002: TACO SALAD BOWL

🌮 Taco Salad Bowl (Plant-Based) — The Sun Gatherer Scroll

Archetype: The Sun Gatherer — color, abundance, warm spice, crisp greens.

💡 Why This Works

Hot–cold contrast + crunchy–creamy texture = maximum satisfaction. Spiced tofu “taco crumble” brings savory depth; lime-cilantro dressing wakes everything up.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Total: 25–30 min
• Effort: Low (RPE 3/10)
• Gear: Air fryer (default) or skillet + bowl

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Smoky chipotle, sweet corn, bright lime, cool avocado — a sunny market in a bowl.

🥣 What It Is

Greens piled with chipotle-lime tofu crumble, black beans, roasted corn, pico, avocado, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. Optional tortilla crunch.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• Base: 5–6 cups mixed romaine + shredded cabbage
• Tofu Taco Crumble: 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu (pressed) • 1 tbsp oil • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 1 tsp soy/tamari • 1 tsp lime juice • 1 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/4 tsp chipotle powder • 1/2 tsp salt
• Beans & Corn: 1 cup black beans (rinsed) • 1 cup corn (thawed/fresh) • 1 tsp oil • pinch salt + paprika
• Fresh Toppers: 1 avocado (sliced) • 1 cup pico de gallo or chopped tomato + onion + cilantro • lime wedges • jalapeño (optional)
• Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing: 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt or cashew yogurt • 2 tbsp lime juice • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1/4 cup packed cilantro • 1/2 small garlic clove • 1/4 tsp salt • black pepper • splash water to thin
• Crunch (optional): crushed tortilla chips or toasted tortilla strips

✍️ Method

1. Make dressing: Blend or whisk yogurt, lime, oil, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper (+ water to thin). Chill.
2. Tofu crumble (air fryer): Crumble tofu into a bowl. Toss with oil, tomato paste, soy, lime, spices, salt. Air fry 375°F / 190°C for 10–12 min, shaking once, until browned at edges. Skillet: sauté 7–9 min medium-high.
3. Corn & beans: Toss corn with oil, salt, paprika. Air fry 6–8 min (or skillet 3–4 min) until lightly charred. Warm beans separately with a pinch of salt.
4. Build bowls: Greens down → tofu crumble → beans → corn → pico → avocado.
5. Finish: Spoon over dressing, add jalapeño + tortilla crunch, squeeze lime.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Extra protein: Add crispy chickpeas or quinoa.
• Milder: Swap chipotle powder for sweet paprika.
• Meal prep: Keep greens + dressing separate; combine just before eating.

📦 Storage

• Components 3 days refrigerated. Dress-to-serve for best crunch.

📜 Lore / Origin

A bowl built like a sun altar — grains, greens, and spice gathered into one bright offering.

🌺 Benefits

• Complete plant fuel: legumes + tofu + healthy fats
• High fiber: greens, beans, corn
• Big flavor, light lift: creamy dressing without heaviness

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture & Authenticity: 20/20
• Time & Cleanup: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Bright heat, cool crunch.