Dinner

Raw Walnut Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

Introduction

These raw walnut tacos offer a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Packed with a savory walnut filling and crisp veggies wrapped in cool lettuce leaves, they make a quick and healthy meal perfect for any time of day.

Five green romaine lettuce leaves arranged side by side on a white plate with a red rim and white dots, each leaf filled with a mixture of dark brown quinoa, bright green avocado slices, red tomato pieces, yellow bell pepper chunks, light green scallion slices, and vibrant green cilantro leaves. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a red cloth with white polka dots to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup walnuts (unsalted)
2 Tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated dried tomatoes)
2 teaspoons tamari
¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch salt
4 to 6 romaine leaves (or collard, cabbage, or iceberg lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry)
1 tomato (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (or orange or yellow bell pepper, diced)
¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
2 green onions (sliced)
Optional: Jalapeno slices, sliced olives, guacamole, or avocado

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine the walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, tamari, ancho chili powder, paprika, onion powder, coriander, cumin, and salt. Pulse until the mixture crumbles into small, sticky pieces. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides, being careful not to blend into a paste.
Step 2: Spoon a portion of the walnut taco filling into each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped tomato and diced bell pepper. Garnish with cilantro and sliced green onions. Add optional toppings like jalapeno slices, olives, guacamole, or avocado if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use collard or cabbage leaves for a sturdier wrap if romaine is too delicate.
Adjust spices to taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat.
Make the walnut filling ahead of time and refrigerate to enhance flavors.
For a nut-free alternative, try using finely chopped mushrooms instead of walnuts.

Storage

Store any leftover walnut taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lettuce leaves are best prepared fresh to avoid wilting. Reheat the filling slightly if desired, but it’s excellent served chilled or at room temperature.