Tofu Taco Salad

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What a month. Actually, scratch that — what a YEAR. I’ve been running at full-speed ahead since January and I think my body has finally caught up to all of it. I finally know what the expression “bone-tired” actually feels like. Every ounce of me is so exhausted that I’m starting to get physically sick.

tofu taco salad

However, that has changed a little. I got out of dodge this past weekend and spent as much time as possible sleeping, relaxing on the beach and disconnecting from the stresses of my real life. I finally had a weekend where i didn’t have any deadlines, deliverables or work to get through – and I took full and complete advantage of that.

ingredients

I also cooked. Remember when I used to do that frequently? Remember when I used to make delicious dishes and share them here on the blog every day? Me too. Sort of. My life has been such a blur of long days & late nights, I don’t remember the last time I cooked for blogging purposes. Not only am I usually too drained to cook something inspiring after I get home on weekdays, my weekends are so busy with chores, friends and husband that I don’t have a second to make something.

crispy taco salad

But friends, the times? They are-a-changin’. My schedule is becoming more manageable and a heck of a lot less stressful, and blogging is finally becoming something I can actually take on with excitement once again. I’m not sure if its going to be daily, weekly, or just a few times a month, but something will happen on this little space here.

tofu taco salad2

Since I spent the weekend in the sun, drinking all of the wine and actually relaxing, I didn’t get this salad up in time for Memorial Day. However, it doesn’t matter because this is easily one of my new favorite salads because it’s so jam-packed with fantastic flavors; like zesty lime juice, Mexican seasoning, crushed red pepper, creamy avocado, ripe and juicy tomatoes and crunchy tortilla bits.

ingredients2

Not only is this the perfect accompaniment to your burgers, brats and hotdogs, it’s an amazing standalone salad for an entree too!

Spicy Tofu Taco Salad

Plus. this awesome salad is the perfect dish for any hot summer day where all you want is something light & fresh that reminds you of a Mexican getaway.

Tofu Taco Salad

crispy tofu tortilla salad

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Serves about 4.
Prep time: 10 – 15 minutes
Cook time: About 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients: 

For the salad:

  • 1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped orange and yellow bell peppers
  • 4 cups baby arugula
  • 2 cups chopped on-the-vine tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onion
  • 1 cup chopped tortilla chips
  • 1 large avocado, pitted and chopped

For the tofu:

  • 1 package extra firm tofu, pressed and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

For the dressing:

  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon fat free sour cream
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon fat free mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • 1 large green onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 large canned chipotle chili, chopped

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large 9 x 13 pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Toss the tofu with olive oil, Mexican seasoning, salt and pepper. Bake the tofu for about 30 – 35 minutes, or until crispy, stopping to flip about 17 minutes in.
  2. To make the dressing, mix the sour cream, mayo, ranch seasoning, green onion, lime juice and chipotle chili together. Stir to combine. Cover with foil and chill for at least an hour.
  3. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Mix in the onion and cook about 2 minutes. Toss in the garlic, peppers and jalapeños. Saute the vegetables until soft and fragrant, about 4 – 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the arugula, tomatoes, cilantro and green onion. Mix in the cooked vegetables, cheese and tortilla chips. Top with chopped avocado and crispy baked tofu.
  5. Toss the salad with dressing and serve immediately!

amazing tofu salad

Nutritional information per serving: 

Calories: 379.5
Fat: 14 grams
Carbohydrates: 22.75 grams
Fiber: 4.5 grams
Protein: 21.75 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 8

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Comments

  1. Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
    this is just wonderful idea for a salad...im glad you are able to take some time to relax :)
  2. Posted by Brenda@sugarfreemom on
    Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
    I hope you can slow down and enjoy the ride, it seems you are always on the go and I can relate to that! This salad looks fantastic!
  3. Posted by Paula - bell'alimento on
    Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
    Love how you've lightened up a taco salad!
  4. Posted by heather | girlichef on
    Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
    I'm glad things are settling down a bit for you. This taco salad sounds fantastic, I love that you used tofu...such great textures and tastes in here!
  5. Posted by Ginny McMeans on
    Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
    So good to see you again. This salad really does look like it is jam-packed with fantastic flavors. Thanks so much.
  6. Posted by Cookin Canuck on
    Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
    It sounds as though you had a wonderful weekend. We all need to take some time to recharge! And this salad...oh yes!
  7. Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
    Hooray! Good for you for actually taking time to relax and recharge. I don't care how often you cook and post here on your blog--just so long as you do!
  8. Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
    So glad your schedule is calming down...especially if it means we'll see more delicious salads like this one!
  9. Posted by Rose | The Clean Dish on
    Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
    I could use a weekend of just relaxing! Tofu taco salad -- yum!! What a treat!
  10. Thursday, May 28th, 2015
    So glad that life is becoming less stressful for you and that you're able to relax a tiny bit! Beautiful taco salad, girl!
  11. Posted by Isabelle @ Crumb on
    Thursday, May 28th, 2015
    Now this is totally my kind of salad! I'm not a fan of boring lettuce-and-dressing salads... but I will happily dive into a big bowl full of different colours and textures and flavours any day of the week! Love how the tofu adds enough protein to make this into a meal.
  12. Saturday, May 30th, 2015
    Recharging your batteries is the best! Good luck trying to balance it all...Its not easy! I have never tasted tofu however the salad sounds delicious!