Salad with Steak or Tofu
If I were ranking all of the salads I have experienced, this one would be at the top. You must try it.
Servings: 2
Note: If you are cooking for a particular style of eating, please check all of your ingredients carefully.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing (or used a light purchased dressing)
- 1/2 tablespoon champagne vinegar or other light vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon agave nectar or honey
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon salt
Marinade (or used purchased marinade)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon aged (18 month) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon salt
Protein Options (choose one)
- 2 steaks
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu (drained–see note following recipe)
Salad Ingredients
- 2-3 cups arugula or other greens
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes cut in half
- 1 roasted beet
- 1 orange (peeled)
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons pine nuts (or try pistachios or pepitas)
Instructions
Marinate the protein
- Mix marinade ingredients.
- If using tofu, slice into 12 slices and rub with marinade.

- If using steak, rub with marinade.

- Marinate for about an hour.
Salad
- Mix salad dressing ingredients and toss with arugula.

- Place arugula on plates. Cut beets and oranges into bite-sized pieces. Arrange tomatoes, beets, oranges, pomegranate seeds and nuts or seeds on plate.

- If using tofu, fry tofu in oil.

- If using steak, cook to your liking.

- If using tofu, arrange tofu on top of salad.

- If using steak, place steak on top of salad.

Notes
Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.ย For the salad dressing, my sweet spot is 1/4 t. pepper and 1/16 t. salt.ย For the marinade, 1/4 t. pepper and 1/8 t. salt.
I like to add a bit of sweetener to soften the taste of the vinegar. You may want to omit the sweetener or adjust the amount, depending on your preference.
If using tofu, this recipe will make more than you need. Use the leftover tofu within a couple of days. Heat by frying briefly on each side in an oiled skillet.
I like to use an 18-year balsamic for the mellow flavor. You can use what you have on hand and adjust the sweetener to your liking.
I think the pomegranate is a star of this show, but I also think this salad would be great with strawberries or raspberries.
When draining the tofu, you will want to squeeze out excess water. Before slicing, wrap the tofu in paper towel or a clean cloth towel and place a heavy object on top, such as a cast iron frying pan. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.



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