If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little unexpected, then you’re going to fall in love with my Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe. This dish has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s not just tasty—it’s a fun way to enjoy plant-based tacos that feel hearty without being heavy. Plus, the green apple salsa adds a zingy crunch you didn’t know you needed in your taco life. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything so you nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Plant-Based: Jackfruit creates a meaty texture that’s perfect for a vegetarian taco that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Bright & Fresh Flavors: The green apple salsa brings a crisp, tangy freshness that perfectly balances the spiced jackfruit.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special without fuss.
- Customizable & Kid-Friendly: You can easily swap ingredients or spice levels—and my family goes crazy for this, even my picky eaters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe are simple but thoughtfully paired to give you layers of texture and flavor. When shopping for jackfruit, look for young green jackfruit in brine or water—not syrup—to keep the dish savory. Fresh green apple and crisp cucumber add a light crunch to the salsa that really wakes up the palate.
- Jackfruit: Use canned young green jackfruit; it shreds easily and soaks up seasoning like a dream.
- Olive oil: Divided use helps with caramelizing jackfruit without burning it.
- Reduced-sodium taco seasoning: Balances spice without overwhelming saltiness.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salsa, offsetting the tart apple.
- Baby cucumber: For a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Green apple: Chopped small to bring that sweet-tart zing.
- Green pepper: Provides subtle earthiness and extra crunch.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion kick.
- Jalapeño pepper: Adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for brightness.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped—don’t skip this, it’s the salsa’s star herb.
- Sea salt: Just enough to tie flavors together.
- Sour cream: For a smooth, cool sauce that balances the spices.
- 2% milk: Thins the sour cream for drizzling.
- Flour tortillas: Warmed up for soft taco shells that hold everything perfectly.
Variations
I love how versatile the Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe is. You can make it your own with simple tweaks—trust me, I’ve played around plenty and still come back to the base because it works so well.
- Spice it up: When I want more heat, I add extra jalapeño or a dash of smoked paprika for smoky warmth.
- Vegan version: Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or a cashew cream sauce; it’s just as creamy and refreshing.
- Different fruit salsa: Sometimes I swap the apple for pineapple or mango for a sweeter tropical vibe.
- Grain bowl twist: Instead of tortillas, load the jackfruit and salsa over rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl meal.
How to Make Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Jackfruit Until Caramelized
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed, drained, and chopped jackfruit—this part is key because lots of liquid in the can means you’ll want to dry it off well with paper towels beforehand. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit starts to caramelize and turns golden brown around the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. This caramelization adds amazing depth of flavor, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Season the Jackfruit
Sprinkle in your envelope of reduced-sodium taco seasoning and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir everything well so the jackfruit pieces are fully coated in the seasoning—this ensures every bite is packed with that bold taco flavor. Remove the skillet from heat but keep the jackfruit warm while you prepare the salsa.
Step 3: Mix Up the Green Apple Salsa
In a small bowl, combine diced avocado, chopped baby cucumber, chopped green apple, green pepper, thinly sliced green onions, minced jalapeño, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and sea salt. Stir gently so the avocado stays creamy and everything blends together beautifully. This salsa is the refreshing counterpoint that brings the tacos to life.
Step 4: Whisk the Sour Cream Sauce
In another small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup sour cream with 2 tablespoons of 2% milk until smooth and slightly pourable. This sauce helps mellow the spice and adds a luscious finish.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Warm your flour tortillas to make them pliable—my favorite trick is wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds. Fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the seasoned jackfruit, top with the vibrant green apple salsa, and drizzle over the sour cream sauce. If you want, squeeze a little extra lime juice on top for that pop of brightness. Serve immediately and watch your friends or family devour them!
Pro Tips for Making Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe
- Dry Your Jackfruit Well: Before cooking, pat the jackfruit with paper towels to remove excess liquid—this helps it caramelize instead of steam.
