Santa Fe Salad

Here in Florida, we are enjoying lovely weather. Yesterday it was in the 80’s, and today we are in the upper 70’s. It is the perfect time to make this delicious Santa Fe Salad.

Santa Fe Salad is so easy to make! It is perfect for those busy weeknights when you have had a long and hard day at work, and you are really not in the mood to make a 3-course meal.

This dish will not only save you time, but it will also be a family favorite.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF  INGREDIENTS, SCROLL TO SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END. BUT BEFORE YOU SCROLL CHECK IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BLURB.

Originally published February 21st, 2018.

Santa Fe Salad

I must say, it was quite a filling, yet leaves you feeling refreshed and energized. The lime dressing was bursting with flavors and it really took this salad to the next level.

Try this deliciously seasoned tofu, served with black beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado, and bell pepper, on a bed of lettuce leaves, and drizzled with a lime dressing, for a healthy gluten-free, vegan treat!

Also try my Southwest Quinoa Salad, Southwest Salad, and Black Bean Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing.

What Is Tofu Made Of?

Tofu is made from soybeans, like other products such as tempeh. But unlike tempeh, it is made from soy milk, not the whole soybean. In an oversimplified explanation, basically an agent is added to coagulate soy milk into a semi solid consistency, which is then pressed for varying lengths of time depending on the textural end result desired.

Tofu Nutrition Facts

Tofu is the superstar vegan food that everyone loves or loves to hate. It has earned itself a reputation, and rightfully so, because it is truly an amazing food. It lends itself to a variety of dishes, serving as a base for sauce, an egg substitute, a sandwich filling, a salad addition, and the list goes on. 

If you are wondering why vegans love to shove tofu in everything they can, here’s why: It’s a complete protein! When all of your skeptical family and friends ask you where you’ll get your protein from, you can now give them a one word answer. Of course, as we know, there are FAR more sources, but tofu is such a good one.

Tofu isn’t a one trick wonder, and is also a great source for many minerals. Some choices are calcium, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc. All this, with a modest amount of fat, in one versatile package.

The unassuming superstar ingredient does all this while being low in calorie, making it quite nutrient dense. All of these reasons, and more, are why you can always find a few blocks of tofu hidden away in my fridge.

Is Tofu Keto?

One serving of tofu has two grams of carbs, one of which is fiber. As aforementioned, it also has a very high protein content. This makes tofu a good base for a meal that will help you to stay full and keep full. With its nutritional content, tofu is a perfect food candidate for those on a keto diet.

How To Prepare Tofu?

A big difference in your preparation process will depend on if you use extra-firm or super-firm tofu. With super-firm tofu, you will save yourself the task of having to squeeze the tofu beforehand.

However, it can be harder to find, or pricier. Near me, I can find super firm tofu at Publix, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s, so check similar stores near you.

It is important to note that silken or firm tofu will not be suitable for this recipe. Silken tofu will practically turn to mush in your hands before you can even slice it, and instead lends itself to creamy sauces and desserts.

Firm tofu is still not quite what you’ll need, and will crumble to pieces when manhandled. It also has an undesirably soft texture when eaten, and is the reason why many people are scared to try tofu.

If you don’t have super-firm tofu then you will need to drain the tofu. Do this by wrapping the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing something heavy on top, such as pot or books, and let the tofu drain excess liquid for bout 20 minutes.

If you find that the firmest tofu available to you is still too soft for your liking, an old method of mine is to freeze it. When the tofu is frozen and defrosted, the texture becomes firmer and spongier.

Tofu Marinade

• Extra-Firm Tofu
• Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
• Ground Cumin
• Onion Powder
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Dried Oregano
• Cayenne Pepper
• Olive Oil

Santa Fe Salad Recipe

• Romaine Lettuce
• Black Beans
• Avocado
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Sweet Corn Kernels
• Red Bell Pepper
• Red Onion
• Cilantro

Lime Dressing Recipe

• Lime
• Olive Oil
• Maple Syrup
• Ground Cumin
• Green Onion
• Garlic 
• Salt

How To Make Santa Fe Salad?

This tofu salad is very adaptable, you can substitute the tofu for my Cauliflower Nuggets, and you can substitute the vegetables for your personal favorite.

Also, how about substituting the lime dressing for my Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing? Such an explosion of flavors in every bite!

I used Trader Joes or Wildwood super firm high protein tofu for the best firm tofu, they are so firm that you don’t have to press the tofu.

1. Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl. Toss them with Bragg’s liquid aminos, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes, and cook until brown and crispy on all sides. Turn off the heat.
3. To make the dressing, mix lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, green onions, garlic, and salt in a bowl or jar.
4. To assemble, place chopped lettuce on the base of the serving platter. Top with black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime dressing right before serving. Enjoy!

Where To Find Tofu Near Me?

Tofu used to be something only found in expensive health food stores or Whole Foods, but not so much anymore. I have had great success finding tofu everywhere I go, even in small town grocery stores.

For the best selection, I do recommend chains such as Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, etc., specialty stores such as Whole Foods, and of course local markets and health food stores.

Other Delicious Tofu Recipes

• Tofu Meatballs
• Tofu Steaks With Avocado Chimichurri
• Jerk Tofu
• Zucchini Bell Pepper And Tofu Quiche
• Spinach Tofu Salad

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