This Kale Salad with Vegan Coconut Bacon is a delightful combination of fresh, hearty kale, colorful vegetables, and crispy coconut bacon. It's a vegan and gluten-free salad that's packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a satisfying standalone dish.
Ingredients: 4 cups of chopped kale leaves. 1 cup of shredded carrots. 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved. 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced. 1/4 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds. 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. For the Vegan Coconut Bacon:. 1 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes. 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce. 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke optional. For the Dressing:. 3 tablespoons of olive oil. 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. 1 clove of garlic, minced. Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. In a bowl, combine the tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke if using for the Vegan Coconut Bacon. Add the coconut flakes to the bowl and toss until well coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the coconut bacon is crispy and browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let it cool. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped kale, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onion, toasted pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the cooled Vegan Coconut Bacon on top of the salad just before serving. Serve the Kale Salad with Vegan Coconut Bacon and enjoy!