Miso Kale Salad with Miso Roasted Tofu

Miso kale salad with miso roasted tofu.

I’m so excited because I’ve found another kale salad that I love just as much as my lacinato kale salad.  This is going to be another weekly go-to salad for me. I love this salad so much that I ate a whole head of kale on Friday as well as made a fresh batch up for dinner on Saturday, and had leftovers for lunch on Sunday. It was a kale filled weekend for me. This salad is great on its own, but top it off with the miso roasted tofu and you have yourself a substantial lunch or dinner. Did I mention that this salad is also kid approved?

This is also another great make ahead salad. I do prefer to eat it fresh, or within an hour of tossing it up, but it tastes amazing as leftovers the next day and even holds out to day 3. If you haven’t tried miso yet, then this is a wonderful introductory recipe, as miso does double duty as a marinade for the roasted tofu and a rich, savory layer in the dressing. The white miso compliments the lemony dressing and it’s just rich enough to add character to otherwise plain-Jane tofu. This salad can serve as a meal for 4 paired with some popovers, crusty bread or soup. I even love it served with my roasted sweet potato halves. 

Miso kale salad with miso roasted tofu and roasted sweet potato halves.

Miso Kale Salad with Miso Roasted Tofu

Recipe adapted from Eating Well, Fast & Flavorful Meatless Meals
serves 2 as meal and 4 as a side

Note: You can also make tofu up ahead of time, like a day to two before, and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just re-heat it for a few minutes in a 250-degree oven before topping it on the salad.

For the miso roasted tofu:

  • 1 package firm, or extra firm Tofu, drained and pressed – I rotate between firm and extra firm – I use extra firm if I’m pressed for time, as you don’t need to press the water from the tofu. I love Hodo extra firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the salad:

  • 1-2  bunches lacinato kale, de-stemmed, thinly sliced – to see a step-by-step demonstration on how to de-stem and slice kale – click here.
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons white or yellow miso paste
  • 1 -2 garlic cloves, minced – I used 2 medium cloves and it tasted great
  • Optional – 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

What is miso? You can find miso in the refrigerated section of your grocery store usually by where the tofu is kept. Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds flavor to dishes such as soups, sauces and salad dressings. It is high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s available in different colors, white, yellow, red & brown. If you want a milder flavor then go with yellow or white. If you want a stronger flavor then go with a red or brown miso. The lighter the color, the milder the flavor. 

Let’s start by preparing the miso roasted tofu. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with avocado oil or coconut oil. Make sure that you coat it well, because if you don’t, then the tofu will stick to the baking sheet.

Note: You can also skip the oven and cook the tofu on a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Make sure to put a nice coating of coconut oil on the cast iron skillet before you place the tofu on it. Keep an eye on the tofu, as well as the heat, so it doesn’t burn too much on one side. Flip over when the tofu is nicely browned and cook until browned on the other side. 

Drain tofu, wrap it in some paper towels, or a clean flour sack towel and gently press out the excess moisture. Note: If you’re using extra firm tofu, then you don’t need to press it, just pat dry. If you have more time and plan ahead, you can wrap the tofu in a clean flour sack towel and then place a heavy flat object over the tofu to press out the moisture, and let it sit for an hour. If you make a lot of tofu, I would invest in a tofu press like this one from ToFuture. I have this and love it.

Cut the block of tofu into square cubes like the picture below. I cut the block of tofu into 8 slices and then cut those in half down the middle to get these squares. It really doesn’t matter how you cut up your tofu, just make sure they’re cut into even sized pieces.

Cubed tofu

Using a spatula, combine the lemon juice, miso and garlic in a large bowl. Be sure to mix it together well. It will resemble a thick paste.

Miso sauce for tofu

Add the tofu squares to the mixture and gently toss to coat.  It may not look like there is enough mixture to cover all of the tofu, but there is.

Spread the marinated tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Tofu on baking sheet

Bake the tofu on the middle rack, turning one to two times during baking, until browned, about 18-20 minutes, or until the tofu is browned on all sides.

Miso tofu roasted

While the tofu is roasting, you can make up the dressing and the salad.  Note: This is not a make ahead dressing, as it does not sit well on it’s own. I would make it up and then toss it with your kale. Once mixed with the kale, it sits well.

Whisk together lemon juice, miso and garlic in a glass measuring cup or small bowl. Slowly add in the olive oil, whisking until emulsified. Make sure to whisk the ingredients together well. The dressing will be a bit thick and pasty.

Lemons juiced

Add sliced kale to a large salad bowl. Pour a bit of dressing over the kale and using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale. Massage the kale until it reduces down about half its size and the dressing is incorporated into kale. Taste the salad and add more dressing if needed or desired.

Note:  Add the dressing to taste. Some heads of kale are smaller than others, so just use the amount of dressing for the amount of kale you have.

Add in parmesan cheese (if using), and toss to coat.

Top the salad with the roasted tofu.

Miso kale with roasted tofu

Got leftovers?  Be sure to store the tofu and kale separately. Just re-heat any leftover tofu in a 250 degree oven until warmed, and then top it on the leftover salad. This salad tastes great day two and even day three.

