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Home » Appetizers & Sides » Sesame Tofu Salad

Published: Aug 1, 2021 · Modified: Sep 6, 2022 by Kelsey· This post may contain affiliate links ·

Sesame Tofu Salad

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This is one of the best vegan salads I have ever made! This easy vegan dinner recipe is filled with delicious whole foods that will keep you feeling full for hours.

This plant based salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. It's really easy to make and filled with delicious fresh vegetables.

It is great if you're looking for an easy salad with tofu or looking for a vegan or vegetarian recipe that will please everyone at your table.

I highly recommend reading my post about how to make tofu and checking out my recipe for sesame tofu to make sure this dish comes together perfectly.

Ingredients

Tofu: In order to make the sesame tofu that this recipe calls for, head over to my Sesame Tofu recipe for all of the delicious details. Of note, this recipe calls for extra firm tofu in order to get the best texture.

Leafy Greens: I used a combination of baby spinach, arugula, and watercress in this salad, but feel free to mix things up and use your favorites. The registered nurse in me wants to share an article with you about some of the healthiest leafy greens!

Sesame Dressing: My homemade sesame dressing uses a delicious combination of flavors that gives the meal an extra boost of yum!

Cucumbers: I usually like to slice my cucumbers into 4 wedges and remove the seeds before slicing into smaller pieces. Did you know that the core/seed area of cucumbers hold a lot of moisture?

Green Onions: Also known as scallions, give this salad extra flavor.

Carrots: I used shredded carrots in this recipe, but feel free to cut them however you prefer.

Red Cabbage: This is great for adding a whole lot of fresh, crunchy texture to your salad.

Edamame: This is an excellent source of protein and nutrients for your salad.

Snap Peas: Another yummy way to add extra texture and crunch into your meal.

Almonds: I used shaved almonds to make them super easy to eat but still add just the right amount of bite.

See the recipe card for ingredients quantities

Instructions

  1. Start by heading over to my blog post about Sesame Tofu to brush up on exactly how I prepare my tofu for this dish. The general highlights are:
    • Press your tofu for 20-30 minutes.
    • Slice and freeze your tofu if you plan ahead or have extra time, if not, just slice your tofu into little half inch cubes.
    • Toss in cornstarch until evenly coated.
    • Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan and add tofu. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until nice and crispy.
    • Add your sesame sauce (found in sesame tofu recipe, see link above), heat for about a minute to allow the sauce to thicken, and mix in the tofu.
    • Set tofu aside to let cool slightly.
  2. Wash and prep all vegetables according to ingredient list. Arrange in a large serving bowl.
  3. Mix dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad.
  4. Add tofu to the salad, garnish, and serve.

Substitutions

You can make this vegan salad gluten-free by substituting soy sauce for either tamari sauce or coconut aminos.

Choose your favorite leafy greens or salad mix for the base of your salad.

Feel free to omit any of the veggies above that you don't love, just be sure not to get rid of too many or the salad will lose a lot of its flare.

If you want to add a little heat to your plant based salad or tofu, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or sriracha to your dressing.

Be sure to try some of my other easy vegan recipes like my:

  • Buffalo Cauliflower Salad
  • Chia Seed Pudding
  • Spirulina Smoothie
  • Vegan Charcuterie Board
A white bowl holding a large salad, consisting of: sesame tofu, cucumbers, a lime, carrots, snap peas, red cabbage, edamame, and almonds.

Sesame Tofu Salad

Kelsey Riley
This is one of the best vegan salads I have ever made! This easy vegan dinner recipe is filled with delicious whole foods that will keep you feeling happy and full.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 253 kcal

Equipment

  • Non-stick pan

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups salad greens
  • 14 oz Extra firm tofu** **See Sesame Tofu Recipe!
  • ½ cup carrots shredded
  • ½ cup red cabbage shredded
  • ½ cup cucumbers sliced
  • ½ cup snap peas
  • ¼ cup edamame shelled
  • ¼ cup almonds shaved
  • ¼ cup green onions thinly sliced

Sesame Ginger Dressing

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
  • ½ tablespoon peanut butter
  • ½ tablespoon agave nectar
  • ½ tsp sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the tofu. Please see my Sesame Tofu Recipe for full instructions.
  • Wash and then prep all salad ingredients according to the ingredient section. Arrange in a large serving bowl.
  • Mix together all salad dressing ingredients.
  • Add the tofu to the salad and a large drizzle of salad dressing. Toss the salad, garnish as desired and enjoy!

Notes

Please see my Sesame Tofu recipe for full tofu instructions. If you don't like tofu, feel free to omit the tofu or swap it out for tempeh.
Feel free to omit any of the vegetables that you might not love or have on hand. Just be sure not to eliminate too many or the salad will lose a lot of its excitement.
Option to garnish with extra sliced green onions, shaved almonds, sesame seeds, or cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal
Tried this recipe?Tag @plantedinthekitchen or tag #plantedinthekitchen!

FOOD SAFETY TIPS

  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

If you try this recipe please leave a star rating below, this helps others find my recipes.

If you snap a picture and share it on Instagram be sure to tag me @plantedinthekitchen or use #plantedinthekitchen in the caption for the chance to be shared on my story!

More Vegan & Plant-Based Appetizers & Sides

  • Ancient Grains Salad
  • Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Squash
  • Vegan Chickpea Salad

About Kelsey

Planted in the Kitchen is a plant based food blog. Here you will find healthy and delicious vegan recipes!

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Here you'll find delicious, healthy, and easy vegan recipes. I'm a registered nurse turned blogger with a passion for plant based food.

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