1/4cuplow-sodium soy saucetamari, or coconut aminos
2Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1Tbsp maple syrup
2tspliquid smokeoptional
1tspground cumin
6tsp+ 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oildivided
1tspsmoked paprika
12ozfarfalle pastaor rotini or penne pasta, if preferred
1English cucumbersliced
2cupsarugula
1cupchopped onion
3garlic clovespeeled and chopped
4Roma tomatoesroughly chopped, plum
2Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4tspsalt
1/4tspblack pepper
1avocadosliced
Instructions
In large shallow container, place tempeh slices. In small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, liquid smoke (if using), and cumin. Pour mixture over tempeh slices. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 300 F. Remove tempeh from marinade and lay slices on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with 2 tsp oil and dust with half the paprika. Bake for 12 minutes, or until darkened. Flip tempeh slices, brush tops with another 2 tsp oil, and dust with remaining paprika. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until crispy. When cool enough to handle, break tempeh “bacon” into 1-inch pieces.
In large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain well. Return to pot and toss in tempeh bacon, cucumber, and arugula. Cover to keep warm.
In skillet, heat 2 tsp oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until onion is golden. Add garlic and heat for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and heat until softened and begging to release juices, about 3 minutes. Place tomato mixture in bowl and stir in 2 Tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Toss tomato dressing with pasta salad. Serve topped with avocado slices.
Recipe Notes
Per serving: 683 calories; 28 g protein; 24 g total fat (4 g sat. fat); 94 g total carbohydrates (13 g sugars, 17 g fiber); 459 mg sodium