Thunderbird Salad, and a Giveaway from Tempt hemp products

This salad is a Midwestern one, originating in Omaha. I used to order it when I went out for dinner in Iowa, and after I went vegan, I craved it like crazy. The nonvegan salad has all kinds of things you don't need. This vegan version is plenty decadent on its own. It has all kinds of texture and richness. Avocado might be nice, and if you like Blue Scheese, you could top off this salad with that. Anyway, this is a photo I took some time ago, and if you are on the PPK it might look vaguely familiar, but you've never seen the recipe, and it's yummy, so enjoy.

Freeform Directions for Thunderbird Salad with Vegan Ranch and Herbed Croutons

Greens, per plate, torn up, as much as you like (I am going to recommend romaine, but you choose.)
Grape tomatoes, for garnish, not too many
Vegan bacon substitute, your choice (You want junky here.)
Sunflower seeds, a handful per plate
Chickpeas, rinsed, say a third of a can per plate

Layer these, toss on some croutons, and drizzle with delicious vegan ranch. Eat right away to avoid soggy lettuce.

Herbed Croutons

Baguette-style bread, store-bought or homemade, chopped into bite-size dice
Chives and or other herbs to lightly coat your bread
Garlic, minced, as much or as little as you like
Olive oil to coat the bread lightly

Bake at 350 for about ten minutes, until lightly browned.

Vegan Ranch

1/3 c. unsweetened soymilk curdled with one tsp. apple cider vinegar
½ c. Vegenaise
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder, or more to taste
½ tsp dried dill
1-2 tbsp chives

Let it sit to develop the flavors! If you can stand to wait an hour, it will be worth it. Double the recipe if you're serving more than a few people.

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Today's giveaway comes to you from the lovely people over at Living Harvest. They make Tempt hemp milk, hemp ice cream, and protein powders. They have generously provided me with two coupons, one for a free pint of ice cream, and one for a free container of hemp milk. I know I would be psyched to win either! The coupons do not say where they are valid, so enter if you can buy Tempt products where you live! To enter, tell me about your garden harvest, or tell me what tempts you, or tell me anything at all. I'll post the winners tomorrow following the day's giveaway.

The winner of yesterday's VCIYCJ giveaway is Chris! Congratulations! Please send your name and address to me at miso...@yahoo.com. (<---make sure to click on the . . . link for the rest of the email address. This is a spam avoidance thing.)