Shortly after I submitted the blog entry for my favorite vegan chicken salad, Danielle Vance (one of the super awesome owners of Sweet Avenue Bake Shop) shared her favorite which she claimed to be way better than the one I mentioned. When I saw the word Gardein I was both surprised that I have never seen the stuff and upset that I have been eating a mediocre version of my favorite food this whole time. How the heck did I not know that a Gardein version existed?
Well, when she tweeted a photo of this goodness today I had Juan take me to Whole Foods so that I could try it out. Of course she was right. This chicken salad is WAY better. I’ve clearly been missing out. Thank you, Danielle. I owe you. I’d bake you a cupcake, but yours are only about 110 times better than mine. :)
Just look at those big chunks of Gardein goodness! I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t even have the patience to wait for a roll. I ate this stuff right out of the container with a fork. It was that good!
That looks scrummy. I’m presuming you buy that ready made or am I wrong? Is there a recipe for it anywhere?
@Danielle: It really is! Hmm you know I have to go back there today. I’ll ask someone in prepared foods if they know if it is in fact Gardein. I agree though. It does taste just like it.
@jeni treehugger: Yes, I bought it pre-made from Whole Foods. I know there are a few recipes around for vegan chicken salad, but I haven’t tried any of them out yet. I’m tempted to though.
I also love that Whole Foods salad. I tried to find a U.S. supplier for Gardein so I could made it myself, but at the time they were only selling it here to food service vendors like Sysco. The Morningstar Chik’n Strips are made with Gardein, so maybe I should try chopping those to make the salad.
Our usual vegan chicken salad is from Rhymes With Vegan. [http://www.rhymeswithvegan.com/2009/03/end-o-winter-picnic.html] We add some diced green olives and dill and enjoy eating it all week long.
That looks great!
Hey! Isn’t it the best? I also eat it right out of the container. It’s so good. I’ve been known to buy about 5 lbs at once from the Whole Foods in Montclair. I’m not 100% positive that this is Gardein or not (maybe they can shed some light?), but it tastes like it.
YUM!