green onion, vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, avocado or guacamole, etc.

    Rice bowls: You can also serve this dish as a rice bowl or taco salad. Simply use cooked brown rice instead of the tortillas. Then top it with the black bean mixture and all your favorite toppings. (This works well for meal prep!)

    Three black beans tacos in corn tortillas on a white plate

    For more inspiration, also browse all vegan taco recipes or black bean recipes.

    Vegan black bean tacos with lettuce, tomato, and avocado cream sauce

    Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cilantro-Lime Sauce

    An easy 15-minute black bean taco recipe with creamy cilantro-lime sauce. So satisfying and great for lunch or dinner!
    4.86 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free Option, Vegan
    Servings: 8 small tacos

    Ingredients

    • 30 oz. canned black beans (two 15 oz. cans)
    • 1 cup salsa (I use homemade blender salsa)
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1 tsp. chili powder* (I use mild)
    • 8 small corn tortillas

    Toppings of choice:

    • Lettuce, tomato, onion, corn, avocado, cilantro, vegan cheese, etc.

    For the creamy avocado sauce:

    • 1/2 large ripe avocado (or 1 small)
    • 3/4 cup fresh cilantro (large stems removed)
    • 2 Tbsp. lime juice (about 1 lime)
    • 1 clove garlic
    • 1 Tbsp. olive oil (or water for oil-free)
    • 1 tsp. agave (or other sweetener)
    • 1/8 tsp. salt

    Instructions

    • Make the avocado sauce: In a food processor or blender, add all sauce ingredients and blend. Add a touch of water to thin if necessary, and adjust seasonings as desired. Set aside, or refrigerate if making ahead of time.
    • In a pan over medium heat, add black beans (rinsed and drained), salsa, cumin, and chili powder. Heat for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally, until heated through. (Optional: slightly mash beans after heating for a creamier filling.)
    • While the beans are heating, chop and prepare your toppings. Warm the tortillas if desired.
    • Assemble the tacos: Spoon the black bean mixture in the center of the tortillas, spoon a small amount of avocado sauce over the top, and add your toppings.

    Notes

    *Spices + seasoning: You can also omit the cumin and chili powder and use 2 tsp. taco seasoning instead.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cilantro-Lime Sauce
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    206
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    5
    g
    8
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Potassium
     
    552
    mg
    16
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    34
    g
    11
    %
    Fiber
     
    11
    g
    46
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    9
    g
    18
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    360
    IU
    7
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    6
    mg
    7
    %
    Calcium
     
    75
    mg
    8
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this vegan black bean tacos recipe, also check out:

    • Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
    • Black Bean Lentil Tacos

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Taco, Burrito, & Fajita Recipes

    • Tofu Fajitas (Easy Sheet Pan!)
    • Southwest Tofu Burrito
    • Vegan Taco Salad with Creamy Southwestern Dressing
    • Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles (30 Minute!)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Lisa M Peterson

      August 15, 2021 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      This is so delicious my niece Tammy made this for me the first. So this was the first time I made it on my own. My favorite recipe now.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        August 15, 2021 at 6:50 pm

        Great to hear, Lisa! So glad you're enjoying these. Thank you for your very kind feedback!

        Reply
    2. Lily

      July 06, 2021 at 10:56 am

      5 stars
      THE BEST TACOS. I make these for dinner nearly once a week. The sauce is excellent!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        July 06, 2021 at 12:08 pm

        Great to hear - thank you!

        Reply
    3. Krystina

      June 25, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my FAVORITE meals. I've started making it as a taco salad instead of street tacos to get some extra greens and it's soooo good. I love that I can make a ton of this - it's great to freeze and reheats just as good as the first time.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        June 26, 2021 at 11:35 am

        So fantastic to hear that, Krystina! Great idea turning it into a taco salad and freezing some as well - that's awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your kind & helpful feedback!

        Reply
    4. Trisha

      January 08, 2021 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      Hi. Just wanted you to know that I've made these twice over the last 2 weeks, and they are delicious! I could (and did!) eat the avocado cilantro lime cream with a spoon! No one in my house is technically labeled a vegetarian, vegan, or clean eater, but we are always looking for new, healthy meals to try. Everyone in the house loved these! Thanks so much for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        January 08, 2021 at 10:09 am

        Hi Trisha! That's fantastic to hear - thanks so much for your very sweet feedback. So glad your family is enjoying these!

        Reply
    5. Sara

      May 08, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      I made these tonight - they are pretty good but kind of sweet, just because they use a lot of naturally sweet ingredients and I swapped the agave with honey. The sauce is very good - super limey. It's a great easy vegetarian recipe that I'll probably come back to.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        May 19, 2020 at 12:40 pm

        So great to hear you gave these a try and enjoyed, Sara! Thanks for the kind feedback & recipe rating - very appreciated.

