Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah
Craving a classic, satisfying chicken salad but living a plant-based lifestyle? Look no further! This easy and delicious Crispy Vegan Chicken Salad recipe delivers all the flavor and texture you love, made entirely from plants. It's perfect for a quick weekday lunch, a light dinner, or a fantastic meal prep option.
This recipe is designed for anyone seeking high-protein vegan meals that are both simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, new to plant-based eating, or simply looking to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your diet, this "chicken" salad is a game-changer. It leverages the amazing crispy vegan chicken-style pieces from brands like The Vegan Chef Co. (a popular choice in South Africa, often compared to fast-food favorites for its satisfying texture), ensuring a truly authentic and enjoyable experience without any animal products. Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to a vibrant, satisfying plant-powered meal!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Vegan Chicken Salad
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Protein-Packed: A fantastic source of plant-based protein to keep you full and energized.
- Satisfyingly Crispy: The star of the show! Enjoy the delightful crunch of the vegan chicken pieces.
- Versatile: Great in sandwiches, wraps, on lettuce cups, or simply scooped with crackers.
- Dairy-Free & Meat-Free: A wholesome option for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (approx. 250g) crispy vegan chicken-style pieces (such as The Vegan Chef Co. chicken strips), prepared according to package directions to be crispy
- ½ cup mayonnaise (vegan)
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Mixed greens or lettuce leaves for serving
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Air fryer, oven, or pan (for crisping vegan chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegan Chicken: Follow the package instructions to prepare your vegan chicken-style pieces until they are golden and crispy. Once cooked, let them cool slightly.
- Shred/Dice Chicken: Once cool enough to handle, use a fork or your hands to shred the vegan chicken into bite-sized pieces, or dice them into small cubes for a more uniform texture. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the vegan mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to the bowl with the shredded vegan chicken.
- Mix Well: Gently mix all ingredients until the vegan chicken is evenly coated and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately on a bed of fresh mixed greens, in a sandwich, wrap, or with your favorite crackers. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Variations and Adaptations
- Sweet & Savory: Add a handful of halved red grapes or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness and extra crunch.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and healthy fats.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a fiery twist.
- Herby Freshness: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or chives for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chosen vegan chicken-style pieces are certified gluten-free if catering to a gluten-free diet.
- Wraps & Sandwiches: This salad is fantastic in soft tortillas, pita bread, or between slices of your favorite bread.
Tips & Hacks
- Achieving Max Crispiness: If your vegan chicken isn't super crispy after its initial cook, give it a quick pan-fry over medium-high heat with a little oil until it crisps up to your liking. An air fryer is also excellent for this!
- Meal Prep Savior: Make a larger batch at the beginning of the week. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad holds up wonderfully!
- Texture Matters: For a finer texture, you can pulse the cooked vegan chicken pieces a few times in a food processor, but be careful not to overmix into a paste.
Ready to try this incredible plant-based take on a classic? Whip up this Crispy Vegan Chicken Salad today and experience how satisfying and flavorful vegan eating can be! Share your creations with us on abillion!
Related Articles
- Want more plant-based inspiration? Check out our Crispy Fried Vegan Goat Cheese Salad for another delightful salad.
- Looking for other satisfying mains? Try our Vegan Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe for another crispy "chicken" experience.
- Need quick and healthy meal ideas? Explore our Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe for a speedy dinner.
- Discover more easy, crispy plant-based dishes with our Easy Crispy Vegan Lentils and Rice.
