This Vegan Cobb Salad is a delicious and hearty alternative to the traditional version, packed with plant-based ingredients. Below is a comprehensive recipe that includes all the necessary components for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• ½ head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 4 strips of tempeh bacon (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 oz. eggy tofu (see preparation below)
• ½ cup cooked chickpeas, seasoned (see preparation below)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ avocado, cubed
• ¼ small cucumber, sliced
• Pinch of salt
• Vegan ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

For the Eggy Tofu:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 4 oz. firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast
• Pinch of black salt

For the Seasoned Chickpeas:

• ½ cup cooked chickpeas
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggy Tofu:

• Heat a griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
• Add the cubed tofu and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often until a light crust forms.
• Stir in the nutritional yeast and black salt, then remove from heat and set aside.

1. Season the Chickpeas:

• In the same pan, add the cooked chickpeas.
• Sprinkle with poultry seasoning and salt; stir to combine and cook until heated through. Remove from heat.

1. Cook the Tempeh Bacon:

• Slice the tempeh bacon into ½-inch strips.
• Heat according to package instructions until crispy.

1. Assemble the Salad:

• On two plates, spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly.
• Arrange the eggy tofu, seasoned chickpeas, tempeh bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cucumber in rows on top of the lettuce.
• Drizzle with vegan ranch dressing before serving.

Tips

• Dressing Options: Feel free to use any vegan dressing you prefer; a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix also works well.
• Additions: You can include other veggies like radishes or corn for extra flavor and texture.

This Vegan Cobb Salad is not only visually appealing but also rich in protein and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner[1][2][4][5]. Enjoy!

Vegan Alternatives to Traditional Cobb Salad Ingredients

• Bacon: Replace traditional bacon with tempeh bacon. It provides a smoky flavor and protein. You can make it at home using simple marinades or purchase pre-made versions from brands like Lightlife or Tofurky.
• Eggs: Use tofu or chickpea flour scramble as a substitute for hard-boiled eggs. For a more egg-like taste, opt for black salt (kala namak) in your tofu preparation.
• Cheese: Instead of cheese, consider using nut-based cheeses or avocado for creaminess. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Chicken: Substitute with grilled or roasted chickpeas, seitan, or marinated tempeh for added protein and texture.
• Dressing: Use a vegan ranch dressing made from cashews, silken tofu, or store-bought options that are dairy-free.

Homemade Tempeh Bacon Recipe

To make your own tempeh bacon, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients

• 8 oz. tempeh
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Slice tempeh into thin strips (about ¼ inch).
2. In a skillet, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Add the tempeh strips to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for about 5 minutes.
5. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook tempeh for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy[1][2][4].

Best Store-Bought Vegan Ranch Dressings

Some popular store-bought vegan ranch dressings include:

• Follow Your Heart Vegan Ranch
• Daiya Dairy-Free Ranch
• Annie’s Organic Vegan Ranch
  These brands offer creamy textures and rich flavors without dairy.

Alternative Tofu Options for Eggy Tofu

You can use different types of tofu for eggy tofu:

• Silken Tofu: For a softer texture; blend it with spices to create a creamy scramble.
• Firm Tofu: Provides a good texture and can be crumbled or cubed for salads.
  Both options work well, but firm tofu is preferred for a more substantial bite.

Making Crispy Chickpeas at Home

To make crispy chickpeas, follow these steps:

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (or 1.5 cups cooked)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and spices (e.g., paprika, garlic powder)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas; pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the pan halfway through for even cooking[3].