Description
This delicious Nicoise Salad with Tofu is inspired by the traditional Mediterranean region of Nice, France—with a healthy, light vegan twist, thanks to the addition of herbal cubes of tofu, along with classic Niçoise Salad ingredients, such as potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, red onions, capers and a French vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Nicoise Salad:
- 3 medium red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, chopped into chunks (about 3 cups)
- 8 ounces fresh petite green beans (about 3 cups), fresh (may use frozen), trimmed
- 1 (16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained, cubed
- 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup olives, drained
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
French Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons herbes de Provence* (herb blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Put the potatoes into a medium pot and cover with water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add the green beans and cover. Simmer until the green beans are crisp-tender and bright green, and potatoes are tender yet intact, an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, herbes de Provence, black pepper, salt (if using) in a small bowl.
- Place the tofu in a rectangular container and pour half the vinaigrette over the tofu. Cover with a lid and turn over the container to distribute the dressing. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Arrange the romaine lettuce on a large platter.
- Arrange the cooled potatoes and green beans, marinated tofu, tomatoes, olives and capers over the lettuce.
- Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
*Herbes de Provence is an herb blend made out of fennel, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, savory, tarragon, basil, chervil, mint, and lavender. You can buy it at well stocked markets or online.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 227 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g