Summer Smoky Tofu Lettuce Tomato (Printable Version)
Vibrant summer salad with smoky tofu, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes for light lunches
# What You'll Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables
08 - 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
09 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced or chopped
10 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
12 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
→ Dressing
13 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
15 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
16 - 1 tsp maple syrup
17 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
18 - 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2 inch thick slices or cubes for even cooking.
02 - In a bowl, toss the tofu with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and lightly crisp. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado (if using), and cucumber.
05 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
06 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
07 - Top the salad with warm smoky tofu pieces, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Perfect for those sweltering summer days when cooking feels like a chore but you still want something satisfying
- The smoky tofu transforms what could be an ordinary salad into something crave worthy and substantial
02 -
- Do not skip pressing the tofu, I learned this the hard way when my first attempt turned out watery and would not crisp up at all
- Let the tofu cool for just a few minutes before adding it to the salad, this prevents the lettuce from wilting too quickly
03 -
- Double the spice rub and save half in a jar, it is incredible on roasted potatoes or stirred into hummus
- If you have time, marinate the spiced tofu for 30 minutes before cooking for even deeper flavor penetration