Crispy Chickpea & Mealworm Tacos with Vegan Avocado Caesar

Jun 23rd 2026

Tenebrio Tacos

Taco Filling

• 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried mealworms, lightly crushed

Tacos

• 8 corn tortillas
• Olive oil for brushing
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• Optional: pickled red onions, cilantro, sliced jalapeños
• Your choice of cheese

Vegan Avocado Caesar

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp capers (plus 1 tsp
caper brine if available) • 1/2 avocado
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1/4–1/3 cup water for desired consistency
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpea-Mealworm Filling

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Mix together:
• Chickpeas
• Onion
• Olive oil
• All spices

Mash with a fork until chunky for texture.
Fold in the crushed freeze-dried mealworms. The mealworms absorb some moisture and add a toasted, savory flavor similar to roasted nuts.

2. Assemble the Tacos

Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and a thin layer of the avocado Caesar.

Fill each tortilla with:
• Chickpea-mealworm mixture
• Red cabbage
• Your choice of cheese

Fold over and press gently.

3. Bake

Bake at 425 F:

• Wait 5 minutes
• Flip
• Wait 10 minutes
• Flip again
• Wait 5 more minutes

The tortillas should be deeply golden and crispy.

4. Make the Avocado Caesar

Toast sunflower and sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Blend:

• Toasted seeds
• Dijon
• Soy sauce
• Capers
• Avocado
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Water

Blend until completely smooth.
Add more water if needed to reach a thick dressing consistency.
The result is rich, creamy, salty, and slightly tangy—very much in the spirit of a vegan Caesar dressing.

5. Finish

Top tacos with:

• Extra mealworms for crunch
• Cilantro
• Pickled onions
• Jalapeños

Drizzle generously with avocado Caesar.

Entomologist Tips

For even better texture, reserve 1/4 cup of mealworms and toss them with:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• Pinch smoked paprika
• Pinch salt

Toast in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes and sprinkle over the finished tacos like bacon bits.