Silken Tofu Salad with Balsamic Mushroom Dressing
Effortless & Satisfying: Create a Healthy Meal with Silken Tofu Salad
This silken tofu salad recipe offers a delightful combination of silky smooth tofu with a tangy and sweet balsamic mushroom dressing, making for a truly satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a light diet or as a convenient snack to curb hunger. The inherent mildness of the silken tofu is elevated by the flavorful mushroom sauté dressed in balsamic vinegar, complemented by fresh vegetables for a complete and wholesome meal. The preparation is incredibly simple, ensuring anyone can easily follow along.
Salad Ingredients- 1 block silken tofu
- 5 cherry tomatoes
- 3-4 leaves chicory
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely mince the onion that will be used for the dressing. Mincing the onion helps to release its sweetness and aroma more effectively into the dressing.
Step 2
Prepare the mushrooms. For the oyster mushrooms, remove the tough ends and gently tear them into thin strips. Slice the king oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Ensuring consistent thickness when tearing or slicing the mushrooms will help them cook evenly.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently over low heat to create fragrant garlic oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic; the key is to cook it until a subtle aroma is released.
Step 4
Once the garlic oil is fragrant, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté them together. Sprinkle a little black pepper for enhanced flavor. When the tomatoes are slightly softened and starting to burst, carefully transfer the sautéed garlic and tomatoes to a separate plate. These will be used as a topping for the salad.
Step 5
Using the same pan (or adding a little more olive oil if needed), add the minced onion and sauté until it turns golden brown and starts to caramelize. Stirring occasionally will help the onions cook evenly and develop a deeper sweetness and richer flavor.
Step 6
Once the onions are nicely browned, add the prepared king oyster mushrooms and oyster mushrooms to the pan. Sauté until the mushrooms have softened. Lightly season with herb salt and black pepper. Seasoning to enhance the umami of the mushrooms is sufficient.
Step 7
When the mushrooms are tender and well combined with the onions, pour in the balsamic vinegar. Let it simmer over medium heat until the sauce has reduced slightly and coats the ingredients, avoiding it being too watery. This creates a delicious mushroom balsamic dressing.
Step 8
Carefully remove the silken tofu from its packaging and gently invert it onto a serving plate, ensuring it maintains its shape. Drizzle a little olive oil over the smooth tofu and sprinkle with black pepper for added richness and appeal.
Step 9
Finally, arrange the fresh chicory around the silken tofu. Top with the sautéed cherry tomatoes and garlic, and generously spoon the finished mushroom balsamic dressing over everything. This completes your nutritious and delicious silken tofu salad, offering a satisfying and refreshing meal!
