Taco Salad Heaven (WFPB, vegan, GF, no oil)

I really enjoy listening to the Exam Room podcast.  Chuck Carroll has some great guests full of evidence-based information but it’s also uplifting (well, at least the ones I’ve been able to listen to).  Last week, in addition to some must-know facts about saturated fat from Dr. Barnard, he had on the founder of PlantYou, Carleigh Bodrug.  What a treat!  I was very excited to try out some of the recipes on her website.  Our taco salad/bowls are at a new level.  

All of these recipes can be made a day ahead.  I prefer to make the dressings a day before as the ingredients taste better after having had time to blend.  I add whole beans to the “ground beef” along with the taco seasoning plus some water to heat before serving (just like you would with a taco seasoning packet).  Add your favorite veggies to your salad or serve with a whole intact grain for a bowl.  I went with mixed greens, red cabbage, steamed broccoli, red bell pepper, black quinoa, and cherry tomatoes (see 2nd photo). Salsa and guacamole are also delicious!  

Ground Beef Replacement (PlantYou)

Taco Seasoning (Vegan in the Freezer):  I cut the salt in 1/2.  The addition of cocoa powder really makes this a special taco seasoning to keep around.  

Best Ranch Dressing (Vegan 8): I have tried and failed to find a ranch dressing so much that I gave up several years ago.  This one is amazing!  I’m so glad to have found it.  We use this instead of sour cream.  

Chipotle Dressing (PlantYou): Optional but everyone loved it. (Part of her taco bowl recipe.)

Yogurt: Homemade option for dressing recipes.  We started making our own yogurt once we found this tutorial with PlantPure TV.  It’s so simple without the added junk that a lot of yogurt products contain.  You need an Instant Pot with a yogurt button.  We add 1 Tbsp of maple syrup making it a 3 ingredient yogurt.  Also, adding water to cover the bottom of the Instant Pot bowl in a thin layer really helps our yogurt. 

The scoop on tofu.  There’s a lot of misinformation in the US about the health benefits of soy products.  Sources such as PCRM.org, NutritionFacts.org or The Center for Nutrition Studies are great places to get the details on the mountain of evidence that whole and minimally processed soy foods promote health (e.g., edamame, soy milk, tofu, tempeh).  Avoiding highly processed foods including soy foods such as soy protein isolate is recommended.

For more: www.feelplantiful.com