Okay, folks, let's talk about salads—but not those sad, limp ones that make you question your life choices. Nope, we're diving headfirst into a flavor fiesta with a Vegan BLT Salad that's so good, it’ll have even the most dedicated bacon enthusiast doing a double-take.
From Renovation Chaos to Culinary Calm
First off, let's be real. Life can be a bit of a chaotic kitchen sometimes. You know how it goes—one minute you're dreaming of a Pinterest-perfect home, the next you’re knee-deep in wallpaper and the scent of toxic paste. Been there, done that, got the headache to prove it. But amidst the madness of moving and DIY, a little culinary magic is exactly what's needed. And guess what? This BLT salad is that magic.
Introducing the Star: Tempeh Bacon
Forget everything you thought you knew about bacon because, my friends, we're going vegan, and we're doing it right. This tempeh bacon is not just a substitute; it's a flavor powerhouse. We're talking smoky, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Marinated to perfection and then baked to a crispy bite, it's a game-changer for any salad.
The Salad That Satisfies
But let's not forget the rest of the ensemble. Picture this: creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and the slight sweetness of the roasted new potatoes. Each ingredient is like a character in a feel-good movie, they all play their role perfectly! And because we're all about balance, we're going to whisk together a dressing so delicious it'll make you want to drizzle it on everything.
Why This Recipe Rocks
- Quick and Easy: Minimal hands-on time means you can focus on more important things, like deciding what colour to paint your bedroom wall (or maybe just taking a well deserved break.)
- Packed with Goodness: This salad isn't just delicious; it's also loaded with nutrients to keep you energized.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a fun and flexible dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad fits the bill.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 ½ tsp maple syrup or sugar
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 tbsp capers, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tempeh Bacon:
- 2 tbsp tamari (if GF) or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp smoky sweet paprika (or a few drops of liquid smoke)
- 200 g / 7 oz tempeh (or firm cotton tofu, pressed)
Remaining Ingredients:
- 500 g / 17.5 oz new potatoes (like Charlotte variety)
- Olive oil
- 2 heads of gem lettuce, roughly shredded
- 50 g / 1.75 oz baby spinach
- 250 g / 8.5 oz sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or chopped
Method:
- Dressing Prep: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, shallot, and capers. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Tempeh Marination: Mix tamari, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and paprika (or liquid smoke) in a bowl. Slice the tempeh and marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Roast and Crisp: Bake the marinated tempeh at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes each side, with a little brush of olive oil. Then, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Potato Power: Toss the potatoes with olive oil and salt. Roast alongside the tempeh for 20-30 minutes until tender.
- Assemble: Combine lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and avocado in a bowl. Add the cooled potatoes, tempeh bacon, and drizzle with the zesty dressing.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! A salad that's not only a joy to eat but also a breeze to whip up. This Vegan BLT Salad is proof that healthy can be incredibly satisfying and fun. It's the perfect pick-me-up during a chaotic week, and it's an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a little spark to their mealtime.
So go on, grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking (or assembling, in this case). Your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy the goodness!
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