As a former restaurant owner, I love blending traditional flavors with modern twists to make cooking fun and easy. This Vibrant Tofu Salad is packed with colorful veggies and a spicy tahini dressing that gives it a delicious kick.
I created this recipe because I wanted something fresh, healthy, and quick to make. Tofu is a great source of protein, and the veggies add lots of vitamins and crunch. The spicy tahini dressing brings all the flavors together and makes this salad something special.
Colour is one of the most important sensory aspects of food and drink. As well as indicating its likely freshness and flavour, it can also influence consumer choice and enjoyment of a product.
– Dan Hall
One of the best things about this salad is its vibrant colors. Eating a variety of colorful veggies not only makes your plate look appealing but also ensures you’re getting a range of nutrients. Each color represents different vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. Plus, colorful dishes are more enjoyable to eat, making it easier to get kids and picky eaters excited about healthy food.
I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. This salad is one of those dishes that always makes me happy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who loves good food, this Vibrant Tofu Salad is perfect for you.
Let’s get started and make this tasty, colorful salad together. You’ll see how easy and fun it can be to create a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Happy cooking!
Chef’s Notes – Vibrant Tofu Salad
- Tofu Texture: Ensure the tofu is drained well and cubed evenly for consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Bell Pepper Sauté: Be mindful not to overcook the bell peppers; they should be softened but still retain some crunch for texture.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of tahini or chili oil to achieve the desired thickness and spiciness of the dressing.
- Customization Options: Experiment with different vegetables or nuts for added variety and personalization.
- Presentation: Arrange the salad ingredients in an appealing manner for a visually stunning dish.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the tofu and dressing in advance for quick assembly when ready to serve.
- Tofu Substitutes: Explore tempeh or chickpeas as alternatives for tofu, offering different textures and flavors.
- Nut Allergies: Swap roasted peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: Opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free dressing variation.
- Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the heat of the dressing to suit individual preferences by adjusting the amount of chili oil used.
Vibrant Tofu Salad
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Vibrant Tofu Salad! Packed with colorful bell peppers, fresh cilantro, and crunchy roasted peanuts, all drizzled with a homemade spicy tahini dressing, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Dive into this explosion of flavors and textures!
4
servings10
minutes5
minutes250
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Soft Tofu
12 oz soft tofu, drained and cubed
1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- Spicy Tahini Dressing
1 1/2 tbsp chili oil
1 tbsp tahini
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
1/8 tsp salt
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tofu substitute: Tempeh or chickpeas for a different texture.
Nut substitute: Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nut allergies.
Soy sauce substitute: Coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Directions
- Preparing Tofu – Cut the drained soft tofu into approximately 1-inch cubes and place them in a serving dish. Set aside.
- Sautéing Bell Peppers – Heat a sauté pan over high heat without adding any oil. Sauté the diced yellow and red bell peppers until they soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assembling Salad – Spread the sautéed bell peppers and chopped cilantro over the tofu cubes in the serving dish.
- Adding Peanuts – Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts evenly over the tofu and bell peppers.
- Making Dressing – In a small bowl, combine chili oil, tahini, sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Dressing the Salad – Pour the spicy tahini dressing over the tofu mixture. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Sauté Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ – Chef’s Notes – Vibrant Tofu Salad
Can I use firm tofu instead of soft tofu?
Yes, you can use firm tofu if you prefer a more substantial texture. Make sure to press and drain it well before cutting it into cubes.
How can I make this salad nut-free?
You can substitute the roasted peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to make this salad nut-free.
What can I use instead of chili oil in the dressing?
If you don’t have chili oil, you can use sriracha or another hot sauce to add the desired level of spice to the dressing.
How long can I store the Vibrant Tofu Salad?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture of the tofu may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or cucumber to enhance the flavor and texture.
Is there a soy-free alternative to tofu?
Yes, you can use chickpeas or tempeh as a soy-free alternative to tofu in this salad. Chickpeas provide a similar protein boost and a nice texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled. It pairs well with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
