Summer's heat has settled in, so the divas don't bother turning on the stove when we can trump up a cool, satisfying supper. And we're not talking about a bowl of lettuce, but a dish that satisfies the craving for sweet, salty and crunchy, plus adds a punch of protein.
We use firm tofu, but you can always substitute shredded deli rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
Pour a cool Riesling and you've got an easy dinner with minimal prep and maximum time for floating in the pool.
Summer Salad With Tofu
Serves 4
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic-chile paste
1 teaspoon honey
7-ounce package firm tofu, sliced into matchsticks
1 small head broccoli, trimmed and sliced finely on mandoline
1 cup shredded carrots
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
Coarse salt, to taste
Mix together sesame oil, rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, chili paste and honey in the bottom of a bowl large enough for salad.
Add remaining ingredients and gently toss. Season with salt.
Diva confession: If you don't own a mandoline slicer, you missing a super-easy way to create thinly sliced veggies with precision and ease. You can buy inexpensive versions at most kitchen supply stores.