Vegan Buffalo Chicken Salad (no chicken, just chickpeas)

I used to love salads.  Then I became vegan and grew tired of it.  My salad dressing options changed in addition to my protein toppings.  This sucks because salad is already the last thing to ever make my mouth water.  I used to drool over a creamy sesame dressing when living in Japan.  It was so good, I wanted to drizzle it on everything.  I ate my weight in salads and fresh veggies thanks to this creamy elixir, until I realized it was full of mayonnaise.  I’ve tried making my own versions and have successfully made several batches of vegan versions that reminded me of my days living in the land of the rising sun, but I digress.  Back to this salad today.  A buffalo chickpea salad with ranch dressing!

What’s in it?  

This salad was simple.  I threw a bag of mixed greens in a bowl, sliced a cucumber and sauteed some chickpeas.  The chickpeas simmered in a mix of hot sauce, smoked paprika, margarine, black pepper, and I can’t remember what else, but it was nothing fancy, just hot stuff.  Next, I made a simple salad dressing with tofu, coconut milk, salt, lemon and dill–tons of dill weed.  It came out creamy, cool, and reminded me of ranch dressing.  I don’t usually eat tofu, but I’m starting to fall into a rut and get bored.  I’m also starting to miss some old indulgent meat and dairy options like chicken wings and creamy dressings.  I can’t bring myself to put the meat in my mouth, so I am forced to explore new recipes, or just sit and stew in my own vegan self-pity.

This salad was really great.  It reminded me that there is a plant based version of pretty much anything and everything in the meat and dairy world.  You just have to be willing to blend, explore and prep–a lot of prep.  I’m ending the day satisfied and proud of myself for sticking to my veggie guns.

About Jeanette 137 Articles
This is me being me so that you will be you. I'm a woman who smiles till my cheeks ache, crochets until my fingers twitch, hugs the hell out of my Hubby and children and in between these things I make the time to read, cook, write and attempt to inspire others to do something to improve their overall health.

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