Curried Tempeh Salad: A Protein‑Packed, Vegan, Gluten‑Free Delight

Introduction

Looking for a hearty, flavorful salad that’s protein-packed, vegan, and gluten-free? This Curried Tempeh Salad is the perfect fusion of vibrant spices, wholesome ingredients, and plant-based nutrition. In this guide, you’ll explore what makes this dish a standout, from its bold curry-infused dressing to its fiber-rich tempeh base. We’ll also walk through how to make it, serving tips, variations, and much more—whether you’re meal prepping for the week or crafting a colorful side for your next gathering.

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Table of Contents

What Is Curried Tempeh Salad & Why You’ll Love It

Defining Curried Tempeh Salad — ingredients, origin, and characteristics

Curried Tempeh Salad is more than just another plant-based dish—it’s a robust, texture-rich combination of steamed tempeh, chopped vegetables, and a golden-hued curry dressing. At its core is tempeh, a fermented soybean product originating from Indonesia. When combined with celery, carrots, red onion, and sweet raisins, then coated in a creamy spiced vinaigrette made with vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, and warming spices like turmeric and curry powder, the result is a savory-sweet dish with a satisfying bite.

Unlike traditional creamy salads, this one is layered with global flavors and functional ingredients, ideal for wraps, bowls, or straight from the bowl.

The health benefits — protein, vegan & gluten‑free aspects

This salad is rich in plant-based protein, offering about 15 grams per serving, thanks to its star ingredient—tempeh. It also boasts 9 grams of fiber and heart-healthy unsaturated fats, while keeping sugars low. Entirely vegan and gluten-free, it suits a variety of dietary needs, making it an excellent addition to your weekly menu whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to include more wholesome meals.

The blend of turmeric and curry powder also provides anti-inflammatory properties, turning this salad into a dish that’s as functional as it is flavorful.

Flavor profile & texture — what makes it unique

Curried Tempeh Salad offers a vibrant, multidimensional flavor experience. You get creamy, tangy, sweet, earthy, and spicy notes in every bite. The steamed tempeh holds the dressing well without becoming soggy, offering a nutty, slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with crisp vegetables and chewy raisins.

Unlike other salads that fall flat after a day, this one only improves in flavor as it marinates, making it perfect for next-day lunches or picnics. For even more variety in flavor and texture, try pairing it with this quinoa chickpea salad or even a cheeseburger salad with special sauce for a protein-forward plate.

Key Ingredients & Nutrition Breakdown in Curried Tempeh Salad

Tempeh — source, nutrition, what it contributes

Tempeh forms the hearty base of this Curried Tempeh Salad. Made by fermenting whole soybeans into a dense, sliceable cake, it delivers an impressive nutritional profile: 15 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber, and minimal saturated fat per serving. Fermentation enhances its digestibility and boosts gut-friendly benefits, making it a smart plant-based alternative to animal proteins.

It also adds a nutty, earthy flavor and firm texture that holds up well in salads and dressings. Compared to tofu, tempeh has more substance and a richer nutrient profile, offering not just protein but also magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.

Spices, dressings & mix-ins — curry powder, turmeric, raisins, veggies

The bold flavors in Curried Tempeh Salad come from a symphony of aromatic spices and ingredients. Curry powder and turmeric bring earthy depth and warmth, while apple cider vinegar and maple syrup offer brightness and sweetness. Vegan mayo creates the creamy base for the dressing, holding all components together in harmony.

Chopped celery and carrots add crunch, red onion brings a sharp contrast, and raisins introduce bursts of chewy sweetness. A touch of olive oil and ground black pepper enhances the dressing’s richness and helps balance the acidity. Optional garnishes like sunflower seeds or cilantro can be added for even more flavor and crunch.

Dietary information — vegan, gluten‑free status; calories, fat, sugar etc.

Every serving of this salad checks all the right boxes for a clean, plant-based meal. It’s entirely vegan and gluten-free, ideal for those with dietary restrictions. With only 298 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying balance of macronutrients: 17g fat (mostly unsaturated), 25g carbohydrates, 10g sugar (from natural sources like raisins and maple syrup), and 15g of protein.

Preparing Your Curried Tempeh Salad: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Prepping & steaming tempeh; chopping and prepping vegetables

To begin crafting your Curried Tempeh Salad, start with the most essential step: steaming the tempeh. This not only softens its dense texture but also neutralizes any bitter notes that some find off-putting. Simply slice 16 oz of tempeh into bite-sized pieces and steam over boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Once tender, remove and let cool.

Meanwhile, finely chop 1 cup celery, ½ cup red onion, and ½ cup carrots. These vegetables bring refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the salad. Having them prepped while the tempeh steams streamlines your process and ensures uniform bites throughout the salad.

Making the dressing: balancing sweetness, tang, spice

Now it’s time to prepare the creamy, flavorful dressing that sets this salad apart. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ⅓ cup vegan mayo
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1½ tablespoons curry powder
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

This blend is bold yet balanced—curry and turmeric offer depth, vinegar adds a tangy lift, and maple syrup introduces a mild sweetness. The mayo ensures a silky texture that coats the ingredients beautifully without overwhelming them.

Mixing, chilling, storing — best practices for texture & freshness

Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the cooled tempeh, chopped vegetables, and ½ cup raisins in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite gets coated with flavor.

You can serve the salad immediately for a bold, freshly tossed flavor—or chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more deeply. For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container; it will keep well for 3–4 days and tastes even better the next day.

Optional toppings like sunflower seeds or chopped fresh cilantro add a final flourish just before serving.

Variations, Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Mix‑ins & substitutions — what you can swap out

Curried Tempeh Salad is incredibly versatile. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to tweak the flavor, there are countless ways to customize it. Swap raisins for chopped dates or dried cranberries if you prefer a different kind of sweetness. For extra crunch, toss in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds.

Not a fan of vegan mayo? Try using tahini or cashew cream for a nuttier, richer base. If you’re cutting down on added sugar, reduce or omit the maple syrup—especially since the raisins already offer natural sweetness. Even the tempeh itself can be substituted with chickpeas or baked tofu for variety.

Serving ideas — wraps, over greens, as a protein‑rich side dish

There’s no wrong way to serve Curried Tempeh Salad, which is part of its charm. It makes a hearty stand-alone lunch, but also works brilliantly in wraps—simply spoon it into a whole grain tortilla with greens and roll it up. It’s equally delicious served over a bed of arugula, spinach, or quinoa for a protein-rich power bowl.

For a brunch spread or picnic, present it as a chilled salad side next to warm grain dishes or a creamy soup. Its bright flavors and bold color palette make it a visual and nutritional star.

Pairings with other recipes — what goes well with it?

For a complete plant-based spread, pair Curried Tempeh Salad with other protein-rich, vibrant dishes. It complements the refreshing crunch of this cheeseburger salad with special sauce, especially when you’re serving a crowd with mixed dietary preferences. You can also match it with this nourishing quinoa chickpea salad for a fiber-filled duo that works for any time of day.

These pairings not only enhance the flavors of your meal but also balance texture and nutrient profiles beautifully, making each bite more exciting than the last.

FAQs

Conclusion

Curried Tempeh Salad isn’t just another plant-based recipe—it’s a flavorful, protein-packed dish that supports a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture. With its bold curry dressing, crunchy vegetables, and chewy raisins, it delivers a multidimensional experience in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a vibrant side dish, this salad is versatile, nourishing, and satisfying.

By embracing simple ingredients and globally inspired flavors, this dish fits effortlessly into vegan, gluten-free, and macro-balanced lifestyles. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it belongs in every smart home cook’s regular rotation.

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