Indulge in This Refreshing Raw Vegan Wedge Salad
Welcome to my raw vegan wedge salad recipe! If you’re a fan of classic wedge salads, but don’t want all the added dairy and processed ingredients, then this recipe is definitely for you.
As a vegan chef, I’ve always been on the hunt for easy, delicious and healthy plant-based recipes that everyone can enjoy, and this wedge salad definitely fits the bill.
This salad is made with fresh ingredients and features a creamy vegan blue cheese dressing, coconut bacon bits and chopped raw walnuts for added texture and flavor. Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a side dish for your dinner party, this raw vegan wedge salad is sure to impress. So let’s dive in and get started on this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of fresh, crunchy salads that are both healthy and delicious, then you’re going to love this raw vegan wedge salad recipe. Not only is it packed full of nutrients from all the fresh, raw ingredients, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and tastes amazing.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adding or removing ingredients, or by using different dressings or toppings. Whether you’re a fan of classic wedge salads with blue cheese dressing, or prefer something a little more exotic like green goddess or smoky sunflower dressing, this recipe has got you covered.
Another great thing about this salad is how filling and satisfying it is. With a base of crisp iceberg lettuce wedges and a generous helping of raw cashews and walnuts, it’s sure to keep your hunger at bay for hours. And if you’re looking for something with a little more protein, you can always add some tempeh bacon or roasted cabbage wedges for an extra boost.
But perhaps the best thing about this recipe is how good it makes you feel. With all those fresh, raw veggies and healthy fats from the nuts and seeds, it’s the perfect meal for those days when you need something light and nourishing. Plus, since everything is raw and vegan-friendly, it’s also a great way to keep your diet clean and free from processed foods.
Overall, this raw vegan wedge salad recipe is an easy, healthy and delicious meal option that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunchtime snack or a satisfying dinner option, it’s sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied while giving your body all the nutrients it needs to thrive. So why not give it a try today?
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this raw vegan wedge salad recipe:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 4 cups of purple onion, sliced
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 3/4 cup water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 head of romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup raw walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut bacon
- Vegan blue cheese dressing or green goddess dressing (you can also make your own dressing by mixing Vegan Smoky Sunflower Chive Dressing with Vegan French Onion and Ranch Dressing)
Note: For an extra crunch, you can also add some homemade tempeh bacon.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get started on making this delicious raw vegan wedge salad!
Step 1: Make the Dressing
– In a blender, combine 1 cup of raw cashews, 1 cup of water, and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
– Add in 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons of salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
– Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
– Roughly chop 1/2 cup of raw walnuts and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set them aside.
– Thinly slice 4 wedge-shaped pieces of purple onion.
– Cut a few cherry tomatoes in half for garnish.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
– Cut a head of iceberg lettuce into quarters, then cut each quarter in half crosswise to make eight wedges.
– Arrange the lettuce wedges on a plate, slightly overlapping each other.
– Drizzle the dressing over the top, then add your toppings including the chopped walnuts, sliced onions and cherry tomatoes.
– For an extra crunch, sprinkle some coconut bacon bits over the top.
Your raw vegan wedge salad should look colorful and appetizing! Don’t be afraid to get creative – try different toppings such as tempeh bacon or smoky sunflower seeds.
Happy salad-making!
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, I always love to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some substitutions and variations for the raw vegan wedge salad recipe:
– Lettuce: Instead of using iceberg lettuce, you could try using romaine lettuce, little gem salad or even a roasted cabbage wedge.
– Dressing: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese dressing, you could try using vegan ranch dressing, Russian dressing or a green goddess dressing.
– Bacon: For an even healthier version of this salad, skip the coconut bacon and opt for tempeh bacon instead.
– Nuts and Seeds: You can use any type of nuts or seeds for this recipe. Try using almonds instead of cashews or pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
– Vegetables: Mix things up by adding other veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber slices or roasted beets to the salad.
– Cheese: Adding vegan cheese to this salad is also an option. You could sprinkle some vegan blue cheese crumbles or use a homemade vegan cheese sauce.
Remember that cooking is all about creativity and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things in the kitchen and make the recipe your own. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
Once prepared, the raw vegan wedge salad recipe is a beautiful and colorful dish that will make an outstanding addition to any meal. The salad can be served on its own as a light lunch or appetizer, but it also pairs beautifully with sandwiches or burgers for a more substantial meal.
It’s excellent to pair with vegan burgers to create a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Alternatively, you can serve it as a side dish in a larger menu which includes vegetable dishes with distinct taste palate. Adding a dollop of homemade dressing using veggies like chive, Russian dressing or ranch will contrast the crisp texture of the lettuce.
If you want a bit of crunch and saltiness, coconut bacon is sure to satisfy your cravings while adding some depth to the overall taste profile. You can sprinkle some roasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.
