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Pesto Parmesan Cozy Tofu Rice Bowls with Avocado Salsa, an original WorkLife Meal Plan recipe

Vegetarian

Pesto Parmesan Cozy Tofu Rice Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Basil pesto and nutty Parmesan for instant weeknight appeal. This recipe layers crisp tofu, crunchy vegetables, and brown rice into a make-ahead-friendly bowl, made for a comforting dinner without an all-evening cook time, with a creamy, no-cook finish. It is designed for dependable prep, familiar groceries, and a calm family dinner.

Plant proteinMeal prepColorfulComfort foodNo-cook finish
Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Serves4
Total40 min
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What you’ll need

Ingredients

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
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Make it happen

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the tofu dry, toss with cornstarch and salt, and shake off any excess.

  2. 2

    Heat avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook tofu for 10–12 minutes, turning until crisp.

  3. 3

    Whisk 1/3 cup basil pesto and 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan with 2 tablespoons warm water to make a pourable sauce.

  4. 4

    Divide rice, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and tofu among bowls. Spoon over the sauce and add Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves.

  5. 5

    Fold the avocado and tomato together with a pinch of salt and spoon over the meal at the table.

Estimated per serving

Nutrition at a glance

Estimates are provided for planning and are not medical advice.

525calories24gprotein9gfiber