Waffle Iron Tofu Salad (2024)

Are you ready for another quickie? This waffle iron tofu salad with delicious tahini dressing will be your new favorite!

This meal may be quick to make, but is looks and tastes like the absolute bomb. It’s refreshing and tangy, crispy and crunchy, spicy and savory…

This meal consists of fresh kale salad, a crunchy tofu “waffle” and a creamy tahini dressing with a slight kick. I promise you, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it regularly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is one of those recipes that is quick to make without sacrificing the flavor or nutritional value of the meal.
• This waffle iron tofu salad looks phenomenal. In spite of its simplicity, it’s a great recipe if you want to impress someone or even if you just want to treat yourself.
• The list of ingredients required for this recipe is fairly short, making it very affordable. In fact, I’m pretty sure you already have many of them in your pantry or condiment cupboard!
• In terms of nutritional composition, this recipe is low in carbs but it features plenty of protein, healthy plant-based fats, and fiber.
• The flavor composition uses the classic combination of Asian staples, including soy sauce, sriracha, and sweet chili. I also added some lemon juice for acidity and maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.

How to Make This Recipe

In order to avoid sticking, you must preheat the waffle maker and brush or spray it with oil.

Place the tofu slices in an even single layer and close the waffle iron. This part is really easy, you just need to allow the tofu waffle to cook until it is slightly crispy.

Meanwhile, let’s make the sauce for the tofu. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, sweet chili sauce and sriracha. Easy!

Next, we need to work on the salad, starting with the dressing. Mix tahini, lemon juice, soy sauce, maple syrup and sriracha in another small bowl or jar. Depending on the initial consistency of tahini, you can thin with water if necessary.

In a bowl, add kale and massage it using your hands to soften. Next, add red onion, grated carrot and diced green onions. Add the dressing and toss everything together.

Remove the tofu from the waffle iron, and brush it with the sauce you made earlier. Add tofu to the salad and top your dish with crushed peanuts. Yum!

Hack It!

• If you’re gluten-free, don’t forget to check the contents of the soy sauce. Most commercial soy sauce contains wheat. Your best bet is using tamari or coconut aminos.
• If you have a peanut allergy, you can top your waffle iron tofu salad with something else. For instance, you could use toasted sesame seeds, fried onions, or another type of nut (provided you are only allergic to peanuts).
• Sesame is another common allergy, which eliminates tahini from the list of possible ingredients. You can use nut or seed butter instead if this allergy affects you.
• Since we’re addressing allergies, soy is a major one. The soy sauce is easy to navigate – just use coconut aminos! As for tofu… Try topping the kale salad with waffle iron hash browns instead.
• Adjust your spice levels based on your tolerance and preference. Personally, I love adding sriracha every chance I get, but you do you!\

Good for The Body, Good for The Soul

This waffle iron tofu salad recipe features a combination of nutrient-rich ingredients, offering a variety of nutritional benefits. Here’s an overview of the potential nutritional benefits of each ingredient:

• Kale. Kale is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, which may support overall health, immune function, and digestive health.
• Carrot. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune health, and skin health. They also provide fiber and other vitamins and minerals.
• Red onion. Red onions contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory and potential cardiovascular benefits. Of course, they also add flavor and texture to the dish.
• Peanuts. Peanuts are a source of healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and B vitamins. They may contribute to heart health and provide satiety.
• Tofu. Tofu is a great plant-based source of protein and is rich in amino acids, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It’s a versatile ingredient that can help support muscle health and provide essential nutrients.
• Tahini. Tahini, made from sesame seeds, offers healthy fats, protein, and minerals like copper and zinc. It’s a handy source of plant-based calcium and can add creaminess to the dish.
• Lemon juice. Lemon juice adds a burst of citrus flavor and provides vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps with the absorption of non-heme iron (found in plant-based sources).
• Sriracha. Sriracha contains capsaicin, which can have potential metabolism-boosting effects and may provide a sense of satiety.

Equipment You’ll Need

As you may have already guessed from the title, the major piece of equipment you’ll need for this recipe is a waffle maker. Any functioning waffle maker will do the job!

I got quite lucky and stumbled upon an amazing double waffle maker at a thift store for only $10 that usually retails for a thousand bucks. However, these days there are plenty of budget-friendly optionssimilar to the one I have.

Other Ways to Use Waffle Iron

A waffle iron is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to create more than just traditional waffles. Here are some creative and delicious ideas for things you can make in a waffle iron:

• Hash browns. Grate potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, season with salt and pepper, and cook in the waffle iron for crispy hash brown waffles.
• Quesadillas. Create waffle-shaped quesadillas by placing tortillas, vegan cheese, and fillings in the waffle iron until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
• Falafel waffles. Use falafel batter to make crispy falafel waffles that can be topped with veggies, yogurt sauce, and more.
• Brownies or cookie waffles. Prepare your favorite brownie or cookie batter and cook it in the waffle iron for quick and unique treats.
• Pita pockets. Place pita bread with fillings like hummus, vegetables, and pickles in the waffle iron to create warm and pressed pita pockets.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Shirazi Salad Pitas
• Rice Paper Dumplings
• Vegan Tzatziki and Cucumber Mojito
• Scarpaccia Zucchini Tart
• Crispy Black Bean Tacos

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