When it comes to pairing drinks, the vibrant colors of this salad complement nicely with natural juices like lemonade, orange juice or even fizzy drinks like sparkling water or soda.
Serve the raw vegan wedge salad at room temperature with the greens and dressings freshly chilled for optimal crispness. When serving, try giving it some extra flair by arranging on a platter in an artful way that highlights its various colors and textures.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this raw vegan wedge salad recipe is that you can easily prepare it ahead of time.
To make the salad ahead of time, wash and chop the lettuce wedges and walnuts, slice the onion and tomatoes, and prepare the dressing. However, do not assemble the salad until you are ready to serve it. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The dressing can be stored separately in a mason jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
When you are ready to serve the salad, simply assemble it by placing the lettuce wedges on a plate or platter, adding the sliced onion and halved cherry tomatoes on top, and then sprinkling with the chopped walnuts and coconut bacon bits (if using). Finally, drizzle with your preferred dressing.
If you have any leftover salad, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing can also be stored this way. However, I suggest not storing the salad and dressing together as it may become soggy.
As for reheating, since this is a raw vegan salad recipe, there really isn’t any need to reheat it. However, if you prefer warm toppings like tempeh bacon or roasted cabbage wedge, you can quickly warm these up in the oven or toaster oven before adding them to your cold salad.
Overall, this raw vegan wedge salad recipe is perfect for those looking for easy meal prep options or those who want to enjoy deliciously fresh salads throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results for your raw vegan wedge salad, here are some tips that you can keep in mind.
Firstly, it is very important to properly wash the iceberg lettuce. As it is the key component of this dish, any dirt or impurities can ruin the clean and crisp texture of the lettuce. I suggest using chilled water for washing the lettuce so as to maintain its freshness.
Secondly, when preparing the blue cheese dressing or coconut bacon bits, make sure to blend them finely. This will help in effectively emulsifying them with other ingredients and giving a balanced flavor.
Thirdly, you can experiment with different greens like romaine lettuce, little gem salad or roasted cabbage wedge if you want to give a variation to your vegan wedge salad.
When chopping walnuts or slicing onions, make sure they are of equal size and uniform shape. It will help in even distribution while sprinkling on top of the wedges.
It is always better to use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled ones as they have preservatives and artificial sweeteners which might tamper with the flavors in your dish.
Lastly, use freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground ones for maximum flavor.
By following these tips you will be able to make a perfect vegan wedge salad that will delight and impress everyone at your table.
FAQ
As someone who has made this recipe multiple times, I understand that you may have some questions or concerns. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this raw vegan wedge salad recipe.
What is the point of a wedge salad?
The refreshing and crunchy wedge salad is enjoyed by both vegans and meat-eaters alike. While professional chefs create unique versions of this dish to impress their patrons, home cooks rely on fresh lettuce wedges to add a nutritious element to their meals.
What pairs well with a wedge salad?
Here are some dish ideas: a vegan-friendly version of steak, a plant-based roast chicken, a hearty bowl of French onion soup, and tender pork chops smothered in a rich French onion gravy.
What is a wedge salad made of?
Get ready to indulge in a refreshing wedge salad that’s both classic and easy to make! This salad features a crispy iceberg lettuce wedge with a delicious homemade creamy blue cheese dressing, topped with savory bacon crumbles, juicy diced tomato, and fresh chives. It’s the perfect side dish option for any meal or an excellent choice for a satisfying lunch!
How do you clean a head of lettuce for a wedge salad?
To make a delicious wedge salad, it’s important to properly clean the lettuce. Start by discarding any discolored or wilted leaves from the outermost layer of the lettuce head. Next, slice the lettuce into 4 equal wedges from top to bottom, ensuring that the core remains intact. Gently rinse each wedge under cold water and then carefully pat dry with paper towels. This will help remove any dirt or impurities on the lettuce and ensure it’s ready to be used in your salad.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this raw vegan wedge salad recipe is truly a game-changer for those looking to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. The combination of the refreshing iceberg lettuce, the creamy cashew blue cheese dressing, and the smoky coconut bacon creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Plus, you can satisfy your cravings while remaining true to a vegan lifestyle!
Moreover, the recipe is versatile and allows for substitutions and variations depending on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. You can switch up the greens, nuts, or dressings to create a whole new salad every time you make it. Furthermore, it’s easy to prepare and store, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or entertaining guests.
In summary, with its bold flavors and health benefits, this raw vegan wedge salad recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try and see for yourself why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Happy eating!
Raw Vegan Wedge Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 iceberg lettuce
- 1 small tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 purple onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
- black pepper
Dressing
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 -6 tablespoons filtered water
Instructions
- Cut the lettuce into 4 wedges and place them on four individual dishes.
- Sprinkle diced tomatoes, onion slices and walnuts on top of the lettuce and around it.
- In a blender, blend the ingredients for the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and sprinkle some black pepper.
- Infuse love and serve!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.