Name: Tofu Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, or baby spinach); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup shredded carrot; 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/4 cup edamame, shelled and cooked; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Hey y’all! Looking for a light, refreshing, and satisfying meal? This vibrant Tofu Salad is packed with crisp veggies, golden pan-fried tofu, and a tangy Asian-style dressing. It’s not only delicious and full of texture but also perfect for lunch, picnics, meal prep, or a colorful side at your next barbecue. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

High in plant-based protein and totally satisfying.
Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Bright, zesty flavors thanks to the homemade dressing.
Great for meal prep—stays fresh and crisp for hours.

Ingredients

14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, or baby spinach)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Directions

Prep the Tofu

Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated.

Pan-Fry the Tofu

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrot, cucumber, red onion, edamame, and cilantro, if using.
Add the crispy tofu cubes to the salad.
Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Notes

Pressing tofu well helps it get extra crispy; use a tofu press or heavy pan with paper towels.
To save time, use pre-mixed salad greens and pre-cut veggies from the store.
You can air-fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes for less oil.

Variations

Spicy Tofu Salad: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing.
Mediterranean Style: Swap soy sauce for lemon juice, and add olives and feta (if not vegan).
Peanut Dressing: Replace the sesame dressing with a creamy peanut sauce for a nutty touch.

Required Equipment

Nonstick skillet or air fryer
Large salad bowl
Mixing bowl and whisk
Chef’s knife & cutting board
Tofu press or heavy pan
Measuring cups & spoons

Storage Instructions

Store undressed salad and tofu separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add dressing just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.

Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations

Serve tofu salad alongside steamed rice, rice noodles, or quinoa for a wholesome bowl.
Pair with miso soup or a light veggie broth for a full meal.
Enjoy with fresh spring rolls or crunchy wonton chips for extra crunch.

Pro Tips

Let the tofu cool for 1-2 minutes after frying for maximum crispiness.
Double the dressing—it’s great on grain bowls or as a dip for raw veggies.
Toss salad gently to avoid bruising delicate greens and tofu pieces.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?: Yes, prepare ingredients in advance and store separately. Add dressing and tofu before serving for the best texture.
Is this tofu salad gluten-free?: It can be—just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
What’s the best tofu for salad?: Extra-firm tofu holds its shape and crisps up best in this salad.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Tofu Salad

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients