When it comes to salads, I believe they should always be a main dish rather than just a side. That's why I love creating hearty salads packed with wholesome ingredients that will fill you up and keep you satisfied. One of my favorite salad recipes is the smoked tofu salad, which features crispy barbecue tofu, vegan ranch dressing, and a rainbow of vegetables. In this article, I will share with you how to make this delicious salad, the best tofu to use, and some variations you can try.
What is Tofu Salad Made of?
The tofu salad recipe I've created is a vegan version of a BBQ chicken salad. Instead of chicken, tofu is used as a substitute. The salad features lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, chickpeas, and cilantro. The key to making this salad flavorful is the barbecue sauce, which adds a smoky and tangy taste to the tofu. To bring it all together, a homemade vegan ranch dressing made from vegan yogurt and a few other ingredients is used.
Choosing the Right Tofu for Salad
When it comes to tofu, firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this salad. Look for Chinese-style tofu, which is usually sold in plastic packaging in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Avoid using Japanese silken tofu, which is sold in a tetra pak. If you're new to tofu, it's understandable that the different types and their uses can be confusing. For more information on tofu and helpful tips and recipes, check out my Tofu For Beginners post.
Preparing Tofu for Salad
There are different opinions on the right way to prepare tofu, but for this salad, I prefer a simple method. Start by draining the tofu and giving it a few good squeezes to remove excess water. You can also press the tofu if you prefer a firmer texture. To do this, slice the tofu, place the slices between paper towels, cover with kitchen towels, and place something heavy on top. However, I find that squeezing out the water is sufficient for this recipe.
Next, dice the tofu into cubes and coat them in cornstarch. This will give the tofu a crispy coating when fried. Fry the tofu until the cornstarch coating is crispy and golden brown. Finally, add barbecue sauce to the tofu in the pan and toss to coat well, adding a delicious flavor to the tofu.
Customizing Your Tofu Salad
Like any salad, you can customize the ingredients of your smoked tofu salad based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are the ingredients I like to include:
- Lettuce: Any type of lettuce works well, such as gem lettuce, romaine, or iceberg.
- Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu, avoiding silken tofu.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes.
- Cucumber: Adds a crisp texture and juiciness to the salad.
- Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness to the salad.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and pairs well with the barbecue tofu.
- Chickpeas: Makes the salad heartier and adds protein.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness to the salad, but can be omitted if not a fan.
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite vegan barbecue sauce for flavoring the tofu.
- Vegan ranch dressing: You can use store-bought vegan ranch dressing or make your own using vegan yogurt.
- Cornstarch: Used to coat the tofu for crispiness.
Making the Vegan Ranch Dressing
If you can't find vegan ranch dressing in stores or prefer to make your own, I've included a simple recipe for vegan ranch dressing. The base of this dressing is unsweetened vegan yogurt, which provides a slightly sour taste without the need for additional lemon or vinegar. I recommend using soy yogurt as it tends to be the thickest and has the most neutral flavor. After adding spices and seasonings, the soy flavor is not noticeable. To make the dressing creamy, a few tablespoons of vegan mayo are added. This homemade vegan ranch dressing is healthier than store-bought options and other recipes that use mayo or cashews.
Putting It All Together
To make the smoked tofu salad, start by preparing the dressing to allow the flavors to meld. In a medium bowl, combine vegan yogurt, mayo, garlic and onion powder, fresh parsley, dried dill, chives, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
Chop up all your vegetables and drain and rinse the chickpeas. Prepare the tofu last so that it remains crispy. Squeeze out any excess water from the tofu, dice it up, and coat it in cornstarch. Fry the tofu until crispy and golden brown. Finally, add the barbecue sauce to the tofu and stir well to coat.
Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Add a splash or two of unsweetened plant-based milk to the ranch dressing to achieve a pourable consistency just before serving. This prevents the dressing from becoming too thick. Dress the salad with the ranch dressing and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the tofu if you prefer. However, keep in mind that baking may cause the tofu to dry out and have a cardboard-like texture. If you're not a fan of frying, you can try a baked tofu recipe instead.
Are there any variations I can try with this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your own twist to the salad. You can swap out the chickpeas for black beans, add corn or grated carrots, or include tortilla strips and vegan cheddar for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, keep in mind that the tofu may lose some of its crispiness as it sits. It's best to wait and slice the avocado just before serving to prevent it from turning brown. Additionally, store the dressing separately from the salad if you plan on having leftovers.
How should I store the salad?
As these are fresh vegetables, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you have leftover salad, it's best not to dress the entire salad but rather store the dressing separately.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy smoked tofu salad as a satisfying main dish or as a side. It's a perfect option for vegans or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. With its flavorful barbecue tofu, crunchy vegetables, and creamy vegan ranch dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.
If you want to know other articles similar to Delicious smoked tofu salad: healthy vegan option you can visit the Salads category.
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