You can also make a kale caesar salad wrap. Just top a whole-grain tortilla with the leftover kale salad, the warmed tofu and then smash an avocado on top and wrap it up. It’s just a fun and different way to enjoy this salad.

Kale Caesar salad wrap

Like kale salads? Then you need to try my lacinato kale salad. This salad has turned kale haters into kale lovers.

Kale salad in bowl

If you love tofu, then you have to make my quick and easy sautéed tofu. This sautéed tofu is my new go-to recipe, as it’s quick and easy, requires just 4 simple ingredients, takes no time to sauté up, and pairs with just about everything. I also love how crispy the tofu gets when sautéed in the cast iron skillet. 

Quick and easy sautéed tofu.

With love Jackie

Miso Kale Salad with Miso Roasted Tofu

5.0 from 2 votes
Recipe by Jackie

    serves 2 as a meal, and 4 as a side

    Ingredients

    • For the miso roasted tofu
    • 1 package firm, or extra firm Tofu, drained and pressed – I rotate between firm and extra firm – I use extra firm if I’m pressed for time, as you don’t need to press the water from the tofu. I love Hodo extra firm tofu

    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

    • 2 garlic cloves, minced

    • For the salad
    • 1-2 bunches lacinato kale, de-stemmed, thinly sliced 

    • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

    • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

    • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced I used 2 medium cloves

    • Optional - ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese

    Directions

    • Let's start by preparing the miso roasted tofu. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

    • Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with avocado oil, or coconut oil. Make sure that you coat it well, because if you don’t, then the tofu will stick to the baking sheet.

      Note: You can also skip the oven and cook the tofu on a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Make sure to put a nice coating of coconut oil on the cast iron skillet before you place the tofu on it. Keep an eye on the tofu, as well as the heat, so it doesn't burn too much on one side. Flip over when the tofu is nicely browned and cook until browned on the other side. 

    • Drain tofu, wrap it in some paper towels, or a clean flour sack towel and gently press out the excess moisture. Note: If you’re using extra firm tofu, then you don’t need to press it, just pat dry. If you have more time and plan ahead, you can wrap the tofu in a clean flour sack towel and then place a heavy flat object over the tofu to press out the moisture, and let it sit for an hour. If you make a lot of tofu, I would invest in a tofu press like this one from ToFuture. I have this and love it.

    • Cut the block of tofu into even sized square cubes. I cut the block of tofu into 8 slices and then cut those in half down the middle to get these squares. It really doesn’t matter how you cut up your tofu, just make sure they're cut into even sized pieces.

    • Using a spatula, combine the lemon juice, miso and garlic in a large bowl. Be sure to mix it together well. It will resemble a thick paste.

    • Add the tofu squares to the mixture and gently toss to coat. It may not look like there is enough mixture to cover all of the tofu, but there is.

    • Spread the marinated tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.Bake the tofu on the middle rack, turning one to two times during baking, until browned, about 18-20 minutes, or until the tofu is browned on all sides.

    • While the tofu is baking you can make up the dressing and the salad. Note: This is not a make ahead dressing, as it does not sit well on it's own. I would make it up and then toss it with your kale. Once mixed with the kale, it sits well.

    • Whisk together lemon juice, miso and garlic in a glass measuring cup or small bowl. Slowly add in the olive oil, whisking until emulsified. Make sure to whisk the ingredients together well. The dressing will be a bit thick and pasty.

    • Add sliced kale to a large salad bowl. Pour a bit of dressing over the kale and using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale. Massage the kale until it reduces down about half its size and the dressing is incorporated into kale. Taste the salad and add more dressing if needed or desired. Note: Add the dressing to taste. Some heads of kale are smaller than others, so just use the amount of dressing for the amount of kale you have.

    • Add in parmesan cheese (if using), and toss to coat.

    • Top the salad with the roasted tofu.

    • Got leftovers? Be sure to store the tofu and kale separately. Just re-heat any leftover tofu in a 250 degree oven until warmed, and then top it on the leftover salad. This salad tastes great day two and even day three.

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      40 thoughts on “Miso Kale Salad with Miso Roasted Tofu”

        1. So glad you made it and that it was a hit with you as well as Nate. Did you see your name in the post? I can’t wait for Zoe to try the tofu. I think I will top it on some soba noodles maybe with the miso dressing this week. I may also throw some kale in there and make it a one-bowl meal. I will let you know how it turns out.

          See you bright and early tomorrow with Stein!

      1. I think you should have my blog name, Jackie — your love affair with kale knows no bounds! Miso is a scary ingredient for me: whenever I have had it, I’ve found the taste overwhelming.

        1. Hi Sharyn. You’re to funny, but it does sound like a fitting name (the Kale chronicles) since I am a bit obsessed with kale. You will like the miso I used above as it’s very mild and perfect for beginners. I actually only use this variety as I love it and it’s mild enough for the kids.

          Your fear of miso is like my fear of anchovies! Maybe we should both make each others salad and get over our fears, sound good?

