Tofu & Shrimp Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Description:
This Tofu and Shrimp Salad with Balsamic Dressing is an explosion of vibrant flavors that will captivate your taste buds with every bite. The fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and grilled tofu come together harmoniously, enhanced by the bold, tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar dressing. A sprinkle of roasted peanuts adds crunch, while coriander and mint offer a refreshing herbal finish. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, this salad is light yet packed with high protein, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimps | 250 grams |
| Tofu | 100 grams |
| Iceberg lettuce (shredded) | 1/2 cup |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/Muttaikose, shredded) | 1/2 cup |
| Carrots (Gajjar, grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Beetroot (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Red baby radish (sliced into roundels) | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum, sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilli (chopped) | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (crushed) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 6 leaves |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali, crushed) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning and washing the shrimp. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan, then sautรฉ the shrimp until golden and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and set aside. -
Grill the Tofu:
Cut the tofu into small cubes. Grill the tofu on a stove top grill or in a non-stick pan until it develops a light golden crust on all sides. Set it aside with the shrimp. -
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, crushed black pepper, a pinch of salt, and red chili flakes. Add this dressing to the cooked shrimp and tofu. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to marinate while you prepare the vegetables. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, grated beetroot, sliced red radish, sliced yellow bell pepper, and chopped green chili. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and chili flakes, and drizzle with a bit of lemon juice. Toss well with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. -
Assemble the Salad:
Add the marinated shrimp and tofu to the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently to combine, making sure the shrimp and tofu are evenly distributed with the veggies. -
Add Final Touches:
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed. Stir in the sugar and crushed roasted peanuts for added flavor and crunch. -
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish the salad with freshly chopped coriander and mint leaves. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Serving Suggestion:
This Tofu & Shrimp Salad with Balsamic Dressing pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican Salsa Chicken with Italian Cream Cheese, combining rich, zesty flavors with a tangy, protein-packed salad.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
| Vitamin A | 120% of RDI |
| Vitamin C | 50% of RDI |
| Calcium | 8% of RDI |
| Iron | 15% of RDI |
Why Youโll Love This Recipe:
This salad is a great source of lean protein from the shrimp and tofu, making it a filling yet nutritious choice for dinner. The combination of crisp vegetables and the tangy, slightly sweet balsamic dressing provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The addition of peanuts brings an unexpected crunch, while the fresh herbs elevate the entire dish, creating a well-balanced meal thatโs both healthy and satisfying.
