Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free snack with these healthy loaded vegan nachos. Perfect for a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a game-day treat, these nachos are packed with fresh and nutritious ingredients that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your diet.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few specific ingredients. Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative that melts well, and jalapeños add a spicy kick. Cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note, while avocado adds creaminess. Make sure to get fresh or frozen corn kernels and cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Healthy Loaded Vegan Nachos
Tortilla chips: The base of the nachos, preferably baked for a healthier option.
Black beans: Provide protein and a hearty texture.
Corn kernels: Add sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Cherry tomatoes: Bring a burst of juicy flavor.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Red onion: Offers a sharp, tangy bite.
Vegan cheese: A dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Jalapeños: Provide a spicy kick.
Lime wedges: For a zesty finish when serving.
Technique Tip for Perfect Nachos
To ensure the vegan cheese melts evenly and achieves a bubbly texture, consider grating it yourself if it comes in a block form. Pre-shredded vegan cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the tortilla chips in the oven for 3-5 minutes before adding the toppings. This will enhance their crispiness and provide a sturdier base for the loaded nachos.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
baked tortilla chips - Substitute with baked pita chips: Baked pita chips offer a similar crunch and can be a healthier option with fewer additives.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar texture and nutritional profile, making them a great alternative.
corn kernels - Substitute with diced bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet crunch and are packed with vitamins.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced red bell peppers: Diced red bell peppers provide a similar color and sweetness without the juiciness of tomatoes.
avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole offers the same creamy texture and rich flavor as diced avocado.
red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a milder flavor and can add a fresh, crisp element to the nachos.
vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is rich in B vitamins, making it a healthy alternative.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and is a good alternative for those who dislike cilantro.
jalapeños - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers offer a milder heat and a tangy flavor, making them a good substitute.
lime wedges - Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges provide a similar acidic brightness and can be used interchangeably with lime.
Other Alternative Recipes to Try
How To Store / Freeze Your Nachos
Allow the nachos to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tortilla chips soggy.
Transfer the cooled nachos to an airtight container. If possible, use a container with a tight seal to maintain freshness.
For best results, store the nachos in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days, but the texture of the tortilla chips may soften over time.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and the tortilla chips are crispy again.
If you prefer to use a microwave, place the nachos on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness of the tortilla chips.
For freezing, it's best to freeze the tortilla chips separately from the toppings. Spread the tortilla chips on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Store the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and vegan cheese in separate freezer-safe containers or bags. Label each container with the date.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the toppings in the refrigerator overnight. Reassemble the nachos by spreading the thawed tortilla chips on a baking sheet and adding the toppings. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños after reheating, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover nachos evenly on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tortilla chips from becoming too crispy. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the nachos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a crispier option, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the nachos and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the crunchiness of the tortilla chips.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the nachos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will keep the tortilla chips crispy.
To add a fresh touch, consider reheating the nachos using any of the above methods, then topping them with freshly chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This will revive the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
Essential Tools for Vegan Nachos
Oven: Used to bake the nachos and melt the vegan cheese until it's bubbly and delicious.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the tortilla chips evenly and hold all the toppings while baking.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, vegan cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Knife: Essential for dicing the avocado, chopping the red onion, halving the cherry tomatoes, and slicing the jalapeños.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables and other ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like black beans and corn before adding them to the nachos.
Tongs: Helps in evenly spreading and arranging the tortilla chips and toppings on the baking sheet.
Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the nachos once they are baked and garnished, making them easy to serve.
Lime squeezer: Handy for squeezing lime wedges over the nachos for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Vegan Nachos
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop avocado, red onion, and cilantro in advance and store them in airtight containers.
Use canned beans and corn: Opt for canned black beans and frozen corn to save time on cooking and prepping.
Pre-shredded vegan cheese: Buy pre-shredded vegan cheese to avoid the hassle of shredding it yourself.
Assemble on parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Quick bake: Preheat the oven while you assemble the nachos to minimize waiting time.
Healthy Loaded Vegan Nachos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag Tortilla chips preferably baked
- 1 cup Black beans cooked or canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Avocado diced
- 1 cup Red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup Vegan cheese shredded
- 1 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Jalapeños sliced
- 1 cup Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet.
- Top the chips with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and vegan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with cilantro and jalapeños.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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