
This sheet pan meal combines tofu, roasted vegetables, and a creamy lime sauce served with quinoa for a quick nutritious dish full of flavor and texture. It is an easy way to enjoy a wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup and fresh ingredients.
I first tried this on a busy weeknight and it became my go-to for healthy meals. It is satisfying yet light and keeps well as leftovers.
Ingredients
- Firm or extra-firm tofu: pressed and cut into triangles for a crispy texture and protein source
- Sweet potato: diced for natural sweetness and a tender bite
- Red and green bell peppers: diced adding color and vitamin C
- White onion: sliced for savory depth and caramelization
- Cornflour: to lightly coat tofu for extra crispiness when roasted
- Olive oil: to evenly coat vegetables and tofu, enhancing roasting and flavor
- Paprika: adds mild smoky warmth
- Ground cumin: brings earthiness and subtle spice
- Dried oregano: adds herbal notes reminiscent of Mediterranean cooking
- Onion powder: intensifies the onion flavor without adding extra moisture
- Dry quinoa: cooked according to package instructions provides a fluffy base and gluten-free grain
- Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative: creates a creamy tangy sauce
- Fresh cilantro leaves: add bright herbal freshness
- Lime juice: lends acidity and brightness
- Water: to adjust sauce consistency
- Garlic powder: for savory punch
- Salt and black pepper: to taste for seasoning balance
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Dice sweet potato and bell peppers evenly to ensure they cook through uniformly. Slice the onion into rings or strips and arrange all vegetables on one half of the tray in a single layer.
- Prepare tofu:
- Drain the tofu and press it well to remove excess moisture which helps it crisp better. Cut into triangles and lightly dust with cornflour for a golden crust. Place tofu pieces on the empty side of the baking sheet.
- Season and roast:
- In a small bowl mix paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and olive oil. Drizzle this spice oil over tofu and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the seasoning. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and tofu is nicely browned.
- Cook quinoa:
- While roasting, cook the quinoa following the package instructions which usually takes about 15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork once done.
- Prepare the creamy cilantro lime sauce:
- In a blender or food processor combine Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy adjusting water to desired sauce consistency.
- Assemble and serve:
- Place a generous scoop of quinoa on plates or bowls. Top with roasted tofu and vegetables. Drizzle the creamy cilantro lime sauce over everything just before serving.

I love the fresh brightness the cilantro lime sauce brings to this dish it really ties all the roasted flavors together. This recipe reminds me of evenings when I needed a wholesome meal but did not want to spend too long cooking.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the creamy cilantro lime sauce separate to maintain freshness and add just before serving. For longer storage, freeze tofu and vegetable portions individually in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find firm tofu extra-firm tofu works just as well but press thoroughly. Swap sweet potato for butternut squash or carrots for a similar sweetness and texture. Use regular yogurt if dairy-free options are not available. Fresh parsley can replace cilantro for a different herbal note in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad for extra vegetables. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch. A wedge of lime on the side enhances the citrus notes when squeezed over just before eating.
Cultural Context
Roasting vegetables and tofu on a sheet pan is a popular technique for healthy fast meals in many Western cuisines. The use of cumin and oregano nods to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences while the creamy lime sauce adds a fresh modern twist often found in Californian and fusion cooking styles.

Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of tofu works best for roasting?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal as it holds shape well during roasting and achieves a nice texture.
- → Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
Yes, brown rice or couscous make great alternatives to quinoa for serving alongside the roasted tofu and vegetables.
- → How do I make the cilantro lime sauce dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt such as coconut or almond-based yogurt to keep the sauce creamy and vegan-friendly.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep tofu and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately to maintain freshness.
- → Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop vegetables and press tofu in advance. The sauce also stores well chilled for a couple of days.