The Ultimate Resource for Plant-Based Taco Salad For a Crowd [Vegan, WFPB, EASY]

Whether you ARE a plant-based eater, or you have some to feed, the dilemma of what to serve to company can be a tricky one. Especially if you have a crowd to feed, you are going to have a wide variety of tastes and preferences. What can I serve that won’t seem too weird, and that they might enjoy? And what about when I find out a day or two in advance that they are gluten-free?

I have come to decide that perhaps the BEST plant-based, vegan recipe to serve to company whether you are feeding four people or forty is taco salad. It’s naturally gluten-free, and it’s really easy to adapt based on your company and needs. Need super simple and totally plant-based? Easy. Want to take it up a notch with Mango Salsa and jackfruit taco meat your guests will never guess isn’t chicken? Done. Want to add a little traditional cheese and sour cream for Uncle Bob or cousin Freddy? No problem!

Make Everyone Happy

While they say you can’t please everyone, I think taco salad may be one of the best ways to come as close as possible. Taco Salad is perfectly customizable to wherever you are on your healthy food journey, AND whatever you happen to need or be in the mood for that day.

I make Taco Salad in a variety of ways depending on the day. I have LOTS of recipes for plant-based protein, cheese sauces, salsas and more. Whenever I am going to make a plant-based taco salad, I will choose a few, based on how many people I’m feeding, how much time I have, and what I already have on hand.

Make It As Fast As Possible

I’m sure you never do this, but sometimes I catch myself making the protein, then thinking about the toppings and making them one by one. It’s always sad to realize that a meal that could have been made in 20 minutes ended up taking 2 or 3 times that because I could have planned better.

I’ve found that the FASTEST, EASIEST way to get this made is to have all of my recipes in one place. I made a one sheet document that I keep in a sheet protector in my recipe binder. Any time I’m about to make Taco Salad, I get out my dry erase marker and cross through things I’m not going to do and circle the ones I am. Now that I have a solid plan, this makes it super simple to shop and gather the ingredients, and then put them together in the least amount of time.

I thought you might enjoy saving a little time in the kitchen as well, so grab your copy of the Ultimate Plant-Based Taco Salad Cheetsheet.

Planning List

Protein/Main Dish:
Super Fast Taco Filling
Costa Vida/Cafe Rio Style Salad
Or to keep it super simple, used canned refried beans, canned chili beans, or a combination.
Chipotle Style Brown Rice *

Greens:
Red, Green or Romain Lettuce
Spring Mix

Toppings:
Tomatoes
Diced Peppers
Onion
Olives
Cilantro
Guacamole
Mango Salsa
FAVORITE Speedy Salsa *
Super Fast Cashew Nacho Cheese Sauce
The BEST plant-based Cheese Sauce
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Plant-Based Sour Cream *