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Home » Kale Caesar Salad with Smoky Tempeh & Toasted Quinoa

May 31, 2024 by Vina · This post may contain affiliate links

Kale Caesar Salad with Smoky Tempeh & Toasted Quinoa

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Fresh and delicious kale caesar salad made with crunchy kale, garlicky toasted quinoa, smoky tempeh bacon, vegan parmesan, and a creamy tahini caesar dressing. This simple kale caesar salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal or side dish.

Fresh and delicious kale caesar salad made with crunchy kale, garlicky toasted quinoa, smoky tempeh bacon, vegan parmesan, and a creamy tahini caesar dressing. This simple kale caesar salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal or side dish.

Ingredients to Make a Kale Caesar with Smoky Tempeh:

Kale Salad:

  • Kale: I like to use Lancinato kale. Don’t forget to massage the kale to remove some of the bitterness.
  • Tempeh Bacon: I like to use the Lightlife Smoky Tempeh bacon for ease.
  • Vegan Parmesan: parmesan is a must for any caesar salad.

Garlicky Toasted Quinoa:

  • Cooked Quinoa
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt

Tahini Caesar Dressing:

  • Tahini: A high-quality, smooth tahini works best.
  • Plain Vegan Yogurt: this will add an extra creaminess to the dressing.
  • Garlic
  • Capers: to add savory flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: for that tangy taste.
  • Lemon Juice: to brighten the flavors.
  • Nutritional Yeast: for a cheesy flavor.
  • Warm Water: to help thin out the dressing.
  • Salt & Pepper
Fresh and delicious kale caesar salad made with crunchy kale, garlicky toasted quinoa, smoky tempeh bacon, vegan parmesan, and a creamy tahini caesar dressing. This simple kale caesar salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal or side dish.

How to Make a Kale Caesar Salad:

Toasted Quinoa:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 ℉.
  2. Add the cooked quinoa to a parchment-lined baking tray.
  3. Top with the olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Toss until the quinoa is coated.
  4. Bake for 10-15 or until the quinoa is golden brown and crispy.

Vegan Tahini Caesar Dressing:

  1. To a small mixing bowl, add the tahini, yogurt, grated garlic, minced capers, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. 
  2. Add the warm water in 1 tablespoon increments while stirring until you reach your desired dressing consistency. 
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Kale Caesar Salad:

  1. Cook the tempeh bacon according to the package instructions.
  2. Remove the tempeh from the heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Divide the kale, smoky tempeh, vegan parmesan, and toasted quinoa into bowls.
  4. Drizzle with the tahini caesar dressing and enjoy.

More Vegan Recipes You'll Love:

  • Easy Curry Chickpea Salad Sandwiches (Vegan)
  • Incredibly Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese
  • The Best Roasted Vegetable Sandwiches | Easy and Vegan
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Fresh and delicious kale caesar salad made with crunchy kale, garlicky toasted quinoa, smoky tempeh bacon, vegan parmesan, and a creamy tahini caesar dressing. This simple kale caesar salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal or side dish.

Kale Caesar with Smoky Tempeh & Toasted Quinoa


  • Author: Vina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
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Description

Fresh and delicious kale caesar salad made with crunchy kale, garlicky toasted quinoa, smoky tempeh bacon, vegan parmesan, and a creamy tahini caesar dressing. This simple kale caesar salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal or side dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegan Tahini Caesar Dressing

  • 3 tbsp Smooth Tahini
  • 1 tbsp Plain Vegan Yogurt
  • 1 Clove Garlic (grated)
  • 1 tsp Capers (minced)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Nutrtional Yeast
  • ¼ cup Warm Water
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Toasted Garlicky Quinoa

  • 1 cup Cooked Quinoa
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • ⅛ tsp Salt

Kale Salad

  • 4 cup Kale (chopped and massaged)
  • 8 Slices of Cooked Smoky Tempeh (I use the Lightlife brand)
  • ¼ cup Vegan Parmesan


Instructions

Garlicky Toasted Quinoa

  1. Preheat the oven to 400℉.
  2. Add the cooked quinoa to a lined baking tray.
  3. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Toss until the quinoa is fully coated.
  4. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the quinoa is crispy and golden.

Vegan Tahini Caesar Dressing

  1. Add the tahini, yogurt, grated garlic, minced capers, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast to a small mixing bowl.
  2. Add the warm water in 1 tablespoon increments while stirring to get your desired consistency. This will loosen the tahini mixture.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Kale Caesar Salad

  1. Cook the smoky tempeh according to the package instructions, remove them from the heat, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Divide the kale, smoky tempeh, vegan parmesan, and toasted quinoa into bowls.
  3. Drizzle with the tahini caesar dressing & enjoy.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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