Buffalo Tofu Salad with Creamy Hemp Ranch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Tofu Salad with Creamy Hemp Ranch is a bold, satisfying dish that combines spicy, crispy tofu with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a creamy, dairy-free ranch dressing. The buffalo sauce adds a punch of heat while the hemp ranch brings a rich, herbaceous creaminess that ties everything together. Whether you’re a tofu lover or just looking for a delicious plant-based meal, this salad is both hearty and nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and refreshing!

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• 1 block tofu, pressed

• 3 tbsp buffalo hot sauce, divided

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour)

For the Hemp Ranch (makes ~1 cup):

• ½ cup hemp hearts

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp nutritional yeast

• Scant ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• Black pepper, to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ cup filtered water

• ½ tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce

• 3 ribs of celery, thinly sliced

• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 ½ cup frozen corn, thawed (or sub fresh)

• 1 carrot, grated

• Buffalo tofu (from above)

• Hemp ranch dressing (from above)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Tofu:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Cut the pressed tofu into small bite-sized cubes and place them in a medium bowl.

3. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast and cornstarch over the tofu and mix well to coat evenly.

4. Drizzle 2 tbsp of buffalo hot sauce over the tofu and stir again.

5. Place the tofu onto a greased or lined baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.

Make the Hemp Ranch Dressing:

1. While the tofu bakes, prepare the hemp ranch dressing. Add all ingredients except for the fresh herbs (hemp hearts, onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and filtered water) to a blender.

2. Blend for 60 seconds until smooth.

3. Add the chopped dill and parsley, and pulse to combine. Set the dressing aside.

Finish Baking the Tofu:

1. After 15 minutes, remove the tofu from the oven, flip it, and return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Prepare the Salad:

1. While the tofu bakes, prep the salad ingredients.

2. For the corn, heat it in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

3. Slice the cucumber, celery, and grate the carrot.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Once the tofu is cooked, toss it with the remaining 1 tbsp of buffalo sauce.

2. Assemble the salad by placing the romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Add the sliced celery, cucumber, corn, and grated carrot.

3. Top the salad with the buffalo tofu and drizzle with the creamy hemp ranch dressing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the salad for extra flavor.

• Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy kick, drizzle some extra buffalo sauce on top or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hemp ranch.

• Different Greens: You can substitute romaine lettuce with other greens like spinach, kale, or mixed greens.

Storage

• Storage: Store leftover tofu and dressing in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: Reheat the tofu in the oven or a skillet for a few minutes until crispy again. The dressing can be used cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tofu?

Yes, you can use extra firm or firm tofu. Press it well to remove excess moisture, ensuring it crisps up when baked.

Can I use a different hot sauce?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce if you prefer a different level of spice or flavor.

Can I make the hemp ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the hemp ranch dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It will actually taste even better after the flavors meld together!

Can I bake the tofu in advance?

Yes, you can bake the tofu ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven to retain its crispiness before serving.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn is a great option if it’s in season. Just cook it in a skillet until slightly browned, similar to the frozen corn.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of the hot sauce and other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Tofu Salad with Creamy Hemp Ranch is a perfect balance of flavors, combining crispy buffalo tofu with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s a filling and nutritious meal that’s full of plant-based protein and fiber. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a side, it’s an exciting way to enjoy tofu and greens with a spicy twist!

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