Tofu, Avocado, and Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing

Ingredients

Marinated Tofu:

-1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into small squares

-2 tbsp coconut aminos

-2 tbsp water

-3 cloves garlic, minced

-2 tsp sriracha (more or less to your preference)

-1 tsp sesame oil

Creamy Toasted Sesame & Soy Dressing:

-3-4 tbsp coconut aminos

-¼ cup raw cashews

-¼ cup water

-3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

-2 tbsp olive oil

-2 tsp coconut sugar

-2 tsp rice wine vinegar

Spinach, Avocado, and Marinated Tofu Salad

-8 large handfuls of baby spinach

-1 carrot, grated

-½ cucumber, halved and sliced

-½ red bell pepper, sliced

-1 ripe avocado, sliced

-2 stalks green onion, sliced thinly

-2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Toasted Sesame seeds

-Heat skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and cook, stirring often until golden-brown and fragrant. Do not leave unattended.

Marinated Tofu

-For optimal flavor, press tofu to draw out excess moisture.

-Combine marinade ingredients. Add cubed tofu. Stir to coat. Marinate for 1 hour (stirring halfway through). If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step.

-Baking Instructions: (Uses less oil, slower method) Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread tofu out in a single layer with no pieces touching. Top with remaining marinade. Bake for 20 minutes (or until tofu is crisp on the outside and tender inside.)

-Skillet Instructions: (Uses more oil, faster method) Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated tofu cubes (reserving excess marinade) and cook, turning tofu as needed, until all sides are golden-brown and crisp on all sides. Stir in remaining marinade and cook until marinade cooks down and coats the tofu.

-Chill tofu.

Creamy Toasted Sesame & Soy Dressing

-Set aside half of the sesame seeds. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add remaining sesame seeds and stir. Chill in refrigerator.

Assembling salad

-In a large bowl, add 2 handfuls of spinach. Top with grated carrot, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, avocado, and green onion. Add ¼ of the chilled marinated tofu. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with extra toasted sesame seeds.