Recipe: Asian Tofu Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

ASIAN TOFU SALAD

"The best thing about tofu besides its nutritional value is the way it carries other flavors, such as the tanginess of this sesame dressing. Serve this warm salad with crunchy breadsticks and a tall glass of iced jasmine tea."

FOR THE DRESSING:
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR THE SALAD:
1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm, water-packed tofu, rinsed, patted dry and cut into 1-inch cubes
8 cups mixed salad greens
2 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 large cucumber, chopped

Whisk canola oil, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and salt in a bowl.

Place tofu and 2 tablespoons of the dressing in a large nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes total. Remove from the heat, add 1 tablespoon of the dressing to the pan and stir to coat.

Toss greens, carrots and cucumber with the remaining dressing. Serve immediately, topped with the warm tofu.

TO MAKE AHEAD:
The dressing (Step 1) will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Whisk just before using.

Makes 4 servings
Source: The Eating Well Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook by Jim Romanoff and The Editors of Eating Well