Loaded Tempeh Salad
We love a loaded salad for some extra roughage (insoluble fiber), nutrients and the perfect base for ALL of the toppings. The star of the show here is TEMPEH for some plant-based protein! This recipe is also the perfect go-to recipe any time you want to cook tempeh - just switch out the seasonings for variety!
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh is a plant-based protein made from fermented soybeans (kind of like tofu but less processed so it has more texture and you can actually see the soybeans). The beans are bound together into a block shape, which you can cut however you like.
Tempeh is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fat and 9g of fiber per serving! It’s suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets and is an excellent source of protein for those who don’t eat meat (but also for those who do!)
How do you prepare tempeh?
In the packages you buy from the store, the soybeans are usually already cooked and/or pasteurized so it is safe to eat right out of the package. However, I like that CRISPY texture you get from the air fryer. You can also throw it in the oven or sautée in a pan on the stove.
What do I pair it with?
Since tempeh is a fermented soy product, it pairs well with spices and condiments that bring out that umami flavor. I like to add soy sauce or coconut aminos during the cooking process, and then sriracha or hot sauce with spicy brown mustard to top before eating. Hot spices like paprika and smoke seasoning are great additions, as well as garlic/onion powder and of course salt & pepper.
Loaded Tempeh Salad (GF, DF)
~ Makes 2 salads ~
Ingredients:
4 cups Butter lettuce
1 package (8oz) Tempeh
1/4 cup Shredded carrots
1/2 cup Roasted broccoli
1 cup Cooked Jasmine Rice
Condiments
2 Tbsp Coconut aminos
2 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Vegan Caesar dressing
Sriracha
Spicy brown mustard
Spices:
Trader Joe’s South African Smoke seasoning
Paprika
Garlic powder
What to do:
Slice the tempeh horizontally into strips 1/4-1/2 inch thick
Line your air fryer basket with greased aluminum foil to make cleanup easier
Lay strips flat in the air fryer basket and spray with oil. Top with your fave seasonings (I used Paprika, Garlic powder, Trader Joe’s South African Smoke seasoning)
Drizzle 2 Tbsp coconut aminos on top
Cook at 375F for 12-15min, flipping the strips halfway through
Fill 2 bowls each with 2 cups lettuce and toss with the salad dressing
Add to each bowl: 1/8 cup carrots, 1/4 cup broccoli, and 1/2 cup cooked rice. Drizzle sriracha and mustard over top. Place 1/2 the block of Tempeh on top of each and add extra seasonings to taste
Substitutions:
Coconut aminos - Sub with low-sodium soy sauce
Air fryer - If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use the oven or a toaster oven to roast the tempeh
Loaded Tempeh Salad
Ingredients
What to do
- Slice the tempeh horizontally into strips 1/4-1/2 inch thick
- Line your air fryer basket with greased aluminum foil to make cleanup easier
- Lay strips flat in the air fryer basket and spray with oil. Top with your fave seasonings (I used Paprika, Garlic powder, Trader Joe’s South African Smoke seasoning)
- Drizzle 2 Tbsp coconut aminos on top
- Cook at 375F for 12-15min, flipping the strips halfway through
- Fill 2 bowls each with 2 cups lettuce and toss with the salad dressing
- Add to each bowl: 1/8 cup carrots, 1/4 cup broccoli, and 1/2 cup cooked rice. Drizzle sriracha and mustard over top. Place 1/2 the block of Tempeh on top of each and add extra seasonings to taste
Tips:
Substitutions:
Coconut aminos - Sub with low-sodium soy sauce
Air fryer - If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use the oven or a toaster oven to roast the tempeh