What is the best tofu to use for salads?

For the best texture, use tofu that is as firm as possible. Super Firm tofu is the firmest variety available and does not crumble as easily as other types of tofu, which will help maintain its shape as it cooks. In addition, super firm tofu contains more protein per serving than other types, which can help you meet your daily protein requirements.

Why should you grill Romaine lettuce?

Grilling your lettuce helps enhance the flavor and texture of your lettuce. You still get that crispy lettuce texture while also getting bites that are caramelized and smoky in flavor.

How do you wash Romaine lettuce before grilling?

Cut your Romaine into half length wise and run it under cold water. Place the Romaine cut side down on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry.

How can you make Caesar Salad healthier?

I took the traditional elements of a normal Caesar salad and kept in mind that I wanted to add more nutrition and not just take away ingredients. So you will notice with this preparation that we are using tofu croutons instead of normal croutons for more protein. I also swapped the mayo for tahini to add more fiber and reduce the saturated fat of the dressing to make it more heart healthy.

Grilled Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Tofu Croutons

Description

This Grilled Vegan Caesar Salad is crisp, savory and topped with crispy tofu croutons for an added hit of protein. Top with the flavorful creamy Caesar dressing and use to impress at your next summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu Croutons

1 (454g) package of Nasoya Super Firm Tofu, cut into cubes
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

1/3 cup good quality tahini
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Juice and zest of 1/2 a large lemon
2 tsp capers + 2 tbsp of juice from the caper jar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, optional
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 cup cold water

Grilled Romaine Lettuce

3 heads Romaine lettuce heads, cut in half lengthwise
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of half a large lemon
1 clove garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

For the tofu: Place your cubed tofu in a medium sized mixing bowl. Top the tofu with the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. Give the tofu a toss to coat and place in your air fryer to bake at 390F for 17 minutes until browned and crispy.
Prepare the Caesar dressing: To a bowl or large measuring cup add in the tahini, garlic, lemon juice and zest, capers and caper juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and nutritional yeast and whisk together to combine. When the dressing starts to thicken, slowly whisk in the water until the dressing is your desired consistency.
Grill the Romaine Lettuce: To a small bowl combine the olive oil, zest, juice, garlic and a few cracks of salt and pepper and mix well. Brush this oil mixture overtop the cut side of the Romaine head and bring to a preheated grill. Place the Romaine cut side down on the grill and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottoms are browned or appear to develop grill marks. Remove the lettuce and set aside on a platter to assemble your salad.
Assemble: Use 1/2 a head of lettuce per serving and plate it with a generous serving of the dressing and top with the tofu croutons. Adjust and add more salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Notes

Dry your Romaine well before grilling. After washing the lettuce, flip the romaine cut side down on a clean kitchen towel and pat as dry as possible. This will prevent your lettuce from steaming when placed on the grill.

Pay attention while grilling. Your Romaine lettuce should not be on the grill longer than 2 minutes or it will wilt and lose it’s crispiness.

Make sure you are layering flavor. Make sure you are seasoning your greens just as well as your dressing and tofu. And I always encourage to season as you go, so if you need more salt, garlic or lemon juice, add to your preference.

If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake your tofu in an oven to crisp it up.