Vegan protein salads invite you to be as complicated as you wish. While it is possible (and possibly desirable) to make your own “chicken”, “tuna”, or “egg” base as well as your own “mayonnaise” dressing, this recipe is one of three that preserves the simplicity of mixing which makes its animal-based equivalent so attractive. Even eyeballing ingredients is presented as an option for you!
More Vegan Protein Salads
Consequently, you’re not going to fool anyone into thinking they’re eating chicken, tuna, or egg with these recipes. But you will have an equally easy and satisfying lunch that offers all the flavors – and most of the textures – you know and love!
So, why call them chicken, tuna, and egg salads?
Because that’s how I search! I’ve seen chick’n and chikun; toona and tuno; eggz and veggs, but such wordplay I almost always discover when searching “vegan chicken”, etc. I suspect many others operate similarly.
And so I give you my Egg-Inspired Tofu Salad (or Vegg Salad if you prefer).
“Egg” Salad
Description
Extra-firm tofu and turmeric create a base with striking similarities to hard-boiled eggs. Add kala namak, and this is almost indistinguishable!
Ingredients
Protein
Produce
Dressing
Add-ins
Optional Garnish
Instructions
-
Manually or motorically crumble tofu.
I generally grab a fork, but a food processor or blender also work for this step. Pulse, then transfer to a mixing bowl before proceeding. -
Stir-in turmeric and kala namak (if using).
-
Add remaining ingredients using measurements above or reference picture below. Mix thoroughly.
Clockwise from Top Left: shallot/onion, sweet relish, yellow mustard, celery; Center: vegan mayonnaise -
If available, refrigerate 1 hour.
Though not critical, this step allows flavors to meld. Your meal will still be delicious if you skip it, but your shallot or onion may be potent. -
Serve and garnish as desired.
Note
Try my Cranberry Tarragon "Chicken" Salad and "Tuna" Salad as well.
Whichever you make, peruse my vegan mayonnaise review to learn why I recommend Hellmann's and Chosen Foods!
Wait, what is kala namak?!