Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema are a zesty and satisfying plant-based meal that delivers big flavor with a spicy twist. Crispy roasted cauliflower tossed in tangy buffalo sauce is tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a creamy, cooling avocado crema and fresh veggies for the perfect taco night dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A bold, spicy, and satisfying meat-free alternative
- Baked, not fried, for a healthier option
- Avocado crema balances heat with a creamy finish
- Great for casual dinners, parties, or meal prep
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan or gluten-free
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the buffalo cauliflower:
- Cauliflower, cut into florets
- All-purpose flour
- Plant-based milk (or regular milk)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- Optional: a little oil or vegan butter for added richness
For the avocado crema:
- Ripe avocados
- Plain dairy-free yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh lime juice
- Garlic
- Salt
- Water (to adjust consistency)
For serving:
- Small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth batter.
- Dip cauliflower florets in the batter, shake off excess, and spread on baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Toss baked cauliflower with hot sauce (mixed with a bit of oil or melted vegan butter if desired), then return to oven for 5–10 more minutes.
- In a blender, combine avocado, yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and a bit of water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Warm tortillas and assemble: layer with slaw, buffalo cauliflower, avocado crema, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and enjoy immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–5
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use gluten-free flour and tortillas for a gluten-free version
- Make it extra spicy with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce drizzle
- Add beans or tofu for added protein
- Use pre-shredded slaw mix to save time
- Add pickled red onions for tang and crunch
Storage/Reheating
- Store cauliflower and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Reheat cauliflower in oven at 375°F until crisp
- Avocado crema should be stored with plastic wrap pressed to the surface to avoid browning
- Best enjoyed freshly assembled for optimal texture
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk, yogurt, and ensure your hot sauce and tortillas are vegan.
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Absolutely. Just warm it slightly before tossing with the roasted cauliflower.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cauliflower?
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I prep these tacos in advance?
Yes, prep components ahead but assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
What can I serve with these tacos?
They pair well with black beans, rice, corn salad, or a simple green salad.
Are they kid-friendly?
If your kids enjoy a little heat, yes! Otherwise, use a mild sauce.
Can I fry the cauliflower instead?
Yes, but baking is the healthier option and still yields a great texture.
Can I freeze the cauliflower?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it before tossing in sauce. Reheat and sauce just before serving.
How can I make it extra crispy?
Let the cauliflower cool for a minute before saucing, then bake again for a crisp finish.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas for gluten-free or flour tortillas for a softer wrap—both are great options.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema are a flavor-packed, plant-based meal that’s fun, satisfying, and full of texture. With spicy buffalo heat, creamy avocado topping, and fresh crunch, they’re a perfect addition to any taco night rotation.
Print
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a luscious sun-dried tomato and garlic-infused cream sauce. Enhanced with baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, this comforting meal is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Uncover the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the chopped baby spinach and basil to the skillet, stirring until the spinach has wilted and the basil is incorporated.
- Remove from heat. Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that the gnocchi and all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg