- My tofu is tasteless. What did I do wrong?
- Tofu is like a sponge. If you don't press the water out and season it heavily before/during frying, it remains bland.
- Does a traditional Greek salad need lettuce?
- No! The authentic Greek salad is just cucumber, tomato, onion, pepper, and cheese. But feel free to add greens if you like.
Greek Salad with Crispy Tofu Croutons
A modern, plant-forward reimagining of the classic 'Horiatiki' (village salad). While the original recipe focuses on fresh vegetables and salty feta, here, pan-fried tofu adds extra texture and protein, making the dish satisfying without being heavy. It's the essence of the Mediterranean diet in a bowl: colorful, rich in olive oil, crunchy, and infinitely healthy.
Ingredients
3
pcs
Ripe Tomatoes
1
pc
English Cucumber
1
medium head
Red Onion
5
oz
Feta Cheese (or vegan alternative)
7
oz
Firm Tofu (approx. 1/2 block)
1/4
cup
Kalamata Olives
4
tbsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1
tbsp
Lemon Juice
1
tsp
Dried Oregano
1
pinch
Salt
1
pinch
Black Pepper
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Skillet (for tofu)
- Paper towels
- Large salad bowl
Allergen Information
Milk
Soy
Instructions
1
✓
Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on it for 10 minutes to press out excess water.
Tip: Removing water is crucial for the tofu to crisp up rather than steam.
2
✓
Cut the tofu into cubes. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet and fry the cubes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Lightly salt.
Tip: The Maillard reaction (browning) gives the tofu that pleasant, nutty flavor lacking in its raw state.
3
✓
Cut the tomatoes into wedges, slice the cucumber into half-moons, and thinly slice the onion.
Tip: Use room temperature tomatoes; they have much more intense flavor than cold ones from the fridge.
4
✓
Place the vegetables and olives in a bowl. Add the cooled tofu cubes.
Tip: Let the tofu cool down, or it will 'cook' the vegetables.
5
✓
Top with feta cheese (in a slab or large chunks) and sprinkle generously with oregano.
Tip: Oregano's fat-soluble flavor compounds bloom when they meet the oil.
6
✓
Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Toss gently just before serving.
Tip: Be careful with salt, as both feta and olives are salty!
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 3 pcs Ripe Tomatoes
- 1 pc English Cucumber
- 1 medium head Red Onion
- 5 oz Feta Cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 7 oz Firm Tofu (approx. 1/2 block)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata Olives
- 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Black Pepper