This BBQ jackfruit topped southwest salad is the BEST jackfruit salad recipe I have tried. Tangy BBQ sauce, shredded jackfruit, and the most flavorful homemade avocado ranch recipe.
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This plant-based jackfruit salad recipe is everything a vegan meal should be. Loaded with a rainbow of veggies, filling, and bursting with flavors.
Jackfruit is a fruit from Southeast Asia that has become a versatile plant-based meat substitute. Often likened to pulled pork, jackfruit can be used on salads, in tacos, or on sandwiches.
If you haven't tried jackfruit now is your chance! It can now be found in most grocery stores, either canned or frozen.
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🧾Ingredient Notes
This might seem like a long list of ingredients, but that is just how salads are. Well, at least the good ones.
Lots of veggies and a homemade avocado ranch dressing has 100% pantry staples (minus the avocado, of course).
- Jackfruit- My go-to source for jackfruit is Trader Joe's. Their canned jackfruit is easy to work with. But you can use any brand, brined or not. Canned or frozen. Jackfruit is great to work with because it is so forgiving.
- BBQ Sauce- I think my homemade BBQ sauce is the way to go. But get creative and try a Korean BBQ sauce or even a yellow BBQ Sauce.
Southwest Salad
This is our favorite combo of veggies but play around and use what you have on hand.
- Romaine lettuce
- Purple Cabbage
- Carrots
- Red Bell Pepper
- Canned Black Beans
- Scallions
- Corn
- Tomatoes
Avocado Ranch DressingDressing IngredientsAvocado Ranch Dressing
No salad is complete without a stunning dressing. You can use a storebought dressing, but I promise mine is easy to make. And if you want to try something different check out this avocado-lime dressing.
- Avocado
- Apple Cider Vinegar- You can substitute other vinegar like champagne or red wine vinegar.
- Dried Herbs- Parsley, chives, and dill are the herbs of choice. You can also make this with fresh herbs if you like.
- Seasonings- The classic combo of garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper
- Plant-Based Milk- Almond was my milk of choice for this salad dressing. However, other vegan plant-based milk will work. Make sure it is plain and unsweetened. You can also use vegan mayonnaise if you prefer.
⏲️How to Make a Vegan Jackfruit Salad
The entire salad and dressing can be made while the jackfruit is baking so you start on the jackfruit first.
Make the Jackfruit
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain the jackfruit if it is in a brine and give it a rinse.
Then add the jackfruit and BBQ sauce directly to the baking dish. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
The jackfruit needs to bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the jackfruit pulls apart easily.
Allow the jackfruit to cool slightly then shred with two forks. Just like pulled pork.
Make the Dressing
While the jackfruit is baking, you are going to get this vegan avocado ranch dressing going. All the ingredients, minus the milk, go in a blender. Give it a whirl to break up the avocado and distribute the herbs.
With the blender on high, slowly drizzle in the milk until you get the consistency you prefer.
Assemble the Salad
Salad assembly can be done on a big platter or individual plates. Layout the veggies artfully or just toss them all together. Your call.
Top the salads with the prepared jackfruit and drizzle with the avocado ranch dressing. Bon appetit!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- The jackfruit can be eaten warm or cold, making this recipe perfect for meal prep lunches.
- Dining solo? Use the leftover jackfruit for a vegan BBQ pulled pork sandwich. I recommend topping it with my spicy slaw.
- If your jackfruit doesn't cook in 15 minutes, add a bit of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
🥗More Vegan Salad Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Southwest Shredded Jackfruit Salad
Ingredients
BBQ Jackfruit
- jackfruit canned or frozen
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Southwest Salad
- 2 small heads romaine lettuce (or 1 large) chopped
- 1½ cup purple cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup scallion
- 1½ cup corn fresh or frozen, thawed
- 1 cup tomato chopped
Avocado Ranch Dressing (Dairy-Free)
- 1 avocado
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup almond milk, or other non-dairy milk
Instructions
BBQ Jackfruit
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small baking dish combine jackfruit and BBQ. Cover and bake for 15 minutes, or until the jackfruit pulls apart easily.jackfruit, 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Allow the jackfruit to cool slightly then shred with two forks.
Avocado Ranch Dressing (Dairy-Free)
- While the jackfruit is baking, add the avocado, spices, and vinegar to a blender. Blend for 30 seconds.
- Slowly drizzle in the milk, pausing to scrape down the sides if needed. Salt and pepper to taste.½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅓ cup almond milk, or other non-dairy milk, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad Assembly
- Divide the lettuce onto 4 plates, top with the remaining vegetables and beans.2 small heads romaine lettuce (or 1 large), 1½ cup purple cabbage, 1 cup carrots, 1 red bell pepper, ¼ cup scallion, 1½ cup corn, 1 cup tomato, 15 oz black beans
- Top the salads with the BBQ jackfruit and drizzle with the avocado ranch dressing.
Video
Notes
- Add more almond milk or water if you prefer a thinner dressing.
- Jackfruit salads are great for meal prep. Assemble the salads up to 4 days in advance. Keep the dressing in a separate airtight container until you are ready to serve.
Erica says
Perfect for work from home lunches. Great vegan meal prep recipe.
Jen says
Thanks for trying it out!