      2. This looks great, Jackie. I love kale in all its forms (and love all of your kale recipes 🙂 and the miso + tofu flavors sound awesome! I have never experimented with miso before, but I’m seeing it around so often now that I feel like I should just commit and buy some of it already. When I do I’ll be sure to try out this.

      3. I really envy all of you that are having summer holidays now. Wish that our weather will get warmer soon… This tofu salad looks so wholesome and beautiful and great for summer too 😀

      4. This salad was superb! My tofu wasn’t as pretty as yours and I skipped the parm cheese and added some black pepper. A great meal on a hot day. Love love love kale!

        1. Hi Justine. You can totally substitute those for the kale. The original recipe called for romaine lettuce and radicchio lettuce. I just made it with the kale one afternoon and loved it! This is a pretty simple dressing that I could see used on any lettuce or green.

      5. Beautiful photos and this salad sounds delicious! I love tofu and I’m sure I would love miso roasted tofu so this is definitely on my to-make list!

      6. I enjoyed this for dinner tonight. I reduced the oil on the salad to 1/4 cup and split that evenly between olive oil and sesame oil for a little bit more flavor. I really liked it…this is going into regular rotation.

        1. Hi Robin! I’m glad this salad worked out for you and that its going to become part of your rotation. I love it when I find dishes like that! I also love hearing about your substitutions! I might have to give the sesame oil a try next time.
          xoxo,
          jackie

      7. Hi there! Within 5 minutes of finding your blog for the first time, I was de-stemming my lacinato kale and whipping this up! Thank you so much for this simple, clean recipe. And I love how crazy you are about kale!! While I order kale salads wherever I go, this was my first time making a raw kale salad at home. I am looking forward to reading your blog!!!
        http://sweet-and-salty-blog.blogspot.com

        1. Hi Christina. I’m glad I found another kale fanatic. If you love this salad, then you will love my lacinato kale salad one as well. That is another pantry item dressing and so easy to throw together as well.

          It’s funny, but I’m actually making up this salad today for lunch! I already made up the miso tofu, so all I need to do is throw together the kale portion.

          Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

      8. This looks absolutely amazing, I found it through Pinterest and want to make it soon! Miso and kale are two of my favorites. I just have to ask, why make the point of using soy-free miso when you are using it with tofu? Just curious.

        1. Hi Kat! When I first made this salad a while back I picked up this chickpea miso because it was mild and I didn’t want a strong miso flavor. My kids love this miso so I have kind of stuck to it and haven’t tried another one. I also don’t want to much soy in my diet so I liked the fact that it was soy-free. You hear one week that to much soy is bad for you and then the next week you hear that its good for you. I just figured I would keep it at a happy medium and have the tofu with the soy and the miso without.

          You will definitely love this when you give it a try. I have had it the past two days for lunch. I also have a soba noodle dish coming up next week that I topped with the miso tofu. Its so flavorful.

      9. Love your blog! So funny, fresh and well organized.

        Found it when googling for kale, and now I´m stuck.
        It seems kale has its renaissance here in Norway as well. I like it! Well, once in a while that is 😉

        1. Hi Tom! Thanks for stopping by and hanging out (all the way from Norway). I hope you found some good kale recipes, (love the lacinato kale salad). If you take a look around, you will realize that I am a bit kale obsessed.

          Thanks for the sweet comment about the site being organized. I am trying to update things on the site to make it more user friendly, so I am glad you find it easy to navigate.

      10. Jill Shepard-Rahim

        This recipe was absolutely delicious I prepared it as written. I’ve never cared for tofu too much but I like it in this recipe. Thank you for giving me a delicious healthy recipe JIll

        1. Hi Jill! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how the salad turned out for you. I love the tofu this way, as it gets all crispy and looses that typical tofu texture.

        1. Hi Mary! You’re so welcome! I’m glad you loved this salad! It’s one of my favorites! xoxo, Jackie

      11. I just found your recipe; I didn’t have the tofu but I had everything else for the kale salad – and it was truly delicious. Thank you for an easy recipe that tastes amazing!

        1. Hi Andrea! Yaay, I’m glad you made and loved the kale salad. I make it tons without the tofu as well 🙂 If you love kale salads, then you should try the lacinato kale salad on my blog. That is my absolute fave and is super easy to whip up as well. 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

      12. You and your recipes have turned my family into kale-salad lovers!
        Of course it didn’t hurt that I served with baked cheesy pasta 🙂

        Anyhow, love your blog and your friendly, assessible style of
        of writing. Thanks so much!

        1. Awesome! I’m so happy that your family has turned into kale lovers, and yes, serving it with that cheesy baked tortellini does help 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

        1. Hi Wendy! You’re so welcome! I’m so happy to hear that you and your hubby love this salad 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

      13. Gretchen Von Gebhardt

        I’ve made this salad so may times I know it by heart! Last night I used Curly Kale and it was just as delicious. I always make a double-batch so that there are plenty of leftovers. Thanks for sharing this easy, energizing, and tasty recipe.

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