        Reply
    6. Pg

      December 02, 2019 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this tonight to take to work for lunch tomorrow. What is considered a serving? 2 tacos! So super good. The lime sauce is through the roof!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        December 03, 2019 at 7:33 am

        Fantastic to hear! Thanks so much for the kind feedback. Enjoy your taco lunch today and have an awesome week!

        Reply
    7. Jesus light Of the world

      February 23, 2018 at 1:04 am

      These are AMAZING. & super easy to make. I love all the flavor!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        March 19, 2018 at 8:04 pm

        Thanks for your kind feedback!

        Reply
    8. Tabitha Ruter

      January 13, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      I made this and it was REALLY awesome! Thanks for such a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        January 30, 2018 at 6:35 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    9. MichelM

      January 13, 2018 at 3:32 pm

      The dressing is excellent. I did not have tortillas so I made it with corn chips like nachos in the oven with cheese. Very good.

      Reply
    10. Marijke Fulton

      June 18, 2016 at 1:14 am

      I made this for my Dad and I, and it was amazing! The sauce was so creamy and slightly tangy, with that cool undertone only cilantro can bring out. The bean mixture, too -- I would never have thought of adding salsa, or even that cumin. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        June 18, 2016 at 8:08 pm

        So glad you both enjoyed. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    11. dcm

      May 05, 2016 at 9:45 pm

      These were fabulous! The sauce was great... and mashing the beans made them even tastier. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        May 14, 2016 at 3:14 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    12. farmerswife17

      April 26, 2016 at 7:27 pm

      I have had this pinned for who knows how long under my Pinterest 'Mexican food' catagory, I have been looking to eat more healthy and yesterday I found this recipe, it was just what I was looking for, I started with making your restaurant salsa, this was heaven to me, after trying these tacos, I cannot even express how yummy this was, my husband really liked it too. I love your simple whole food recipes! Thank you for doing what you do. I wish we lived closer, I just know we would become fast friends.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        April 30, 2016 at 3:33 pm

        So glad you enjoyed these and the salsa! Thanks for your kind feedback.

        Reply
    13. Jen

      April 01, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      I was cooking dinner tonight for two vegans and four meat eaters- and this was well enjoyed by all! We had it with chips, guac and fresh salsa on the side. Yum!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        April 02, 2016 at 12:45 am

        So great to hear, Jen! Thanks!

        Reply
    14. Nicki Escudero

      November 13, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      I am obsessed with this recipe and have made it several times -- it's absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing such innovative vegan recipes!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        November 16, 2015 at 5:11 pm

        That's amazing! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    15. Bethany D

      June 25, 2015 at 1:33 am

      I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! My meat-loving-husband couldn't get enough and I had to stop myself at 3. The sauce compliments the bean mixture perfectly. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        June 28, 2015 at 4:36 pm

        Fantastic! Thanks for your kind feedback!

        Reply
    16. KariJBean

      February 19, 2015 at 3:15 am

      Made these tonight-SO delicious! Can't wait to try more of your recipes. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    17. Fritter

      December 13, 2014 at 9:52 pm

      These are SO good. And that sauce? Omg. I'm an expat in the Netherlands and we don't really have good Mexican here. THIS totally fits that craving and I even used some precious Pace. I also shared on my blog's FB page they were so darn amazing. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        February 19, 2015 at 2:58 pm

        So great - thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    18. Susan Finn

      September 16, 2014 at 12:12 am

      Made this for dinner tonight; it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        September 16, 2014 at 6:11 pm

        Yay, thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    19. Jamillah Wilcox

      August 24, 2014 at 12:51 am

      Kaitlin, the recipe is absolutely delicious. It's a great alternative from ground beef. And prepping is quick, easy and fun. I found the recipe on Pinterst. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        August 24, 2014 at 2:10 pm

        Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    20. Casey Radhs

      July 21, 2014 at 2:08 am

      My boyfriend and I just started the Nutritarian 6 Week Plan (the vegan version!) and I made this (with a few differences) for dinner tonight. They were sooo good, thanks for the recipe inspiration!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        July 22, 2014 at 3:22 pm

        That's great to hear!

        Reply
    21. Becca

      June 17, 2014 at 11:02 pm

      This was great! Next time I think I'll serve over rice with lettuce and add a bit to the cilantro lime mix. There wasn't quite enough, but doubling is probably too much.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        June 19, 2014 at 6:28 pm

        Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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