Description
This meal is the perfect mix of textures: creamy avocado, crispy umami tofu, fresh apples, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and sweet dried cranberries. The tangy turmeric dressing wakes those flavors up, making it very satisfying. Easy to assemble and prepare ahead, it will be your go-to meal when you need to fuel your body with good nutrients!
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 1 block firm tofu
- 3 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
For the Salad:
- 4 cups kale
- 1 apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1⁄4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 ripe avocado
For the Dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1⁄2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 freshly grated garlic cloves
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, if possible)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the tofu into small shreds. Toss in the soy sauce, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar mixture. Spread on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Massage the kale with a pinch of salt until softened.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add the apple -sliced, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and avocado to the kale. Toss with the dressing.
- Top the salad with crispy tofu and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
Don’t like tofu? You could swap the protein. Tempeh has a nuttier flavor and pairs well with the marinade. Roasted chickpeas with the same seasoning could be a snack on their own. Ground turkey or chicken could substitute the tofu; marinate the meat in the sauce before cooking in a hot pan with oil.
You can also experiment with different fruits and vegetables. Swap apples for pears or berries to boost the antioxidants in this dish. Use pomegranate seeds for a burst of tart sweetness.
Add roasted vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes and serve them warm. Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and olive oil can add a savory umami boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: half plate
- Calories: 759 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 133 mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 0g
