Name: Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 Tbsp. adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo); 2 tsp. honey; 1/2 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. ground cumin; 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 1 medium head cauliflower, sliced into 2″ florets (about 6 cups); 2 cups shaved red cabbage; 1/3 cup chopped cilantro; 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice; 6 tortillas, warmed; 1 medium ripe avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 garlic clove, peeled and grated (using a microplane)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 74 reviews

If you love punchy, smoky flavors paired with vibrant textures, then you’re in for a treat with this Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe. This dish transforms humble cauliflower into a show-stopping taco filling that’s bursting with smoky chipotle heat, balanced by a fresh, tangy slaw and creamy garlic aioli. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold Mexican-inspired flavors and comforting plant-based goodness all wrapped up in warm tortillas. Whether you’re a vegetarian veteran or just looking to shake up your taco night, these tacos deliver satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a white bowl with small cauliflower pieces coated in a thick orange sauce, evenly covering each piece. The second image shows roasted cauliflower pieces on a dark baking sheet, with a golden-brown, slightly charred texture and crispy edges. The cauliflower pieces are scattered unevenly, showing white stems and bright orange roasted parts, with some blackened spots from roasting. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic in this Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component—from the adobo-spiked cauliflower to the vibrant red cabbage slaw—adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these tacos unforgettable.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Essential for roasting cauliflower to golden perfection and infusing it with richness.
Adobo sauce: The smoky, spicy backbone that gives the cauliflower its bold chipotle flavor.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the smoky heat of the chipotle.
Paprika: Enhances smokiness with a mild depth and beautiful color.
Ground cumin: A warm, earthy note that complements the overall spice blend.
Kosher salt: Keeps the flavors bright and well-seasoned throughout the dish.
Cauliflower: The star of the show—florets roasted until tender and crispy.
Shaved red cabbage: Adds crunch and vibrant color to the taco slaw.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous brightness that livens up the slaw.
Fresh lime juice: Brings zing and acidity to balance richness and spice.
Warm tortillas: The perfect vessel for all those delicious toppings.
Ripe avocado: Creamy slices that mellow the heat and add luscious texture.
Greek yogurt: The base for garlic aioli, adding creaminess and tang.
Garlic clove: Provides a punch of savory flavor to the aioli.

How to Make Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F to ensure those cauliflower florets roast up crispy and golden. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoky adobo sauce, honey, paprika, cumin, and half a teaspoon of kosher salt. This blend is where the magic happens—it coats the cauliflower, infusing it with deep, smoky, and sweet notes. Toss those florets until they’re luxuriously coated, then spread them out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch as they turn beautifully golden and crisp-tender, releasing all those amazing caramelized flavors.

Step 2: Make the Fresh Slaw

While the cauliflower roasts, it’s time to brighten up the tacos with a simple, crunchy slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the shaved red cabbage, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and the remaining quarter teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss everything together well. The lime juice slightly softens the cabbage while keeping it crisp and vibrant, making a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky cauliflower. This slaw not only adds texture but elevates the overall flavor with its zesty freshness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Aioli

The creamy garlic aioli is a game changer in this Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe. In a small bowl, blend the full-fat Greek yogurt and freshly grated garlic. This aioli offers a tangy, garlicky creaminess that smoothly ties all the components together when spread on the tortillas. It’s an easy homemade sauce that packs a flavorful punch without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the fun part: bringing all those vibrant elements together. Warm your tortillas so they’re soft and pliable. Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on each tortilla, then pile on the chipotle-roasted cauliflower for that smoky, tender bite. Top with a heap of fresh cabbage slaw, and finish with creamy avocado slices. Each taco is a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy—in every single bite.

How to Serve Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe

The dish shows a single open tortilla on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. The first layer is a creamy white sauce spread across the tortilla. On top of this, there are golden-brown roasted cauliflower pieces with slightly charred edges. Bright purple shredded cabbage with some green herb leaves is piled over the cauliflower. On one side, there are three neatly placed slices of light green avocado. The overall look is colorful and fresh, with a mix of soft and crunchy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to get creative with garnishes! A sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few thinly sliced radishes adds pop and color. Toss on some crumbled queso fresco if you’d like a little salty, cheesy contrast, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. These toppings not only jazz up presentation but also add exciting bursts of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. Cilantro-lime rice is a classic choice, perfectly echoing the freshness in the slaw. Black beans or refried beans provide hearty protein, while a zesty corn salad lends sweetness and crunch. Even a light Mexican street corn (elote) makes for a festive accompaniment to complete your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If tortillas aren’t your go-to, this Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe can easily be transformed into a taco salad by serving the roasted cauliflower, slaw, and garnishes over a bed of chopped romaine. Alternatively, use crunchy lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb twist, or pile the toppings onto tostadas for satisfying crunch. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chipotle cauliflower and slaw can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate ensures the slaw stays crisp and the cauliflower maintains its texture. When ready to eat, simply reassemble the tacos with fresh tortillas and your favorite garnishes.

Freezing

You can freeze the roasted cauliflower, but note that its texture might become a little softer upon thawing. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze without the slaw or aioli, as those fresh components don’t freeze well.

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, reheat the cauliflower in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispiness. Add fresh slaw and aioli just before serving to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe vegan, simply swap the Greek yogurt in the garlic aioli for a dairy-free yogurt alternative or vegan mayo. You’ll still get that creamy, flavorful sauce without compromising on taste.

How spicy are these tacos?

The tacos have a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chipotle adobo sauce, which is smoky and a bit spicy but not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the amount of adobo sauce to suit your heat preference, or add extra fresh toppings like avocado to cool things down.

What type of tortillas should I use?

Corn tortillas work beautifully for this recipe, giving an authentic flavor and a nice texture contrast. Warm them gently before assembling to make them pliable and easy to fold. Flour tortillas are a fine alternative if you prefer a softer, thicker base.

Can I add protein to the tacos?

Definitely. For some extra protein, consider adding crispy roasted chickpeas, refried black beans, or even grilled tempeh. These additions make the Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe even more filling while keeping the vibrant flavor profile intact.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! This Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you use gluten-free tortillas. All the fresh ingredients and spices are free from gluten, making it a safe and delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s as colorful and flavorful as it is healthy and easy to make, and that’s exactly what you get with this Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe. From the first smoky, tender bite to the last creamy finish, these tacos are a joyous celebration of taste and texture. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into a taco experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Your next favorite meal is just a recipe away!