Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
Zucchini and Lentil Tacos! A perfect vegan dinner. Spicy zucchini, corn and lentils with a creamy jalapeno-lime sauce.
Zucchini + corn may be the most underrated flavor combo, ever. I find myself turning to it over and over again; no matter what the dish, it always seems to work. It’s also the perfect vegetable pairing in my house. Me, who loves zucchini and wants to put it in everything this time of year. My husband, who thinks zucchini is flavorless and boring but would eat corn every night for the rest of his life, no questions asked.
Thankfully, we can both agree on tacos. Charred, slightly smoky zucchini, corn and lentils tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a spicy jalapeño sauce.
We spent Friday night on another marriage compromise, country music. Are you a fan? BL, midwesterner that he is, absolutely adores country music. I, on the other hand, just don’t get it. I’m trying to love tolerate it, but it’s looking to be an uphill battle. And that’s putting it kindly. So, when BL announced on Friday afternoon that he had grabbed us tickets to Luke Bryan’s concert, I was less than enthused.
But, as I’m reminded constantly, sometimes you do the things you don’t want to do. So, I strapped on a smile and went. I know that BL doesn’t always love my crazy meals (or anything with curry powder), but he often eats them all the same. It’s just what you do. So, when I presented zucchini for the fourth time that week in these tacos, I knew his look. Thank goodness I added in corn and lentils, two of his favorites.
If you’re looking for another easy weeknight meal to add to your repertoire, these tacos are it. I almost always have a thing of cooked lentils in my fridge, ready to throw into wraps, burritos, soups and more. I love lentils and think they are one of the more perfect foods: inexpensive, high in protein and fiber. What’s not to love?
I encourage almost all of my clients to add more lentils to their diets, though I usually have to give ideas other than just soup. Yes, lentil soup is delicious (and I make a few really yummy versions of it), but there are so many other possibilities! Lentil patties, sloppy joe’s, salads, pie and coming this Friday- lentil burgers.
My rule is this; if you can use ground beef, you can use lentils. Try it! Any recipe that typically would call for ground beef is the perfect place to throw in lentils. Even if you aren’t vegetarian, you can swap in half the meat and half the lentils. It’s an easy way to stretch a meal and increase fiber intake.
Let’s quickly chat about the sauce. That sauce. That spicy, creamy jalapeño infused sauce.
We all know that I’m just here for the sauce, willingly drowning most of my meals in a sauce of some kind. Sauces elevate basic meals and this one is no exception. Cashews, jalapeño pepper and cucumber blend together to create a luxurious, dairy-free sauce that gives the perfect amount of heat to these spicy tacos.
Try any extra sauce on potatoes, salads, nachos, or more tacos.
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!
PrintZucchini and Lentil Tacos! A perfect vegan dinner. Spicy zucchini and corn, lentils with a creamy jalapeno lime sauce.
Tag @delishknowledge on Instagram and hashtag it #delishknowledge
The Ultimate Plant-Based Protein Cookbook + Course
(Includes 40+ recipes!)
FREE 7-DAY COURSE + COOKBOOK
(9 comments) leave a comment
I’ve never left a review on someone’s recipe site before but this was so good that I have to! I made this tonight for for dinner and it was delish! I used red lentils because that’s what I had on hand and added a red pepper. Next time I will use half the garlic for the dressing and maybe add a habanero for some extra kick.
★★★★★
So glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment 🙂
These tacos are soooooo good!!! I wish I would have doubled the recipe.
★★★★★
Awesome! Glad you liked it!
I give this recipe 5 stars! I have been vegan for awhile, whilr my husband is a work in progress, but even he loved these. The sauce really adds to the flavor. A great recipe. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Love hearing this! Thanks so much for the kind comment Janet.