Mediterranean Diet Vegan Chorizo

Discover the bold and smoky flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Vegan Chorizo, a plant-based twist on the classic Spanish sausage. Made with a wholesome blend of walnuts, protein-packed quinoa, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe bursts with umami-rich spices like sweet smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of optional cayenne for a customizable kick. Quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this versatile vegan chorizo adds a hearty, savory flair to tacos, grain bowls, salads, and more. Naturally gluten-free and crafted with Mediterranean diet-friendly ingredients, it’s a healthy, flavorful alternative that will elevate any meal. Perfect for meal prep, it stores beautifully, making it your go-to for vibrant, plant-powered dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Place the walnuts in a food processor and pulse until they are broken down into a coarse crumble. Be careful not to over-blend; you want texture.

Step 2

Add the cooked quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), tamari, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and water to the food processor.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture several times until it forms a cohesive, crumbly texture resembling traditional chorizo. Avoid over-processing, as the mixture should not turn into a paste.

Step 4

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the vegan chorizo mixture to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly browned.

Step 5

Serve immediately in tacos, grain bowls, pasta, or as a topping for salads. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	510.4 grams (510.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1492

Total Fat 113.90g	146%
Saturated Fat 12.10g	61%
Polyunsaturated Fat 58.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1861mg	81%
Total Carbohydrate 92.60g	34%
Dietary Fiber 25.70g	92%
Total Sugars 22.30g
Protein 38.90g	78%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 288mg	22%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 2782mg	59%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.1%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 23.9%