Quinoa Salad with Crispy Tofu Cubes and Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Quinoa Salad with Crispy Tofu Cubes and Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

  • 1 large sweet potato, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 (12 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 cups mixed greens with spinach
  • 1 cup bite-sized broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 7 leaves fresh basil, cut into strips, or more to taste
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  2. Toss sweet potato with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet; spread out in an even layer.
  3. Roast sweet potato in the preheated oven until soft, about 20 minutes.
  4. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low; stir in quinoa. Cover and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 30 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to cool.
  5. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Remove from heat; add tofu cubes. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a clean dish towel.
  6. Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Toss tofu cubes in flour mixture until evenly coated.
  7. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu cubes in 2 batches until browned, about 20 seconds per side.
  8. Place 3 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal and shake well to make dressing.
  9. Pour dressing into a large bowl. Add sweet potato, tofu cubes, avocado, mixed greens, broccoli, red bell pepper, capers, and basil; toss to combine.
  10. Divide quinoa among serving plates; top with sweet potato salad mixture.