Food Recipes Za’atar Tofu Skewers with Tomato Salad & Hummus 5.0 (1) Add your rating & review This easy and filling vegetarian weeknight dinner is rich in protein (hello, tofu and hummus!) and ready in less than 30 minutes. By Marianne Williams Marianne Williams Marianne has been writing and testing recipes in the test kitchens for Dotdash Meredith since 2016. She studied at the International Culinary Center, in New York, and the International School of Italian Cuisine, in Italy, under highly esteemed chefs and graduated in 2015. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 07, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Jennifer Causey Prep Time: 25 mins Total Time: 25 mins Servings: 4 You'll want to make this protein-packed, vegetarian dinner on repeat. It's light, yet filling, and bursting with flavor. Cubes of tofu are threaded onto skewers and seasoned with za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with thyme, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds. It’s aromatic and herbaceous and will inject life and flavor onto anything it seasons. The tofu forms a nice crust on the grill while the inside remains tender, and its sidekick, a tomato-cucumber-olive salad, adds freshness and zest. A schmear of hummus doesn’t just amp up the protein, it also balances this tofu skewers recipe with its delightful creaminess. Have lots of warm pita bread on hand and dinner is served. For another vegetarian option, halloumi would make a great substitute for the tofu. Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese usually made with goat and sheep’s milk, and its high melting point is ideal for grilling. Cook the same way as the tofu, turning often, until golden, about 5 minutes. Ingredients 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 small Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup halved pitted mixed olives 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 onion) 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 14-oz. pkg. extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 3/4-in. cubes 3 tsp. za’atar, divided 3/4 cup hummus Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for topping (optional) Pita bread, for serving (optional) Directions Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onion, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Toss to coat. Press and pat tofu cubes dry with kitchen towels. Thread 4 pieces tofu onto each of 8 (10-inch) skewers. Place on a plate. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons za’atar and 1/2 teaspoon salt, turning and rolling skewers to evenly coat in seasoning. Preheat a grill pan or grill to high (450° to 500°F). Carefully brush pan or grates with 2 tablespoons oil. Drizzle tofu with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Sprinkle tofu with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon 3 tablespoons hummus onto each of 4 plates. Add tomato-olive salad and tofu skewers. Sprinkle remaining 1 teaspoon za’atar over tofu. Top with parsley and serve with pita bread, if desired. If you don’t have a grill or grill pan around, use a cast-iron or other nonstick skillet to sear the tofu. Rate It Print