Hearty, High Protein, Vegan Taco Salad

It might surprise some people to know that despite being a long-time vegan, I really don't eat that much salad.  Sure, I've got nothing against salad.  In fact, I love me a good hearty restaurant salad.  But at home, it's not something I really crave or gravitate towards.

Except for THIS TACO SALAD!!

I don't know if it's because winter is finally over OR I'm just loving the flavours of it oh-so-much.... But I have been eating this hearty, crunchy, super tasty taco salad a LOT lately.  So much that I thought I'd share the recipe on my blog.

So here 'tis!  And let me know what you think!

Salad Ingredients:

1 - 2 cups romaine lettuce (or spinach) chopped
Half of a medium-sized tomato, chopped
Half of a red or green bell pepper, chopped
1 - 2 green onions, chopped
1/2 - 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
Optional: 1/2 cup faux ground beef (like Yves ground round) for extra protein
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese of your choice (I used Daiya)
2 Tbsp. salsa
10 tortilla chips

Salad Dressing Ingredients:

1 - 2 Tbsp. vegan mayo (I used Vegenaise)
1 - 2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. taco seasoning

Method:

In a large bowl (I like a big salad just like Elaine from Seinfeld - see clip HERE) combine all of the chopped veggies. Then sprinkle the beans (and ground round if using) and cheese on top of the veggies.

Mix up your salad dressing by combining vegan mayo, lime juice and taco seasoning in a small bowl.  Then drizzle it over top of the veggies.

Next, sprinkle the vegan cheese over top of everything and put a dollop of salad in the center (or drizzle it all over - there are no rules here!)

Lastly, crush the tortilla chips over top of everything with your hands.  Then voila!!  Eat and enjoy, my vegan friends!

Also feel free to add extra veggies if you like.  Or avocado if you don't mind it being higher in fat.  I sometimes add cucumber to my taco salads OR I will soak cashews and use a "cashew cream" instead of the vegan mayo.  Get creative.  I am certain it will be delicious however you make it!  And yes, you WILL win friends with this salad. ;)

- Sam, Jacked on the Beanstalk