Tempeh Taco Salad with Chipotle Dressing

Tempeh Taco Salad with Chipotle Dressing is a soy-free tempeh salad made with fresh, fermented chickpea tempeh instead of soy.

3 to 4 servings · About 20 min · Soy-free

Why fermented chickpea tempeh

Because our tempeh is cultured from chickpeas rather than soybeans, it brings a mild, savory, nutty base that carries bold flavors well and keeps the whole dish soy-free.

Ingredients

• Taco tempeh: 8 oz fresh tempeh, crumbled
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp water
• Salad: 1 large head romaine, chopped
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen-thawed, or roasted)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 1 avocado, cubed
• ½ cup crushed tortilla chips
• Chipotle dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp smoked paprika + ½ tsp chipotle powder + 1 tsp maple syrup + salt, whisk together

Instructions

1. Taco crumble. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add crumbled tempeh, cook 3 min until starting to brown. Reduce heat to medium; add spices and 2 tbsp water. Cook 3 to 4 min until fragrant and evenly seasoned.
2. Whisk dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until emulsified.
3. Build. Romaine base, then beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and taco tempeh. Drizzle dressing over. Add crushed chips at the last moment so they stay crisp.

Chef note: No major common allergens in this recipe as written. Naturally gluten-free (use certified GF tortilla chips), naturally dairy-free, naturally egg-free.

Make it with

This pairs with Tempeh Chorizo Crumbles. Start from a block of OG Raw Chickpea Tempeh (shop it here). Short on time? Reach for our heat-and-serve Crispy Tempeh Tacos.

Allergen swaps

Our tempeh is soy-free and gluten-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments for soy and wheat if those are strict concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tempeh Taco Salad with Chipotle Dressing soy-free?

Yes. Our tempeh is fermented from chickpeas, not soybeans, so this recipe is naturally soy-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments if soy is a strict concern.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The tempeh is gluten-free and this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check any store-bought sauces or condiments you add.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Components keep well in the fridge for a day or two. For the best texture, sear or crisp the tempeh fresh before serving.

More from the tempeh kitchen

• Tempeh Bolognese Crumble
• Crumbled Tempeh Tacos