Strawberry Tofu Chopped Salad

I admit that I am a sucker for the convenience of store-bought salad dressing. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by the bazillions that you can find in the store? There are a few good ones out there, but I feel much better making it myself. For simple vinaigrette, you probably have all you need at home, and for this recipe, the addition of gorgonzola cheese will make you impress yourself. Homemade dressing makes all the difference.

Salads are my favorite food, so this will be one of many my friends. The greens of choice here are packed full of vitamins, the arugula gives the spice contrast to the sweet berries, the cabbage has enough crunch and fiber to keep you satiated, and the basil adds an aromatic factor. As a matter of fact, you should go plant some basil in your yard right now. It’s inexpensive, easy to maintain and produces a bounty of leaves. Maybe I am partial because it is the only item flourishing in my mini vegetable garden right now, but all the more reason to encourage you to plant your own! Do it.

STRAWBERRY TOFU CHOPPED SALAD // Serves 2 as an Entree

4 Cups Organic Arugula, Chopped
1 Cup Savoy Cabbage, sliced thin
1 Cup Fresh Basil, sliced thin
2 Pints Strawberries (from one of those stands or farmers market please!)
1 Cup Toasted Pecans, Chopped
1 Extra Firm Tofu (cut in half and drained between paper towels)
/Gorgonzola Vinaigrette/
5 oz. Gorgonzola Cheese
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Cider Vinegar
2 tbsp. Finely Minced Shallot
1 tsp Black Ground Pepper
1 tsp. Garlic Salt

1. Mash the gorgonzola cheese and shallot into the olive oil. Add the pepper, garlic salt and slowly whisk in the vinegar. You will probably have extra, save it for another use (dip some raw veggies or a steamed artichoke).
2. Rinse and spin the arugula and cabbage, put in a large bowl. Chop the strawberries thin, length wise, then width wise and add to bowl. Add chopped pecans and basil.
3. Heat grill. In a small dish, mix the olive oil, lemon pepper and oregano.
4. After letting some of the water drain from the tofu, dredge it in the oil mixture on both sides. Put it on the grill, save remaining mixture. Grill for 7 minutes on both sides and lay it back in the mixture.
6. Toss the salad with desired vinaigrette and cut the tofu into cubes for the top.

** You could also use grilled chicken, or eliminate the protein and have it as a side.