Nachos for dinner? Why not?! Although I’m not vegan, I made these nachos 100% plant-based because it was actually easier to do! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or grass-fed ground beef for the Walnut Taco Meat and sour cream for the coconut or cashew yogurt.

You may be tempted to use regular cheese, but consider challenging your taste buds with the Cashew “Cheese” Sauce recipe below. It's full of real-food ingredients, minus the unwelcome bloating. 

You can enjoy these nachos alone, or paired with a leafy green salad.

Earthfood-Loaded Nachos

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS

• 3 big handfuls of tortilla chips (I like Flamous Falafel Chips or Xochitl Chips)
• 3/4-1 cup prepared Cashew "Cheese" Sauce (recipe below)
• 3/4 cup prepared Walnut Taco "Meat" (recipe below)
• 1/2 large ripe avocado, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1/2  cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup canned black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives, drained
• salsa to taste
• 1-2 dollops plain coconut or cashew yogurt

DIRECTIONS

On a platter or large plate, layer all ingredients in order listed above. Dig in!

Walnut Taco  "Meat" 

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups raw walnuts 
• 1 tbsp. cumin 
• 1 tbsp. coriander 
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 
• 1 tbsp. Bragg liquid aminos or coconut aminos
• ¼ tsp. smoked paprika 
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder 
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse several times until crumbly. Be careful not to over-blend or you'll get a big pile of mush. 

Cashew "Cheese" Sauce

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Passive time: 2 hours
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cups raw cashews, soaked in warm water for 2 hours or overnight
• ½ cup water (to start)
• 3 tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. raw apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ¼ tsp. sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Drain cashews and add all ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor. 
2. Blend until smooth. The mixture will be very thick. Add a little water if it’s too thick to process. 
3. Transfer to Mason jar or glass container and refrigerate.