Crispy tofu bacon, ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh and crunchy romaine, slathered in a healthy plant-based ranch dressing - this Vegan BLT Salad is the perfect summer meal!
1tablespoonapple cider vinegar or other mild vinegar
3tablespoonstahini paste
1teaspoonsalt
1 1/2teaspoonsonion powder
1 1/2teaspoonsgarlic powder
1 1/2tablespoonsdried parsley flakes (or 1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley)
1 1/2tablespoonsdried chives (or 1/8 cup chopped fresh chives)
Salad
2large tomatoes, chopped
1head of romaine lettuce, torn or chopped into bite-size pieces
Optional additions
Croutons
Avocado
Instructions
Make the Tofu Bacon
Slice the tofu as thinly as possible using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or vegetable peeler.
Mix marinade ingredients together in a tall resealable container.
Add sliced tofu to the marinade and set aside for 4 hours or overnight. (see note for a quick marinade option)
Strain tofu slices out of the marinade (reserve marinade for another use if desired).
Cook tofu bacon slices in a skillet or griddle over medium heat until browned and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 400 degrees F, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy.
Make the Ranch Dressing
Puree all ingredients except herbs in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
Add in the herbs and pulse a few times to break down the herbs and mix in. Pureeing the herbs will turn the dressing a pale green color, so be careful not to pulse too much if you want the dressing to look like “traditional” ranch.
The mixture will seem thin, but will thicken upon refrigeration.
Assemble the Salad
Top romaine with tomatoes, tofu bacon pieces, and any optional toppings you like, such as croutons made from toasted bread, or sliced avocado.
Generously drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and dig in!
Video
Notes
Quick Marinade Option: Microwave tofu slices in marinade for 10 minutes on medium power, or simmer tofu and marinade in a saucepan for 10-15 minutes before straining and cooking the slices.
If not making the savory cashew cream, add these ingredients to the blender to approximate the flavor:
1 1/4 cup raw cashews or pepitas*, soaked for at least 1 hour if not using a high speed blender**
1/2 tsp. light miso
2 tsp. nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar or other mild unsweetened vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
*Quick-soak option: Boil cashews for 15 minutes in a small saucepan, the drain and proceed with recipe