Vegetarian Turmeric-Ginger Crispy Tofu Kale Salad
This salad is a serious showstopper — golden, spice-crusted tofu sitting on top of a heap of massaged kale, shredded purple cabbage, and sweet carrots, all pulled together by a creamy tahini-lemon dressing with a bright kick of fresh ginger. The trick to getting that satisfying crunch is pressing the tofu well and letting it sit undisturbed in a hot skillet, which builds a deep golden crust that holds up beautifully against the bold dressing. Speaking of that dressing — tahini, lemon juice, honey, and two hits of ginger and turmeric make it tangy, nutty, and just a little warming in the best possible way. Massaging the kale with a portion of the dressing before adding the other vegetables is a small step that makes a huge difference, softening the leaves and coaxing out a richer, deeper flavor. Pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch throughout, and a handful of fresh cilantro on top ties everything together with a pop of brightness. This is the kind of plant-forward meal that genuinely leaves you full and energized rather than reaching for something else an hour later.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2–3 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale (about 8 cups), stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup dry-roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Press the tofu: wrap the block in several layers of paper towels, set it on a cutting board, and place a heavy skillet on top for 10 minutes. Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
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