Roasted Butternut Squash and Chipotle Tofu Tacos

By Alexandra Caspero on November 7, 2022

Roasted squash and tofu tacos topped with a spicy tahini-lime slaw. These tacos are perfect for Fall!

Makes 8 tacos

Roasted chipotle squash and tofu in tortillas with a spicy tahini lime cabbage slaw. A must make!

three butternut squash tacos with tofu and limes on a plate

Is there anything more fall than butternut squash tacos? This time of year, I want to eat my body weight in squash. Whether that’s in taco form, like these, or in my butternut squash pasta, soup or curry.

Paired with a spicy tahini slaw and roasted tofu cubes, these butternut squash tacos are the perfect weeknight meal.

Inspiration for these Butternut Squash Tacos
Ingredients you’ll need
How to make these butternut squash tacos
Why this recipe works
Frequently Asked Questions

Inspiration for these Butternut Squash Tacos

I’m fairly convinced I could eat anything wrapped up in a tortilla. Tacos have become my new pasta: whenever I’m not sure what to make for dinner, I clean out the fridge and wrap the ingredients in a tortilla, preferably with some type of sauce on top.

While I still do something similar with pasta (almost everything tastes good with a noodle), there’s something a bit more fun about tacos.

These were a creation of a night when I wasn’t sure what I was going to make for dinner, but I knew I wanted something that felt both hearty and light at the same time. That ever elusive feeling of loading your plate up with nourishing foods, but not feeling so full that you can’t get stuff done in the evening.

I know the combination of butternut squash, tofu, red cabbage and the yummiest tahini sauce sounds odd, but TRUST it. It’s maybe one of the tastiest tacos I’ve ever put together and something that I crave now on an almost weekly basis.

overview of three squash tacos with limes

Ingredients you’ll need

I’m calling for chipotle powder for this, which you can easily get at a store like Penzey’s Spices, the internet or perhaps a well-stocked grocery store in your area. I really love the smoky flavor the chipotle powder gives but if you don’t have access to it, use chili powder instead (and ask Santa for chipotle powder next year).

You’ll also need:

Garlic powder
Cubed butternut squash
Tofu
Red Cabbage
Cilantro
Scallions
Tahini
Garlic
Sriracha
Lime Juice
Honey or maple syrup

How to make these butternut squash tacos

Make a quick spice mix
Mix together the chipotle powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt and pepper. This is what you’ll use to coat the squash and tofu
Roast the squash and tofu
Rub the spice mix over the squash and tofu along with enough olive oil to coat, then roast at 400 degrees for 30 or so minutes until tender.
Make the slaw
While the squash is cooking, whisk together the tahini, honey or maple syrup, garlic, sriracha, lime juice and enough water to thin. Toss with the cabbage, cilantro and scallions.
Assemble
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Spoon the slaw into warmed tortillas of choice, then top with the squash and tofu. Drizzle with any remaining sauce.

bowl of butternut squash tacos with slaw and limes

Why this recipe works

Roasting tofu in the pan with squash gets it nice and chewy, with a yummy crust on the outside. I swear I eat half the pan while I’m putting these tacos together. Make sure you are using enough oil to allow the squash and tofu to become tender.

The added slaw brings both crunch, texture and a little sweet heat with the honey and lime juice. If this is your first time using tahini, know that you’ll need a little water to effectively thin it out. It will clump once you add the other ingredients and that’s OK. Keep whisking, adding a teaspoon or two of water at a time. You want the consistency to be like a dressing.

I judge all of my sauces by one criteria: do I want to lick the entire bowl/spoon/food processor blade once I’m done? If so, it’s good to go. Obviously, I stuck my tongue in all of the nooks and crannies to get out every last drop of sauce.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Tofu Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce. These #vegan and #glutenfree tacos are amazing! Roasted chipotle squash and tofu in corn tortillas with shredded red cabbage and avocado cream sauce. A must make! | www.delishknowledge.com| #tofu #butternutsquash #vegan #vegetarian #glutenfree #tacotuesday #healthy #tacos #mexican

Tips for Meal Prepping this Recipe

For those of you who are really into meal-prep/batch cooking like I am these days- you are in luck!

Here’s how I do it:

Make a double batch of the squash/tofu mixture and place in the fridge until ready to use.
The sauce will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge and the shredded cabbage will last 2-3 days in the crisper once shredded. Then, assemble as needed!
Any leftover squash/tofu also works in a grain bowl with the extra sauce (try it with couscous or quinoa) or on a giant taco-like salad with tortilla chips, avocado, a can of beans and whatever vegetables I have lying around.

Close up photo of vegan tacos with butternut squash and tofu

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this meal gluten-free?

To make these butternut squash tacos gluten-free, use corn tortillas or your favorite gluten-free tortillas of choice.

How do I prevent the squash from sticking to a baking sheet?

Make sure you are using enough oil so that the squash doesn’t stick. Or, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat, like a silpat.

I don’t have chipotle powder, can I use chipotle peppers instead?

If you don’t have chipotle powder then I’d recommend using chili powder instead. If you want a more smoky flavor, then I’d recommend adding in a smidge of ground cumin or a little more smoked paprika. For more heat, then add in cayenne pepper.

Can I make this on the stove top?

Yes, you can cook the squash and tofu in a skillet on the stove. Coat the cubed squash and tofu with the spice mix and cook until tender over medium heat.

If you love these vegetarian tacos, then you’ll want to save these:

More Squash Recipes

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!