Balsamic Pasta Salad with Tofu

This simple Balsamic Pasta Salad Recipe is made with balsamic vinaigrette, tri-color pasta, artichoke hearts, bell pepper, and marinated tofu. An easy, vegan friendly side dish for any cookout or barbecue!

I received free samples of Nasoya mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Nasoya, and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time. Thanks for supporting the partners that keep Sinful Nutrition running!

I can't say that I've ever made a balsamic pasta salad with tofu before, but my, how the tables have turned. I'm always looking for more ways to add some plant-based power to my dishes, and having a tofu that is already pressed and seasoned,  and ready to go like these new Toss'ables from Nasoya is SUPAH convenient. If you're not a tofu fan, you just haven't tried GOOD tofu yet. 🙂

What makes this balsamic pasta salad delicious and healthy

• tri-color bowtie pasta
• red beller pepper
• cherry tomatoes
• artichoke hearts
• red onion
• light balsamic vinaigrette
• Nasoya Balsamic Vinaigrette Toss’ables Tofu
• fresh basil
• salt and pepper

How to make this Balsamic Pasta Salad with Tofu

Start by cooking 1 pound of tri-color bowite pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool for 5-10 minutes. While pasta is cooking, chop 1 red bell pepper, halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, drain 1 (15 ounce) can of artichoke hearts, and cut into quarters, and thinly slice 1 small red onion. Chop about 6 fresh basil leaves, or enough to make 2 tablespoons-worth.

In a large bowl, add drained and cooled pasta, bell pepper, tomato, artichokes, red onion, and 1 tablespoon of chopped basil. Mix with ½ cup of light balsamic vinaigrette, 1 (7 ounce) bag of Nasoya Balsamic Vinaigrette Toss'ables Tofu, and salt and pepper to taste. Add more vinaigrette if needed, top with remaining basil, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips:

• If you can't find the Toss'ables Tofu, you can substitute with your favorite baked tofu cut into cubes.
• The longer the salad sits, the better the flavor! Best to make ahead of time.

FAQs

I can't find balsamic tofu! What do I do?

If you can't find the Toss'ables, you can substitute with regular tofu that has been baked. You can also bake it yourself with these helpful tips. To get extra balsamic flavor, try marinating it in the balsamic vinaigrette before baking.

How long does this pasta salad last?

If kept covered in the refrigerator, this salad should last up to 5 days.

Money-Saving Tips for this Balsamic Pasta Salad:

• Use store brands. Utilizing store brands for staples such as pasta and salt, and pepper can be less expensive without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Buy in the can. Marinated artichoke hearts are delicious, but tend to be more expensive too. Purchase the unflavored type in the can, and add more flavor with the dressing instead.

more salad recipes:

Warm French Lentil Salad

BLT Panzanella Salad (vegetarian option)

Breakfast Salad with Blueberry Dijon Dressing

Did you make this recipe? Leave me a comment and a rating to let me know how it turned out!

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