Grilled Tofu and Asparagus Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Grilled tofu and asparagus salad with balsamic dressing is a light and refreshing salad that's perfect for summer. The tofu is grilled until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the asparagus is blanched until tender-crisp. The balsamic dressing is tangy and flavorful, and it brings all the flavors of the salad together.

This recipe was inspired by a salad I had at a restaurant in New York City. The salad was so good that I couldn't stop thinking about it, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. I experimented with different ingredients and proportions until I came up with a salad that was just as good as the one I had at the restaurant. I've been making this salad for years now, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and brush with olive oil.
3. Grill the tofu for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Remove the tofu from the grill and let cool slightly.
5. While the tofu is grilling, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
6. Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
7. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
8. Add the grilled tofu, asparagus, and basil to the bowl and toss to coat.

Why It Works

• Grilling the tofu gives it a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
• Blanching the asparagus helps to preserve its鮮豔綠色and crisp texture.
• The balsamic dressing is tangy and flavorful, and it brings all the flavors of the salad together.