Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious? Dive into our Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Baked Tofu, a delightful fusion of crisp greens and zesty flavors that will elevate your meal to new heights! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 40 minutes, you can whip up this wholesome dish in no time. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the perfect balance of crunchy veggies and golden, lemon-infused tofu that’s both satisfying and guilt-free!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups spring mix salad greens
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the tofu bakes evenly and becomes crispy.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the tofu. Start by pressing the block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top, such as a cast-iron skillet, for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the tofu cubes gently until they are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Spread the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tofu for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown.
- While the tofu is baking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, add 4 cups of spring mix salad greens.
- Next, add 1/4 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of sliced cucumber to the bowl with the greens.
- Once the tofu is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Top the salad with the baked tofu cubes. If desired, drizzle additional olive oil and lemon juice over the salad for extra flavor.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the tofu is evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy your fresh and delicious Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Baked Tofu!
Tips
- Pressing the Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture from the tofu helps it absorb the marinade better and results in a crispier texture once baked.
- Marinating Time: For even more flavor, let the tofu marinate for a bit longer if you have the time. A 30-minute soak in the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices will enhance the taste.
- Even Cooking: Make sure to flip the tofu cubes halfway through baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown color on all sides.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables or your favorite toppings such as avocado, nuts, or seeds to make the salad even more filling and nutritious.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad immediately after tossing to keep the greens fresh and crisp. If you're making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover salad and tofu separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tofu can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold in future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
