Calling all health-conscious foodies! Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with our tantalizing Quinoa Salad with Crispy Tofu Cubes and Lime Vinaigrette. This vibrant dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring fluffy quinoa, crispy tofu, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime vinaigrette that ties it all together. Bursting with plant-based protein, wholesome grains, and a refreshing citrusy tang, this salad is not just a meal – it's an experience.
In addition to the main recipe, we've included variations to cater to different dietary preferences and taste buds. For tofu lovers, the Crispy Tofu Cubes recipe provides step-by-step instructions for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior and tender, succulent interior. And for those seeking a vegan alternative, the Lime Vinaigrette recipe offers a dairy-free version that's just as tangy and flavorful.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process, ensuring success every time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing.
QUINOA SALAD
Quinoa, a "new" ingredient that has been around for thousands of years, is a tiny, high-protein grain from South America. It's nicknamed the "wonder grain" because it cooks more quickly than rice, is virtually foolproof, and is lighter and more nutritious than other grains.
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 40m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the quinoa, stir once, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, over medium heat for 12 minutes. Strain and rinse well with cold water, shaking the sieve well to remove all moisture.
- When dry, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl. Add the cucumbers, onion, tomato, parsley, mint, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and toss well. Spoon onto endive spears, top with avocado, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 319, Fat 20 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 467 milligrams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 7 grams, Sugar 4 grams
KALE AND QUINOA SALAD WITH TOFU AND MISO
A hearty base of kale, quinoa and crisp tofu give this easy salad enough bite to serve as a meal. Curly kale provides heft and holds up nicely to the sweet, sour and spicy dressing. Use your hands to massage the vinaigrette into the kale, and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize the sturdy greens. Finish the dish with a drizzle of sriracha and honey, but use a light touch: The point is to balance the heat and sweetness levels without overwhelming the delicate miso vinaigrette. If you like, double the dressing and refrigerate it for future use; it makes a fantastic dip for grilled chicken or pork, or a glaze to brush on salmon before broiling.
Provided by Corinne Trang
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, salads and dressings, vegetables, main course
Time 30m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa with 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and cook over medium-low until the water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, miso, mirin, sesame oil, 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil and 1/2 teaspoon sriracha. Stir in the ginger.
- Add the kale, massage it with the dressing and set aside to marinate. Spoon the cooked quinoa onto the kale and toss to coat.
- In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil over medium. When the oil shimmers, cook the tofu, turning occasionally, until crisp on all sides, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, then scatter it over the kale salad. Drizzle lightly with sriracha and honey and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 378, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 257 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
QUINOA SALAD WITH CRISPY TOFU CUBES AND LIME VINAIGRETTE
Had this salad at a restaurant in Minneapolis and had to make it the second I got home. It takes a bit of prep work, but definitely worth it!
Provided by paralee
Categories Vinaigrette Dressing
Time 1h43m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Toss sweet potato with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet; spread out in an even layer.
- Roast sweet potato in the preheated oven until soft, about 20 minutes.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low; stir in quinoa. Cover and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 30 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to cool.
- Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Remove from heat; add tofu cubes. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a clean dish towel.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Toss tofu cubes in flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu cubes in 2 batches until browned, about 20 seconds per side.
- Place 3 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal and shake well to make dressing.
- Pour dressing into a large bowl. Add sweet potato, tofu cubes, avocado, mixed greens, broccoli, red bell pepper, capers, and basil; toss to combine.
- Divide quinoa among serving plates; top with sweet potato salad mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 746.9 calories, Carbohydrate 69.3 g, Cholesterol 2.5 mg, Fat 46 g, Fiber 12.3 g, Protein 19.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 896.3 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
TOFU SALAD WITH QUINOA
This super easy tofu salad is both extremely nutritious and a quick throw-together main dish salad. Serve it in place of rice or pasta salad, but don't forget to make enough to take the leftovers for lunch the next day!
Provided by mercyp
Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, place a steamer basket into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add edamame, cover, and steam until tender, 2 to 6 minutes. Place edamame into a large bowl with tofu; add soy sauce and mustard. Mix in cooked quinoa and serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.4 calories, Carbohydrate 23.9 g, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 13 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 144.1 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
QUINOA VEGGIE SALAD WITH ZESTY VINAIGRETTE
Quinoa with various veggies and a zesty (and easy) vinaigrette that makes a wonderful salad dressing for any salad. I used one English cucumber instead of 2 normal cucumbers because we prefer the taste. Cook the quinoa with the water as you would normal rice (works in a rice cooker as well).
Provided by Randy Finger
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape the cooked quinoa into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
- Place the vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mustard into a blender. Drizzle in the oil while blending at high speed until the dressing is thick.
- Add the cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, tomato, and olives to the bowl with the quinoa. Pour the dressing overtop and gently fold until evenly mixed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Carbohydrate 21.2 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 370.9 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
Tips:
- Choose the right quinoa: There are many different types of quinoa available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. For this recipe, we recommend using a white or tri-color quinoa, as they have a mild flavor that will pair well with the other ingredients.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly: This will help to remove any bitter saponins that may be present on the quinoa. Simply place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water for 1-2 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions: Once the quinoa is rinsed, cook it according to the package directions. Be sure to use the correct ratio of water to quinoa, as this will affect the final texture of the salad.
- Prepare the tofu ahead of time: The tofu can be baked or pan-fried up to 2 days in advance. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the vegetables: This will help to ensure that the vegetables are evenly cut and that they cook evenly.
- Make the lime vinaigrette ahead of time: The vinaigrette can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
This quinoa salad with crispy tofu cubes and lime vinaigrette is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. The crispy tofu cubes add a nice bit of texture and flavor to the salad, and the lime vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch. This salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
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