Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

4.84 from 6 votes

This strawberry balsamic tofu pasta salad is a refreshing spring or summer dish with marinated balsamic tofu, juicy strawberries and tomatoes, fresh basil and spinach, and creamy feta.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Lunch/Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 441kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Ingredients

1 block extra firm tofu drained and pressed
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
8 oz rotini pasta or pasta of choice
1.5 cup strawberries halved
½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cups fresh spinach
⅓ cup fresh basil chopped
⅓ cup vegan feta crumbled

Balsamic Marinade

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 F.
Cube tofu: Cut pressed tofu into small cubes (~½ inch). In a resealable plastic bag add tofu cubes with cornstarch and garlic powder. Gently shake until combined.
1 block extra firm tofu, 2 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
Bake tofu: Spread cubed tofu evenly onto parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway. While it's cooking, start the next steps.
Cook pasta: Start to boil a large pot of salted water and prepare your pasta to package instructions. Cook pasta to al dente.
8 oz rotini pasta
Make the marinade: Whisk together your marinade ingredients.
¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
Marinate the tofu: In a large bowl combine cooked tofu cubes. Pour HALF of balsamic mixture and gently stir to combine.
Combine your tofu: Combine your ingredients for your tofu pasta salad: cooked pasta, marinated tofu cubes and strawberries, spinach, basil and the rest of the balsamic vinaigrette.
1.5 cup strawberries, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cups fresh spinach, ⅓ cup fresh basil
Enjoy! Sprinkle the top with feta crumbles. Taste test and add more salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy warm or chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
⅓ cup vegan feta

Notes

Tips

- Let it marinate. If you have extra time, let the tofu marinate for an hour to develop more flavor before combining it with the pasta and other ingredients.

- Chill out. This tofu pasta salad tastes best chilled. If you have time, let it chill for 1-2 hours before eating.

- Be a little salty if you want. Taste your pasta salad and salt appropriately.

Substitutions

Rotini pasta → Sub for another pasta shape. For more fiber and protein try whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Spinach or basil → Use arugula, kale, and/or fresh parsley.

Add more veggies → This tofu pasta salad is so versatile! Add in crunchy veggies like diced red bell pepper or cucumbers or more mediterranean flavors like artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and sundried tomatoes.

For a cheesy flavor → add some nutritional yeast

Nutrition