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    Home » Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes

    Published: Jul 12, 2019 · Modified: Mar 15, 2022 by Stephanie McKercher, RDN · 1 Comment

    Jerk Tempeh Salad with Mango Salsa

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Jamaican-inspired Jerk Tempeh Salad is my new favorite 30-minute vegan dinner.

    Salad with mango salsa on ceramic plate with fork.

    I think (I hope) summer is finally in full swing here in Colorado, which means I’m in the mood for a meal that has a little extra tropical flair. 

    This is also the time of year when I want fruit all the time. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. 

    Is there anything better than fresh fruit during summertime? I really don’t think so.  

    This Caribbean-inspired jerk tempeh salad is topped with sweet-and-tart mango salsa. With all the fruity, tropical vibes, this is everything I need for an ideal warm-weather meal. 

    Tempeh with fruit salsa on tan ceramic plate.
    Sliced tempeh on tan plate with grey background.

    How to Make Jerk Tempeh Salad

    There are three main components to this dish: mango salsa, spinach salad, and, of course, tempeh. 

    The most time-consuming part of the mango salsa is chopping up the ingredients. Once everything is prepped, you just have to mix it all together. Easy.

    The salad is also super simple. Toss spinach, cabbage, red beans, cooked rice, and cilantro. Set the bowl aside until you're ready to serve. 

    Finally, cook the tempeh.

    Coat both sides of the tempeh in melted coconut oil and jerk seasoning. Then cook it in an oil-coated skillet for about four minutes on each side or until browned and crispy. 

    Jerk tempeh salad with mango salsa on brown ceramic plate with cream napkin.

    What is jerk seasoning?

    Jerk seasoning originated in Jamaica. The exact recipe varies, but usually includes allspice and some sort of hot pepper. 

    The blend I used is based on a recipe from the Half Baked Harvest Cookbook (one of my all-time favorites). I use a mix of garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, salt, allspice, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, and ginger.

    What is tempeh?

    Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans that have been pressed into a firm block. Often, tempeh also includes a grain like brown rice. 

    Can I substitute another protein?

    Jerk seasoning works for tempeh, tofu, fish, poultry, or meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of protein you choose.

    Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

    This is a good recipe for meal prep and also works well for a desk lunch if you need something packable. Just keep the salsa separate to prevent everything from getting soggy. 

    Are you also someone who loves fruit during summer?

    Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes!

    tempeh with mango salsa on gold ceramic plate.
    tempeh with mango salsa on gold ceramic plate.

    Jerk Tempeh Salad with Mango Salsa

    Stephanie McKercher, RDN
    Jamaican-inspired spicy jerk tempeh served over a hearty spinach salad with fruity mango salsa.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course dinner, lunch
    Cuisine Caribbean, gluten-free, vegan
    Servings 3 people

    Ingredients
      

    Mango Salsa:

    • 1 cup diced mango (2 medium)
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • ¼ cup diced red onion
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon)
    • ½- inch knob ginger, grated
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • Salt

    Salad:

    • 1 ¼ cup cooked red kidney beans (1 can drained and rinsed)
    • 1 cup packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup chopped green cabbage
    • 1 cup cooked brown rice
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
    • Salt and pepper

    Jerk Tempeh:

    • 1 (8-ouncblock tempeh
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (plus additional to coat pan)
    • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade — recipe below)

    Instructions
     

    Prepare mango salsa:

    • Stir together mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and salt. Set aside until ready to serve.

    Prepare salad:

    • Stir red kidney beans, baby spinach, green cabbage, cooked brown rice, cilantro, and salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to serve.

    Cook tempeh:

    • Brush both sides of the tempeh with melted coconut oil and coat with jerk seasoning.
    • Place tempeh block in an oil-coated skillet over medium heat. Cook 4 minutes, or until the bottom is crisp and browned. Flip and cook an additional 4 minutes, or until the other side is crisp and browned.
    • Use a spatula to transfer the tempeh to a cutting board and slice into pieces.

    Serve:

    • Divide salad and tempeh pieces between plates and spoon mango salsa on top. Serve with remaining salsa if desired.

    Notes

    Meal prep: make the salsa, salad, and tempeh up to 2 days in advance if desired, but store mango salsa separately to prevent sogginess.
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @GratefulGrazer and #GratefulGrazer!

    Sliced tempeh on tan plate with grey background.

    Jerk Seasoning

    Stephanie McKercher, RDN
    Jamaican-inspired spicy seasoning blend for jerk tempeh, tofu, fish, poultry, or meat.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Course condiment
    Cuisine Caribbean, gluten-free, vegan
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (see note)
    • 1 tablespoon dry thyme
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 teaspoons allspice
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

    Instructions
     

    • Stir garlic powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, allspice, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, and ginger.
    • Use as a seasoning for tempeh, tofu, fish, poultry, or meat.

    Notes

    Reduce or omit cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.
     
    Store in an airtight container.
     
    Adapted from Half Baked Harvest.
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @GratefulGrazer and #GratefulGrazer!

    Save this Jerk Tempeh Salad on Pinterest:

    Tempeh salad with mango salsa and text that reads, "Jerk Tempeh Salad with Mango Salsa: vegan, gluten-free, plant-based protein, easy recipe"

    Did you try this jerk tempeh recipe?

    Rate the recipe and leave a comment below and tag me (@GratefulGrazer) when you share on Instagram.

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    Hello! My name is Stephanie. I'm a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and cookbook author. Here on Grateful Grazer, you'll find easy, plant-forward recipes, vegetarian nutrition information, and approachable guides to meal planning and prep.

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