Name: Buffalo Tofu Salad with Creamy Hemp Ranch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 block tofu, pressed; 3 tbsp buffalo hot sauce, divided; 1 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 tbsp cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour; ½ cup hemp hearts; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp nutritional yeast; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); Black pepper, to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; ½ cup filtered water; ½ tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 large head romaine lettuce; 3 ribs celery, thinly sliced; 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 ½ cup frozen corn, thawed (or fresh); 1 carrot, grated; Prepared buffalo tofu; Prepared hemp ranch dressing

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This buffalo tofu salad with creamy hemp ranch is a fresh, protein-packed, and flavor-loaded dish that’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner. The crispy baked tofu is tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, paired with crunchy vegetables, and finished with a homemade dairy-free ranch dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines the bold, spicy kick of buffalo tofu with the cooling creaminess of hemp-based ranch dressing. It’s entirely plant-based, nutrient-dense, and naturally gluten-free. The textures and flavors make every bite satisfying, and it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal while impressive enough for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tofu:

1 block tofu, pressed
3 tbsp buffalo hot sauce, divided
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour

For the Hemp Ranch (makes about 1 cup):

½ cup hemp hearts
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp nutritional yeast
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
black pepper, to taste
juice of ½ lemon
½ cup filtered water
½ tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Salad:

1 large head romaine lettuce
3 ribs celery, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 ½ cup frozen corn, thawed (or fresh)
1 carrot, grated
prepared buffalo tofu
prepared hemp ranch dressing

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Toss tofu with nutritional yeast and cornstarch until evenly coated. Drizzle with 2 tbsp buffalo sauce and stir.
Spread tofu on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
While tofu bakes, make the ranch: blend hemp hearts, onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Stir in dill and parsley. Set aside.
Flip tofu after 15 minutes, then bake for another 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Toss with the remaining 1 tbsp buffalo sauce.
Char corn in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and fragrant.
Assemble the salad with romaine, celery, cucumber, carrot, and corn. Top with buffalo tofu and drizzle with hemp ranch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
Mix in chickpeas or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Use kale or mixed greens instead of romaine.
Turn it into a wrap or grain bowl with rice or quinoa.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tofu and dressing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The tofu can be reheated in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. The salad base is best prepared fresh, but prepped vegetables can be stored for 2–3 days.

FAQs

Can I air fry the tofu instead of baking?

Yes, air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Is hemp ranch dairy-free?

Yes, it’s completely vegan and uses hemp hearts instead of dairy.

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm is best, but firm tofu can work if well pressed to remove excess water.

What other vegetables work well in this salad?

Bell peppers, radishes, or shredded purple cabbage add great crunch and color.

How spicy is this salad?

It depends on the buffalo sauce brand. You can adjust spice by adding more or less sauce.

Can I make the ranch ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps in the fridge for up to a week and thickens slightly over time.

Do I need to char the corn?

No, but charring enhances the flavor and adds a smoky touch.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, just line your baking sheet with parchment and omit oil from the tofu.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free.

Can I serve this salad warm?

Yes, warm buffalo tofu pairs well with fresh veggies, making a cozy but refreshing meal.

Conclusion

Buffalo tofu salad with creamy hemp ranch is a vibrant, nutritious dish that balances bold flavors with fresh textures. It’s easy to prepare, fully plant-based, and versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a healthy salad that packs a punch or a fun twist on classic buffalo flavors, this recipe delivers.

Maggie