Zesty Vegan Mexican Salad Bowl with Walnut “Meat”

This recipe offers a delicious and healthy vegan twist on a Mexican-style salad, featuring a unique walnut “meat” and a tangy lime dressing.

Ingredients

For the walnut “meat”:

  • 100g walnuts
  • 50g sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp chipotle paste
  • Pinch of salt

For the salad:

  • 1 sweet gem lettuce, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 30g jalapeños, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

For the dressing:

  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Small handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings:

  • Chopped tomato
  • Sweetcorn
  • Mashed avocado
  • Lime juice

Method

  1. Prepare the walnut “meat”:
    • Pulse walnuts in a food processor until fine
    • Add drained sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chipotle paste, and salt
    • Process until combined
  2. Make the salad base:
    • Toast sunflower seeds in a pan for 5 minutes
    • Mix toasted seeds with lettuce, red onion, and jalapeños
  3. Create the dressing:
    • Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl
  4. Assemble the salad bowls:
    • Layer lettuce mix, walnut “meat”, tomato, and sweetcorn
    • Top with mashed avocado, dressing, lime juice, and coriander leaves

This Zesty Vegan Mexican Salad Bowl is a flavor-packed, nutritious meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. The combination of crunchy vegetables, spicy walnut “meat”, and tangy dressing creates a satisfying and refreshing dish. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe – it’s a delicious way to enjoy a plant-based Mexican-inspired meal that’s both healthy and full of flavor!