Looking for the best vegetarian tacos that are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for Meatless Monday or Taco Tuesday? This roasted veggie taco recipe uses a citrus marinade made from lime juice, orange juice, and warm spices to bring bold flavor to cauliflower, sweet pepper, and red onion… all roasted to golden perfection.
Topped with a creamy citrus yogurt crema and tucked into corn tortillas, this recipe is hearty, healthy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, these vegetarian tacos are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make on repeat.
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Trust This Recipe
- A Little Story Behind This Recipe
- What Makes These Vegetarian Tacos Special?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make These Vegetarian Tacos
- Variations & Substitutions
- How to Store & Make Ahead
- Other Veggie Forward Dishes You’ll Love
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
Why You Should Trust This Recipe
I’ve spent years developing recipes for food brands and home cooks alike, and what I’ve learned is that the secret to unforgettable vegetarian tacos isn’t about adding more ingredients… it’s about adding the right ones. This recipe is tested until perfect, balancing warm roasted vegetables with a zesty marinade and a creamy, herby topping. I’ve served these at casual dinners and dinner parties, and they always disappear. If you love simple cooking ideas that feel elevated but approachable, you’re in the right place.
A Little Story Behind This Recipe
This recipe was inspired by a trip to a local market where I saw bundles of fresh herbs, gorgeous heads of cauliflower, and bright citrus stacked side by side. I wanted something meatless, cozy, and bold, and these roasted veggie tacos were born. The citrus marinade was a happy accident (I had a leftover orange that NEEDED to get used), and it turned out to be the exact touch the roasted veg needed.
They’ve since become one of my go-to dishes for quick dinners, cozy gatherings, or when you just want something a little special on a Tuesday night.
What Makes These Vegetarian Tacos Special?
The Citrus Marinade – Lime + orange juice tenderize the veggies and brighten the spices. It gives major flavor without needing a long marinate time.
Roasted Veggies That Don’t Get Soggy – The trick is not to overcrowd the pan. Roast in a hot oven for those golden edges and caramelized flavor.
Homemade Citrus Crema – The sauce makes the taco. A blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, citrus, and herbs creates a cool, creamy contrast.
Big Flavor, Minimal Ingredients – You don’t need meat to make a satisfying taco. Just well-seasoned vegetables and a bit of texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Veggie Filling
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 sweet pepper, diced
- 1 bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped in chunks
Citrus Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lime
- Juice of ½ orange
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp garlic powder (roasted garlic powder if you have it)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Pinch of salt
For the Citrus Yogurt Crema
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of ½ lime
- Juice of ½ orange
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup fresh parsley
For more about the Citrus Cream, check out this post where I share variations of other easy ways to use this creamy sauce!
To Serve
- Corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Optional: sliced avocado, pickled red onions, black beans, fresh cilantro
How to Make These Vegetarian Tacos
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk together all citrus marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss the veggies with the marinade until fully coated (allow to sit and marinate for 15-20 minutes if possible).
- Spread onto baking sheets (don’t crowd them!) and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping once.
- Meanwhile, make the crema: Blend all crema ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or oven.
- Assemble the tacos with roasted veggies, a dollop of citrus crema, sqeeze of lime juice and any toppings you like.
- Serve immediately and enjoy every bite.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add black beans or cooked lentils for extra protein.
- Make it vegan by using dairy-free yogurt and skipping the mayo.
- Try different toppings like shredded cabbage, feta, or a drizzle of chipotle hot sauce.
These swaps make great use of leftover ingredients and show just how versatile vegetarian taco recipes can be — one of my favorite pantry hacks for winter!
Expert Tips for Perfect Roasted Veggie Tacos
Don’t skip the citrus — the acid makes all the difference!
Use two pans for roasting so the veggies crisp instead of steam.
Warm your tortillas for better texture and flexibility.
Make the crema ahead for faster assembly at dinner.
Great as leftovers — reheat veggies in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Store roasted veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Crema will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat veggies in the oven at 375°F or air fryer for about 5 minutes.
- Tortillas can be pre-warmed and wrapped in foil to stay warm.
Other Veggie Forward Dishes You’ll Love
- Roated Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Crumble
- Oven Roasted Spiced Vegetables Recipe (with a Herbed Yogurt and Tahini Sauce)
- Black Bean & Roasted Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls
- The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe (with Asparagus)
FAQ
Final Thoughts
These roasted vegetarian tacos are proof that meatless doesn’t mean flavorless. With a punchy citrus marinade, caramelized roasted veggies, and a creamy yogurt sauce, they deliver big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for easy vegetarian taco recipes, trying out meatless tacos for dinner tonight, or just want to use up a head of cauliflower — these tacos are a delicious place to start.
So next time you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and fresh — skip the takeout and start cooking. You’ll be amazed at what your oven (and a squeeze of lime juice) can do.
Connect With Me
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Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
