Tempeh Taco Salad In A Jar

These vegetarian taco salad mason jars make the best grab-and-go lunches or make-ahead dinners! Packed with high-protein tempeh “meat,” creamy taco sauce, and all the Tex-Mex fixings, they’re anything but boring and perfect for busy days. (Bonus: they stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days!)

So, you’re on the hunt for some healthy work lunch ideas that don’t bore you to tears? I’ve got ya covered. (Cue: meal prep taco salad in a jar.)

Fully loaded with bold flavors, crunchy textures, and plant-based protein, it’s guaranteed to keep you fueled all afternoon. And with our expert layering technique, you can guarantee it’ll stay fresh until you’re ready to dig in!

Taco ‘Bout A Lunch Upgrade

• Protein-Packed: With smoky tempeh “meat,” black beans, and cottage cheese taco sauce, this salad is as filling as it is flavorful.
• Easy To Customize: Adjust the toppings to whatever you prefer—add avocado, swap romaine for spinach, or dial up the spice with jalapenos.
• Meal Preppable Salad: Who said you can’t meal prep salads? These layered taco salad jars are perfectly portioned and built to last.

For the High Protein Taco Sauce

This creamy, high-protein sauce is the secret weapon that brings the whole shebang together. Simply blend these three ingredients until smooth.

• Cottage Cheese: We’ll use this to make our sauce rich and satisfying (while keeping it secretly healthy). Opt for full-fat for extra creaminess, or go low-fat if you’d prefer a lighter sauce.
• Salsa: Adds that zesty, tomatoey punch Tex-Mex cuisine is known for. Use your favorite store-bought salsa or a homemade version for more flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Brings the perfect mix of spices to the party. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how bold you like your flavors!

For the Tempeh Taco Meat

Sauté the following ingredients to golden, crispy perfection.

• Tempeh: Tempeh’s firm texture makes it the perfect stand-in for ground meat. Grate it or crumble it for that classic taco meat feel.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden-brown, slightly crispy texture. Use extra-virgin olive oil for more heart-healthy fats!
• Spices: To give our taco meat a smoky/spicy flavor, we’ll use chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
• Garlic: Can you ever have enough garlic? Use freshly minced here!
• Tomato Paste: Creates a rich, tangy base that binds everything together.

For the Fillings

Finish your layered salad meal prep jars off with a few fresh veggies and pantry staples.

• Fresh Ingredients: For our veggies, we’ll use red onion, jalapeno, tomatoes, cilantro, and romaine lettuce. Feel free to switch things up with bell peppers, radishes, jicama, cucumbers, or even quick pickled onions.
• Canned Items: Pack even more protein into this healthy meal prep salad with black beans (be sure to drain and rinse them!). And you can’t have taco salad without some sweet, juicy corn, right?

Does the lettuce really not get soggy?

Nope! No soggy lettuce here. The secret? Layering. Start with the saucier ingredients at the bottom, followed by heavier toppings like beans, corn, tempeh, and tomatoes.

Add the lighter, crunchier items like onions, jalapenos, and finally, the lettuce on top. By keeping the wet ingredients at the bottom of the jar, the greens stay crisp and fresh on top.

Variations

Say Cheese: Make these vegetarian taco salads even creamier and more satisfying with shredded cheese! While Monterey Jack and cheddar are classic picks, pepper jack or Cotija cheese are also great.

Protein Swaps: Instead of tempeh, you can try crumbled extra firm tofu (cook with the same spices for a similar taste and texture). For a quicker option, mash black or pinto beans with a dash of taco seasoning! Or for a soy-free option, use my walnut taco meat instead of the tempeh!

Saucy Twists: While our cottage cheese sauce makes the best dressing for taco salad, you can mix in your favorite! Try vegan cashew queso sauce, or our copycat Chipotle bitchin’ sauce.

how To Serve

When you’re ready to dive into this easy vegetarian meal prep, skip the jar shake-up. Instead, dump the layers into a big bowl. This way, the sauce lands perfectly on top, making it super easy to toss!

And for the full meal deal, pair your taco salad with these other classics.

• Meatless Taco Soup to keep the Tex-Mex theme in full swing!
• Pineapple Tepache to tame the spice and cool off with after you’re done.