Name: Vegan Wedge Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 head of iceberg lettuce; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered; ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; Fresh chopped chives (optional); ½ cup raw cashews; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup lemon juice; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 tbsp miso paste; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 package of halal protein (such as halal chicken, halal beef, or halal plant-based protein); 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional); 1 tsp olive oil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crisp and Refreshing: Iceberg lettuce provides the perfect crunch and texture.
Packed with Flavor: The smoky flavor from the tempeh and creamy vegan blue cheese dressing add layers of depth.
Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this salad comes together quickly.
100% Vegan and Dairy-Free: Enjoy all the classic flavors without any animal products.
Protein-Packed: The tempeh adds a hearty dose of plant-based protein. Each serving of this salad has about 20 grams of healthy plant protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

1 head of iceberg lettuce
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Fresh chopped chives (optional)

For the Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing:

½ cup raw cashews
¼ cup water
¼ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon miso paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tempeh Protein:

1 package tempeh
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Prepare the Tempeh Protein:
- Slice the tempeh into thin strips or cubes.
- In a bowl, mix tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke (if using), and olive oil.
- Marinate the tempeh strips or cubes in the mixture for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the marinated tempeh in a skillet over medium heat until crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing:
- In a high-speed blender, combine cashews, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, miso paste, and garlic powder.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Cut the iceberg lettuce into four equal wedges.
- Place each wedge on a plate.
- Drizzle generously with the vegan blue cheese dressing.
- Top with quartered cherry tomatoes, the cooked tempeh, and toasted chopped pecans.
- Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, protein-packed salad!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes.
Total Time: 25 minutes.

Variations

Add Protein: Incorporate air fryer tofu nuggets or roasted chickpeas for added protein.
Adjust Spice Level: Add a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
Customize the Dressing: For a stronger tang, add a little extra apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can be stored for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat the tempeh in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through before assembling the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and tempeh in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the salad right before serving for the best texture.

2. What can I use instead of tempeh?

You can use other plant-based protein like tofu or roasted mushrooms for a different texture.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your tempeh is gluten-free, this salad is naturally free from gluten.

4. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While iceberg lettuce provides the traditional crunch, you can substitute with romaine or butter lettuce for a different texture.

5. How can I make the dressing spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.

6. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, store-bought vegan blue cheese dressing can be used as a substitute for homemade, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

7. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more pickled jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

8. Can I add more protein to the salad?

Yes, you can add protein-rich ingredients such as grilled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked quinoa to the salad.

9. Can I substitute the almonds in the dressing?

Yes, you can use other nuts like cashews or walnuts, or even seeds like sunflower seeds if preferred.

10. How do I get my tempeh crispy without oil?

Using a high heat in the skillet will help achieve a crispy texture without oil. You can also bake or air fry the tempeh if preferred.

Conclusion

This Vegan Wedge Salad is a flavorful, satisfying, and healthy twist on the classic version. With crispy lettuce, smoky tempeh, and creamy vegan blue cheese dressing, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a side, it’s sure to impress. Easy to prepare and full of plant-based goodness, this salad is a great option for both casual meals and special gatherings. Enjoy!