BLT Pasta Salad

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan / 425°F and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Remove the tofu from the packaging. To press the tofu, place it on a plate and cover with a paper towel followed by a heavy object, such as a cast-iron pan or a heavy book. Leave it to press while you complete the next step.
3. Combine the remaining tofu marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
4. Slice the pressed tofu into small pieces, approximately 0.5cm thick and 1cm wide. Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and stir until all the pieces are fully coated. Then transfer the pieces to the baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, turning the pieces over halfway through.
5. Meanwhile cook the pasta as per the packet instructions. Then slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and yellow pepper, and finally slice the red onion, lettuce leaves and avocado. Add the vegetables and cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
6. To prepare the dressing, add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir until fully combined.
7. Add the tofu bacon to the large mixing bowl along with half of the dressing, then stir the salad until everything is fully combined.
8. Serve the BLT salad in bowls alongside the remaining dressing. Bon appetit!