- Low and Slow for Caramelization: Don’t rush the cooking; medium-high heat and patience will give you that golden crust with great flavor.
- Salsa Prep Ahead: Make the green apple salsa up to 1 hour in advance and keep chilled to let flavors meld and save time on dinner prep.
- Warm Your Tortillas Properly: Wrapping them in a damp towel before warming prevents drying and cracking—soft tortillas make all the difference.
How to Serve Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish these tacos with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime—those little touches brighten the whole plate. If I’m feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are simple and complement the tacos nicely. Mexican street corn salad, a light black bean salad, or some crispy tortilla chips with guac all pair beautifully. For something lighter, a refreshing cabbage slaw rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe on a colorful platter layered with banana leaves or parchment paper for a festive vibe. You can also set up a taco bar with all the toppings so everyone gets to customize their own—always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover jackfruit in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens, but keep your salsa separate because the avocado and apple can brown quickly.
Freezing
Freezing seasoned jackfruit works surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, let it defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Reheating
I reheat jackfruit on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to keep it moist and prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if you can to preserve that caramelized bite. Warm your tortillas fresh, then assemble just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?
Great question! Fresh jackfruit can be used if you can find unripe green jackfruit, but it requires peeling and cooking from scratch, which is more time-consuming. Canned jackfruit in brine is the easiest and most convenient for this recipe, and it’s already tender and ready to season.
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Is jackfruit suitable for people with allergies?
Jackfruit is generally safe for most people, but if you’re allergic to birch pollen or latex, you might want to exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity. Always try a small bite first if you have food allergy concerns.
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How spicy is the jalapeño in the green apple salsa?
The jalapeño adds a mild to moderate heat depending on your tolerance. You can reduce the spice level by removing the seeds and ribs inside the pepper, or omit it altogether if you prefer no heat.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the flour tortillas for your favorite corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps, and make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free too.
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What’s the best way to chop the green apple for the salsa?
I recommend chopping the apple into small, uniform pieces to get little pops of flavor in every bite without overwhelming the salsa. Also, tossing it in lime juice right away helps keep it from browning.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe hits that perfect balance of flavors and textures every time I make it. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly you’ll want to make it a regular in your rotation. Give it a shot—you’ll enjoy the bright zing of the salsa paired with savory, spiced jackfruit in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Seriously, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Print
Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jackfruit Tacos with Green Apple Salsa offer a delicious and fresh plant-based taco option that combines caramelized jackfruit seasoned with taco spices and a zesty, crisp green apple salsa. Topped with a smooth sour cream sauce and served in warm flour tortillas, these tacos balance sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors for a satisfying and vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Jackfruit Tacos
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 can (20 ounces) jackfruit, rinsed, drained and chopped
- 1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
Green Apple Salsa
- 1/2 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped baby cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped green apple
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Sour Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Additional
- 6 flour tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Instructions
- Cook the Jackfruit: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped jackfruit and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and slightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step adds texture and depth of flavor to the jackfruit.
- Season the Jackfruit: Stir in the reduced-sodium taco seasoning and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to ensure the jackfruit is evenly coated with the seasoning and oil. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Prepare the Green Apple Salsa: In a small bowl, combine the cubed avocado, chopped baby cucumber, chopped green apple, chopped green pepper, thinly sliced green onions, minced jalapeno pepper, lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, and sea salt. Gently toss to blend all flavors together. The salsa should be fresh and crisp, complementing the warm spiced jackfruit.
- Make the Sour Cream Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and 2% milk until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds a cool and tangy contrast to the spicy tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the flour tortillas if needed. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the seasoned jackfruit, then top generously with the green apple salsa and a drizzle of sour cream sauce. Optionally, serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan sour cream and almond milk.
- If jackfruit is canned in brine or syrup, rinse thoroughly to reduce excess salt or sweetness before cooking.
- The green apple salsa can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Feel free to use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option, if the tortillas are certified gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno in the salsa according to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3 tacos)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
