Friday, April 9, 2010

pasta salad with tofu & mozzarella

the ingredients:
  • 4 c. uncooked penne or other small tube pasta
  • 12 oz. pkg. extra firm tofu, drained & cut in 1/2" cubes
  • 2 c. grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut in small pieces
  • 4 c. chopped spinach
  • 8 T. sesame oil (divided)
  • 3 T. white wine vinegar
  • 1 t. kosher salt
  • 1/2 t. garlic pepper


the process:
  1. cook pasta according to the package; drain & rinse under cold water
  2. heat 2 T. sesame oil in large skillet over medium heat; cook tofu for 8 minutes on one side, then 8 minutes on the other side
  3. combine pasta, tofu, tomato, mozzarella in large bowl
  4. whisk together remaining oil, white wine vinegar, salt & pepper
  5. either combine everything & serve immediately, warm --or--store separately & combine later to serve chilled





the results:

Yummy goodness great for dinner & easy to pack for lunch too. Adapted, to suit this vegetarian, from Real SImple's pasta salad with salami and mozzarella.






proof that I'm raising a healthy eater:
Cassidy was "helping" me cook tonight, as evidenced by the cheese & tomato all over her face & dress. She loves tofu & was really, really bummed when I took it from her to cook. Here's evidence - amusing toddler whining involved...

7 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Oooooh, that sounds good! I can't get my family to eat tofu (or even boca or morningstar brand anything) but I LOVE it!

CaneWife said...

That looks delicious!

Also, I have an award for you on my blog. Come by and pick it up!

http://www.threepugsandababy.com/2010/04/happy-days-brought-to-you-with-cupcakes.html

Unknown said...

@ Elizabeth - I'm not sure I give them any choice, it's just what is on the table. It does help that my husband was vegetarian for a while when we met/first got married.

@ Canewife - thank you! Love the award & can't wait to pass it on!

le Chef said...

That. Looks. Fabulous.
I am dying to try it, and trust me, it takes a lot to get me to try some of the things I've found online.

Keep blogging like that and I'll weigh roughly the same as the entire population of Japan.
Better go buy bigger pants. ;)

Claire said...

This looks amazing! I've been eating tofu since I was a baby & it's one of my favorites! Thanks for stopping by my blog during the UBP, I cant wait to read more of yours!!!

Claire said...

Ooohh! I just watched the video!! Heehee!! As a mom, hearing that sad pitch tugged my heart strings, but didnt stop me from giggling & wishing it was MY kids saying that!! I gave them both tofu as babies & no one will eat it now, unless it's cooked & slipped in pasta dishes, just like this! Our favorite is "pasta & trees" (noodles, a ricotta sauce, broccoli & cubed tofu!)

Unknown said...

mmm looks delicious!! My little guy LOVES tofu too!! MMm mmm good!
Amber :)