Honey Dijon Tofu Salad
with barley / tomatoes
Entree salads are extra appealing as the weather gets warmer. Even though this salad is light and fresh, barley and sauteed tofu give it enough substance to stand on its own.
Smarts: Any grain will work here, so feel free to sub quinoa or farro for the barley.
Ingredients
- Tofu, extra-firm - 16 oz, 1/2" / 1.3 cm cubes (vacuum-packed preferable)
- Mustard, Dijon - 1 Tbsp
- Honey - 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar, red or white wine - 1 Tbsp
- Oil, olive - 4 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp
- Bread, sandwich - 2 slices, 2” / 5 cm cubes
- Oil, cooking - 1 Tbsp
- Barley, hulled and uncooked - 2/3 cup
- Celery - 2 stalks, sliced
- Tomatoes, cherry or grape - 1 cup, halved
- Spinach, baby - 8 oz
Nutrition Facts
Prep
-
Tofu - If tofu is packaged in water, press out liquid first, like in this video. Then slice into 1/2” / 1.3 cm thick cubes. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
-
Barley - (Skip if barley was made ahead for Tuesday.) Bring a saucepan of water to boil. Salt water generously and add barley. Cook for 45 to 55 minutes, until tender but not soggy. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
-
Make vinaigrette - If prepping right before cooking, get oven heating before continuing with prep. Whisk together mustard, honey, and vinegar. Add first portion of olive oil while whisking. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
-
Celery - Slice celery. (Can be done up to 4 days ahead)
-
Bread / Tomatoes - Prep as directed. Store separately. (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Unlock this meal along with hundreds of smart meal plans and never stress about "What's for dinner?" again
Try for freeLearn More
Make
-
Heat oven to 400F / 204C degrees.
-
Spread bread cubes out on a sheet pan. Drizzle with second portion of olive oil and season with some salt and pepper.
-
Toast until bread is golden and crisp, shaking pan halfway through cooking, 8 to 10 minutes.
-
Season tofu with some salt and pepper.
-
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add cooking oil and then tofu to heated oil. Sear tofu on all sides until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. In the last minute of cooking add 1 Tbsp / 15 mL of vinaigrette (for 4 servings; adjust if customizing).
-
If you’d like the barley warm, reheat in the microwave (you can also serve it at room temperature).
-
Assemble salad by topping spinach with barley, celery, tomatoes, croutons, and tofu. Add vinaigrette until dressed to your liking. Enjoy!