# Piquante Squash Tostadas These Meatless Tacos Opt for Hearty Black Beans and Butternut Squash By M | Published 2015-09-20 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meatless-tacos References: [naturallyella](http://naturallyella.com/chipotle-butternut-squash-black-beans-and-goat-cheese-tostadas/) & [naturallyella](http://naturallyella.com/) Vegetarians and vegans looking for meatless tacos need to look no further than this recipe by food blogger Naturally Ella that uses a mix of black beans and roasted butternut squash as filling. These delicious tacos are equally as filling and piquant as the meat alternative and are a great source of protein. While meatless tacos might sound like they skip out on protein, these tostadas incorporate [black beans as a vegetarian alternative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegchop). The recipe calls for butternut squash cooked with red onion, salt, olive oil and chipotle peppers for added flavor and spice. The beans combine sweet and salty flavors with a sauce made from honey, lime, cumin and fresh cilantro. The tacos can be topped however you please with goat cheese and more cilantro stacked on top of [soft corn tortillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oat-milk-taco-blend-seasoned-shreds). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Meatless Tacos:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop plant-based protein alternatives for traditional meat tacos. - **Black Beans:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative dishes and products featuring black beans as a source of protein. - **Butternut Squash:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Discover new ways to incorporate butternut squash into vegetarian and vegan recipes. ### Where This Applies - **Food Bloggers:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore and develop unique recipes and meal ideas for the growing vegetarian and vegan market. - **Plant-based Food Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative plant-based protein alternatives to cater to the demand for meatless options. - **Mexican Cuisine Market:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new and creative vegetarian and vegan Mexican dishes to diversify the traditional meat-heavy offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid Griddled Taco Recipes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quesotacos.md) - [Fava Bean-Filled Taco Ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fava-taco-style-crumbles.md) - [Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Taco Fillings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-birria.md) - [Crispy Poblano Pepper Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-potato-poblano-pepper-tacos.md) - [Meat-Free Mexican Cuisine Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barvecue-carnitas.md) - [Meat-Free Butternut Snacking Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauldron-butternut-red-chilli-bites.md) - [Vegetarian-Friendly Crispy Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dorado-tacos.md) - [Plant-Based Beef Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mofaux-taco.md) - [Plant-Based Taco-Friendly Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-nacho-nuggs.md)