Apple tofu pineapple salad with walnuts | Glutenfreewhisk

 A sweet and spicy salad recipe that is an absolute banger. I personally do not consume apple or pineapples on a regular basis, and this salad is so easy and quick to fix, and the sweet and spicy combination made me eat a lot of it. Since pineapple goes really well with chili and cinnamon, I decided to use both of them as flavoring agents in my salad. And yes, the sweetness of pineapple with that spicy schezwan paste works magic. The cinnamon and apples are like match made in heaven, so the overall flavor notes of this salad really complement each other. 

Apple pineapple salad with tofu and walnuts has a crispy bite from green apples, the spicy softness of tofu and pineapple and the sweet crunch from walnuts makes this salad eating experience really tasty and delicious. I am making an extra effort to sugar coat my walnuts because sweet bar nuts tastes so well and I love these sweet bar nuts. I had them first in Dubai at the hotel I was staying with my family and every morning in the buffet breakfast I use to devour these sweet bar nuts. You can use any nuts to make them like almonds and cashews. They are just perfect for salads. The sweetness of these cinnamon walnuts really adds that calm effort on your palate after all that spice burn. I am not a fan of spicy food but occasionally I enjoy it and if I get to eat such amazing salad then I will welcome that sharp chili burns on my tongue occasionally.

If you are a salad fan like and love to make good, healthy, tasty and enriching salads then you can check some more fruit salad recipes that I have shared in my salad series or after that. You can enjoy my sweet and high protein and fiber salad, Quinoa fruit salad recipe. This seasonal mango and peach salad with soy dressing, olives, cheese and more. High in fiber and good health this ABC salad with tofu and walnut is sweet, tangy and super satisfying. Another seasonal and one of my best salad creations is this mixed chickpea salad with cape gooseberry. I am literally waiting for the cape gooseberry and orange season to arrive soon so that I can make this salad again.

Still cutting fruits just like that and eating them? Then try some of these amazing fruit salads as they will change the way you eat and enjoy fruits.

The best part about this spicy pineapple apple salad is that you can eat it as a meal or a side salad and it will not bore you. There is so much happening in this spicy pineapple tofu salad that you won't stop eating it. Talking about a few replacements in this salad that can be done if you are allergic or if you don't have an ingredient available then yes, you can do the following changes and still enjoy this spicy pineapple salad to the fullest. If you don't have green apples, you can use red apples as well. Also, you can replace walnuts with pecans and make it an Apple pineapple pecan salad with tofu. Keep the spice level to your liking. I am keeping it moderate. If you don't like or have apple cider vinegar, then use lemon juice it will give the perfect tanginess required. Use any seeds/nuts of choice if you are allergic to walnuts.

Garnishing with coriander leaves is totally optional. I had some fresh coriander, so I decided to use it and add a green shade on top. I am not big on garnish but sometimes I do amaze myself. Just try this sweet and spicy salad once and indulge.

INGREDIENTS - 

For the apple pineapple tofu salad with sweet walnuts

2 green apples, chopped

Half a pineapple, chopped

2 tbsp ghee

3/4 cup tofu, chopped

2 tbsp spicy schezwan paste

Handful of walnuts, chopped

1.5 tbsp brown sugar 

Half a tsp cinnamon powder 

I am using Ching's secret Schezwan Chutney in this recipe. If you are looking for some good, dried walnuts then check these Tata Sampann premium Walnut Kernels.

For the salad dressing

10-15 ml apple cider vinegar 

Salt, to taste

Half a tsp Cinnamon powder 

Just a little honey to balance the tanginess 

For garnish 

Coriander leaves 

METHOD -

1. To chopped pineapples, apply the schezwan paste and to tofu sprinkle some salt first and then apply the chili paste.

2. Take ghee in a pan and toss the schezwan paste coated chopped pineapple and tofu. Cover and let them cook a little. The aim to make the pineapples soft and let the tofu absorb all the flavors. If required, you can add a splash of water to prevent the fruit and tofu from sticking or the chili paste burning.

3. Once done transfer these to a bowl. In the same pan add ghee again. Then add chopped walnuts, cinnamon powder, brown sugar and 20-30 ml water and let the sugar coat these walnuts evenly.

4. Once done remove from heat and spread them over the cooked spicy pineapple and tofu. Make sure the walnuts are not sticking together while cooling.

5. Now to make the salad dressing, take apple cider vinegar, salt, honey and cinnamon powder. Mix well and pour it over the chopped green apples.

6. Now mix the green apples with the dressing to the pineapple, tofu, walnut bowl and toss everything well.

7. Serve immediately garnishing with some coriander leaves and indulge.

Note - If you don't have apple cider vinegar use lemon juice instead. If you are allergic to walnuts use almonds or cashews or any seed of choice.

Check the full recipe on YouTube (Gluten_free_whisk) - Apple tofu pineapple salad with walnuts recipe.

Apple tofu pineapple salad with walnuts | Glutenfreewhisk