Recipe by Krissi Vandenberg
A Fresh, Protein Packed Salad That Turns Tempeh Into a Weeknight Staple You Will Crave
This easy tempeh salad proves that salads can be hearty, satisfying, and exciting without a lot of effort. Smoky tempeh bacon brings bold, savory flavor while crisp kale, colorful vegetables, and crunchy seeds add texture and balance.
Finished with a creamy tahini dressing that comes together in minutes, this salad works beautifully as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a make ahead meal for busy weeks. It is flexible, nourishing, and built to keep you full and energized.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky tempeh adds bold, savory flavor without cooking
- Protein rich and fiber filled for a filling meal
- Simple no cook dressing made with pantry staples
- Easy to customize with grains, veggies, or seeds you love
Easy Tempeh Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A Smoky, Crunchy, Creamy Salad That Eats Like a Full Meal
This easy tempeh salad combines smoky plant based bacon, crisp kale, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing for a satisfying, protein packed vegan meal.
Ingredients
For the salad:
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1 package ready to eat Lightlife Tempeh Smoky Bacon, cubed
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8 cups kale, chopped
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1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled (optional)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
For the tahini dressing:
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1/4 cup tahini
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3 tablespoons water
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Add all salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and creamy.
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Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
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Serve immediately or let sit for a few minutes to allow the kale to soften slightly.
Notes
Massage the kale with a small amount of dressing for extra tenderness.
Add avocado slices or roasted vegetables for extra richness.
Serve as is or alongside crusty bread or soup for a complete meal.
Nutrition info is approximate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads & Sides
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 340kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g






