This plant based BLT salad is next level and packed with flavor. Topped with a homemade dairy free ranch dressing and crispy tofu bacon.

Here’s everything you will need to make this BLT Salad:

HEMP SEED RANCH DRESSING

Hemp seeds - hemp seeds are rich in nutrients and packed with healthy fats, protein, and magnesium. If you’re not a fan of hemp seeds, you can try my ranch dressing recipe that calls for plant based mayo here

Plain, unsweetened, dairy free milk - I used a dairy free almond milk; however, cashew or oat milk will also work

Lemon juice

Apple cider vinegar

Fresh dill - dried dill will also work

Fresh parsley - dried parsley will also work

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

BACON INSPIRED TOFU

Extra firm tofu, thinly sliced or cubed

Low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos

Tomato Paste

Vegan-friendly worcestershire sauce

Liquid smoke

Maple syrup

Nutritional yeast

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Smoked paprika

Warm water

Olive oil for cooking

REMAINING SALAD INGREDIENTS:

Lettuce

Cherry tomatoes

Avocado

Red onions

CHECK OUT THE FULL VIDEO TO THIS RECIPE

If you give this recipe a try and be sure to let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or tagging me on social media or leaving a review below!

Ingredients:

HEMP SEED RANCH DRESSING

1 cup hemp seeds

1 cup plain, unsweetened, dairy free milk

Juice from ½ a lemon

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped

1 tsp dried dill

2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped

1 ½ tsp garlic powder

1 ½ tsp onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

TOFU BACON

⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos

1 tsp vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ tsp liquid smoke

2 tsp maple syrup

1 1/2 tsp tomato paste

1 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 ½ tsp garlic powder

1 ½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

1/4 cup warm water

½ block extra firm tofu, thinly sliced or cubed

Olive oil for cooking

REMAINING SALAD INGREDIENTS

Lettuce, shredded

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Avocado, sliced

Red onions, sliced

Optional: croutons

Instructions:

PREPARE THE TOFU BACON:

For the tofu marinade - In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or alternative), vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ tsp liquid smoke, tomato paste, 2 tsp maple syrup, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and warm water. This is your tofu bacon marinade.

Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, thinly slice or cube the tofu and place the slices or cubes in a baking dish. The thinner the slices, the crispier the tofu

Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate longer if possible.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Oil a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu in a single layer on the baking dish. Bake the tofu for 15-20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the tofu to prevent burning. It should be crispy and golden brown when done. If your slices are thicker, it may need a bit more time in the oven.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

PREPARE THE RANCH DRESSING:

In a blender, combine the hemp seeds and dairy-free milk. Blend until smooth.

Transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, chopped dill, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, pepper, or lemon juice). For a thicker dressing, use less dairy free milk.

Transfer the dressing to a storage-safe container or bottle.

ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:

Wash and dry your choice of lettuce (typically romaine or mixed greens). Tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.

Wash and slice cherry tomatoes and slice in half. Add them to the salad bowl with the lettuce

Add the tofu bacon and sliced avocado. Drizzle the hemp seed ranch dressing over top and gently toss the ingredients until everything is coated with the dressing.

Transfer the BLT salad to serving plates or bowls and enjoy!