This vegan bacon-flavored spinach salad quickly comes together in just 15 minutes and is a real crowd-pleaser. It's so easy, with simple, delicious ingredients like crispy bacon-flavored tempeh, and an aged balsamic vinegar.___________________________Plant Diversity: Striving for 30 different plants per weekThe number of plants in this recipe: At least 3 plants
Prep Time6 minutesmins
Cook Time9 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 15 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, bacon, easy, quick, salad, spinach, tempeh
Servings: 4
Calories: 200.1kcal
Equipment
stovetop or air fryer
Ingredients
6cupsspinach
⅓cupthinly sliced red onionthen cut in half for rainbow shapes
1packagebacon-flavored tempeh stripschopped
3tablespoonsaged balsamic vinegar
2tablespoonsnutritional yeast
¼teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
Salt & pepper to taste
Topping Ideas
2ouncesvegan cheese, like Miyoko's Artisan cheeseHerbes de Provence is delicious with this salad
Stovetop option: Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot, then add the chopped tempeh bacon, filling the pan in one layer. After 3 minutes, check them and if browned, flip them over to cook the other side for another 3 minutes. Once browned, set aside to cool.Air fryer option: Place the chopped tempeh bacon onto an air fryer tray in one layer and air fry them for 5 minutes at 400 degrees, or until they are lightly browned.
Place the spinach in a large bowl, then add the sliced onion. Pour the balsamic over the top, then toss to coat.
Spread the bits evenly over the salad, then sprinkle the nutritional yeast and crushed reds evenly over the top. Add salt & pepper to taste, then serve.
Notes
These options are also great as bacon substitutes for this salad: Quinoa Bacon Bits, 4-Ingredient Coconut Bakin and Oil-Free Shiitake BaconThe recipe serves four as a side dish, though this salad provides a wonderful meal all by itself. To serve four as a main dish, simply double the recipe.