Summer Smoky Tofu Lettuce Tomato (Printable)
Vibrant summer bowl with smoky tofu, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy lemon dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
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
# How to Make:
01 - Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2 inch thick slices or cubes.
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, and cucumber.
05 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
06 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
07 - Top the salad with warm smoky tofu pieces.
08 - Sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The smoky tofu gives you that satisfying grilled flavor without firing up the barbecue or heating up your kitchen
- Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time for summer adventures
- Each bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by creamy coolness, making it feel like restaurant quality without the fuss
02 -
- Don't skip pressing the tofu, because waterlogged tofu will steam instead of sear, giving you a completely different texture that's soft instead of satisfyingly crisp
- Let the tofu cook undisturbed in the pan, as constantly flipping or moving it around prevents that golden crust from forming
- Warm tofu on cold salad is intentional here, creating that lovely temperature contrast that makes each bite more interesting
03 -
- Marinate the spiced tofu for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the smoky flavor throughout
- Save some fresh herbs to scatter over the top just before serving for maximum aroma and visual appeal