Tofu & Broccoli Salad

Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the art of fusion and the symphony of flavors—the Tofu & Broccoli Salad. With its delicate balance of textures and the marriage of bold tastes, this dish stands as a testament to the culinary magic that can be achieved with simple ingredients. As we delve into the realm of plant-based goodness, let the fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and the crispy satisfaction of fried tofu captivate your senses.

Gluten Free,Taster Favorite,Vegetarian

Elevate your dining experience with our Tofu & Broccoli Salad—a symphony of flavors that artfully blends fresh greens, the creaminess of tofu, and the crunch of almonds. This vegetarian delight holds within its layers the essence of Asian cuisine, the goodness of plant-based nutrition, and the pleasure of a well-rounded meal.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cooking Time: 17–20 minutes
Total Time: 67–70 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

Broccoli Salad

• 4 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup red onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup raisins or dried cherries
• ¾ cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup Asian-style salad dressing

Tofu

• 4 ounces extra firm tofu
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The journey begins by ensuring perfectly fried tofu. Lay several folded paper towels on a plate, gently placing the tofu atop them. Cover the tofu with another layer of folded paper towel and position another plate on top. Weigh it down with heavy items like canned goods, allowing the tofu to drain for 30 minutes.
2. As the tofu drains, move on to crafting the Broccoli Salad. In a large bowl, combine the fresh broccoli, red onion, raisins or dried cherries, sliced almonds, and the Asian-style salad dressing. Toss the ingredients well, cover the bowl, and let the flavors mingle as the tofu prepares.
3. Once the tofu is well-drained, cut it into small cubes approximately ¼-inch thick. Sprinkle both sides of the tofu cubes with the smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt.
4. To create the perfect crispy coating, place cornstarch in a small plastic bag, add the tofu cubes, and shake vigorously until the cubes are evenly coated.
5. Now, introduce the tofu to the olive oil. Place the olive oil in another small plastic bag, add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes, and shake the bag to ensure the cubes are coated evenly.
6. Enter the air fryer. Cook the tofu cubes at 330°F for 17 to 20 minutes, or until they achieve the desired level of crispiness.
7. The grand finale is upon us. Before serving, give the chilled Broccoli Salad a hearty stir, ensuring all the components are well-mingled. Divide the refreshing salad among four plates, and crown each portion with the tantalizing fried tofu cubes.

TIP: For an enhanced flavor experience, we recommend using Newman’s Own Sesame Ginger Dressing for this recipe.

With the final flourish of assembling our Tofu & Broccoli Salad, you’re embracing a culinary journey that intertwines plant-based nourishment with gourmet pleasure. This salad embodies the philosophy that vegetarian delights can be as satisfying and flavorful as any dish. From the crispy tofu that’s been meticulously prepared to the refreshing crunch of broccoli and almonds, each bite is an exploration of textures and a celebration of taste. As you savor the bold Asian-inspired dressing and the seasoned, perfectly fried tofu, you’re embracing the joys of a well-balanced, vegetarian culinary masterpiece.