Tofu Salad

Tofu Salad Recipe from China | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tofu salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with protein and vegetables, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.

History

Tofu salad has been a popular dish in Asian cuisine for centuries. Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from soybeans and has been a staple in Asian diets for thousands of years. The combination of tofu with fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings makes for a tasty and nutritious salad.

Ingredients

1 cup tofu
0.5 cup sliced green onions
1.5 cup diagonally sliced celery
3 cup cool cooked brown or white rice
2 tbsp diced pimento
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp soy sauce
0.75 cup mayonnaise
salad greens
1 x 5 oz (142 g) can chow mein noodles
0.5 cup flaked coconut, toasted

How to prepare

Drain the tofu and cut it into 0.5 inch cubes.
Combine the tofu, onions, celery, rice, pimento, water chestnuts, and mushrooms.
Blend together the garlic, pepper, ginger, mustard, soy sauce, and mayonnaise.
Stir the mixture into the tofu mixture and toss lightly.
Spoon the mixture onto beds of salad greens and surround with chow mein noodles.
Serve with additional soy sauce, if desired.

Variations

Add in some diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
Swap out the mayonnaise for a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
Top the salad with some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tofu well before cutting it into cubes to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

- Toasting the coconut adds a delicious nutty flavor to the salad.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add in some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Tofu salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool before adding it to the salad.

- Toss the salad lightly to ensure that the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use firm or extra firm tofu in this recipe.

- Feel free to use any type of mushrooms or vegetables that you prefer in the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

Tofu salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the chow mein noodles and coconut right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tofu salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Tofu salad pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of tofu salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tofu salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tofu salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tofu salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of tofu salad contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tofu salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Tofu salad contains soy and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Tofu salad is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Tofu salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with protein and vegetables, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Tofu Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lillian for our weekly afternoon tea. Lillian and I have been friends for decades, and she has always been my inspiration when it comes to cooking.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on our Earl Grey tea, Lillian suddenly exclaimed, "Oh dear, I completely forgot to tell you about this amazing tofu salad recipe I tried last week! You simply must try it, it's delicious and so healthy."

Intrigued, I asked her to share the recipe with me. Lillian rummaged through her collection of recipe cards and handed me a worn piece of paper with handwritten instructions on it. She explained that she had learned this recipe from her yoga instructor, who was a firm believer in the benefits of a plant-based diet.

I carefully studied the ingredients and instructions for the Tofu Salad recipe. It seemed simple enough, with just a few key components: firm tofu, fresh vegetables, a tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. I was excited to give it a try and see if it lived up to Lillian's praise.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients needed for the Tofu Salad and got to work in my own kitchen. I marinated the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger, allowing it to absorb the flavors while I chopped up a colorful assortment of bell peppers, cucumbers, and scallions.

Once everything was ready, I assembled the salad in a large bowl and drizzled the dressing over the top. The aroma of the soy sauce and ginger filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I sprinkled some sesame seeds on top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.

As I took my first bite of the Tofu Salad, I was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavors in my mouth. The tofu was perfectly seasoned and had a satisfying texture, while the vegetables added a refreshing crunch. The tangy dressing tied everything together beautifully, making it a truly delicious and wholesome dish.

I made the Tofu Salad for my family that evening, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My grandchildren even asked for seconds, which was a rare occurrence when it came to tofu dishes. I smiled to myself, knowing that I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe that would surely become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the Tofu Salad countless times, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my taste preferences. Sometimes I add a dash of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick, or swap out the bell peppers for cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile. Each time I make it, I think of Lillian and her yoga instructor, grateful for the culinary inspiration they have brought into my life.

I have shared the Tofu Salad recipe with friends and family, passing on the joy of discovering a new and healthy dish. It has become a beloved recipe in my repertoire, one that I will continue to make and enjoy for years to come.

As I sit here reminiscing about the day I stumbled upon this recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my culinary journey. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering new recipes like the Tofu Salad only fuels my creative spirit and love for good food.

So here's to trying new things, experimenting in the kitchen, and savoring the simple joys that food can bring. And if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and healthy dish to brighten up your day, I highly recommend giving the Tofu Salad a try. Who knows, it might just become a favorite in your kitchen too.