In Brazilian Christmas dinner, salpicão (a type of chicken salad) usually takes center stage, generally prepared with chicken or turkey and classic mayonnaise. This version is an adaptation designed especially for those who choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, maintaining the typical textures and flavors of the celebration. The result is a colorful, balanced, and festive dish that preserves the Christmas spirit without animal products... ideal for including in your end-of-year table with lightness, flavor, and awareness.

Vegan Salad

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrot 
• ½ cup shredded smoked tofu 
• ½ cup chopped green apple
• ½ cup of boiled corn
• ½ cup of boiled peas
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped black olives 
• 1 lemon juice
• ½ cup of potato sticks
• ½ cup of vegan mayonnaise
• salt to taste
• Chopped parsley to taste

Preparation:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the grated carrot, smoked tofu, apple, corn, celery, and olives.

2️⃣ Add the vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, and parsley. Season with salt to taste.

3️⃣ Mix everything carefully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The resting time enhances the flavors and the texture becomes firmer.

4️⃣ When serving, finish by topping with potato sticks to ensure crispiness.

Chef tips & substitution suggestions

✨Lighter version: Reduce the amount of vegan mayonnaise by half and replace the other half with hummus or vegan yogurt.

✨Add freshness: Aromatic herbs like mint or cilantro bring lightness and contrast to the smoky flavor of the tofu.

✨Party touch: For a more traditional Christmas salad, add raisins or chopped apricots.

Why this recipe is perfect for Christmas dinner (from a nutritional point of view)

✧ It provides fiber and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) from carrots, apples, corn, celery, and olives, aiding digestion and satiety.

✧ With its plant-based version using tofu and plant-based mayonnaise, it provides high-quality plant-based protein and plant-based fat (without cholesterol).

✧ It's a light and fresh option, ideal for those who want to accompany more elaborate Christmas dishes without overloading their digestion.

✧ Easy to adapt for vegan, lactose-free, soy-containing, or soy-free diets, depending on the choice of mayonnaise and tofu substitute.

Nutritional information (per 100g serving):

Calories: 160 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 5 g | Total Fat: 11 g | Fiber: 3 g 

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Several factors, such as product types or brands purchased, may alter the nutritional information in any recipe.