broccoli "bacon" caesar pasta salad
You might perpetually add broccoli to your Caesar salads after experiencing this guy right here.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm or firm tofu
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb short-cut pasta
- 3 cups broccoli, chopped
- fresh basil and cracked black pepper, for serving
caesar dressing
- 3/4 cup vegan or regular mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp anchovy paste
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- Pat the tofu dry (no need to press if using a super firm variety). Slice into thin strips and carefully lay on the prepared baking sheet. Some might break, this is okay! Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Pour over the marinade and flip each tofu slice to coat; brush any loose marinade over the slices. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer the tofu to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tofu is very crisp. Some of the thinner slices will crisp faster, so start checking after 15 minutes. Let the tofu cool – it will continue to crisp up. I need to stop saying crisp so much. Once cool enough to handle, crumble about half of the tofu. You should get 1 cup of slices.
- While the tofu bacon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- Make the Caesar dressing. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, dijon, anchovy paste, garlic cloves, parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blitz until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the pasta, broccoli, and bacon pieces to a large bowl. Toss with about half of the Caesar dressing.
- Divide the pasta salad among bowls or plates. Top with additional tofu bacon, Caesar dressing, and fresh basil, as desired. Serve at room temperature or cold!