A crisp, flavorful Tofu Salad that perfectly balances freshness, crunch, and creaminess. This recipe combines golden tofu bites, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty peanut-lime dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, full of texture, and satisfying enough to enjoy as a main dish or a light side.
Table of contents
- A Refreshing and Satisfying Salad for Every Occasion
- Choosing the Best Ingredients for Tofu Salad
- How to Make the Perfect Crispy Tofu
- The Secret Behind the Peanut-Lime Dressing
- Bringing It All Together
- What Makes This Tofu Salad Unique
- Creative Variations to Try
- What to Do with Leftovers
- Frequently Asked Questions About Tofu Salad
- Other Recipes to Try
- Share Your Tofu Salad Experience
A Refreshing and Satisfying Salad for Every Occasion
This Tofu Salad is one of those dishes that effortlessly fits any moment — a quick lunch during a busy week, a vibrant addition to a dinner table, or a refreshing option for picnics and potlucks.
It’s satisfying yet light, perfect for warmer days or when you’re craving something wholesome without feeling heavy.
The mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and crunchy peanuts makes every bite a burst of freshness, while the tofu adds a hearty, savory element that makes the salad more substantial than the usual greens.
Choosing the Best Ingredients for Tofu Salad
The key to an exceptional tofu salad lies in the freshness and balance of the ingredients.
Firm tofu works best for this recipe — it holds its shape when pan-fried and develops a deliciously crisp exterior with a tender inside. Using a high-quality peanut butter (preferably unsweetened) enhances the flavor of the dressing without overwhelming the salad.
Fresh lime juice adds brightness, while the combination of soy sauce, garlic, and chili sauce creates depth and a subtle kick that makes this salad unforgettable.
How to Make the Perfect Crispy Tofu
Getting the tofu just right makes all the difference.
After patting it dry, coat it evenly in cornstarch to create that golden, crisp surface when fried. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the tofu pieces until all sides are perfectly golden. In this Tofu Salad recipe, we will also add a few spoons of the peanut-lime dressing for extra flavor.
This step adds a beautiful texture and helps the tofu soak up the flavors of the dressing later. The crisp tofu cubes also provide a satisfying contrast to the fresh vegetables.
The Secret Behind the Peanut-Lime Dressing
This dressing is what makes this Tofu Salad stand out.
To prepare it, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chili sauce, and water until smooth and creamy. A touch of salt and pepper balances everything out. The result is a dressing that’s slightly tangy, nutty, and spicy, coating the salad ingredients beautifully.
The water helps achieve a pourable consistency without making the sauce heavy or greasy.
Bringing It All Together
Once the tofu is golden and the dressing ready, it’s time to assemble.
Combine lettuce, cucumber, scallions, tomato, and peanuts in a large bowl. Add the tofu and drizzle with about one-third of the dressing — enough to flavor without overpowering. Toss gently so the sauce coats every bite.
Serve the remaining dressing on the side for anyone who loves an extra drizzle.
What Makes This Tofu Salad Unique
What sets this Todu Salad recipe apart is the harmony between texture and flavor.
The crisp tofu provides protein and substance, the vegetables bring freshness, and the peanuts and peanut-lime dressing add richness and a subtle Asian-inspired twist.
It’s a salad that’s satisfying enough for a full meal but light enough to leave you feeling energized.
Creative Variations to Try
This Tofu Salad is wonderfully adaptable.
Add shredded carrots or red cabbage for extra color and crunch, or substitute cashews for peanuts for a slightly different texture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives it a delicate nutty finish.
You can even serve it warm by tossing the freshly fried tofu with the dressing right before adding the greens — the slight warmth releases the aroma of the sauce beautifully.
What to Do with Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
The tofu stays crisp longer this way. When ready to eat, lightly reheat the tofu in a skillet or air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crunch, then toss it with the fresh greens and remaining sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tofu Salad
Yes, baking works well. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch and a bit of oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crisp.
Absolutely. The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated. Stir well before using, as the peanut butter may thicken slightly when chilled.
It’s a great option for meal prep. Keep the tofu, vegetables, and dressing in separate containers and combine just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
This Tofu Salad pairs beautifully with rice noodles, jasmine rice, or even a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Other Recipes to Try
Share Your Tofu Salad Experience
I’d love to know how this Tofu Salad turned out for you!
If you make it, share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag me — I always enjoy seeing your creations.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below and give this recipe a star rating if you loved it. Your feedback helps others discover it too, and it means a lot to me.
Tofu Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing
This refreshing Tofu Salad brings together crispy tofu cubes, crunchy peanuts, and a creamy peanut-lime dressing for a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and scallions create a vibrant base, while the zesty dressing ties everything together. Quick, nourishing, and satisfying — ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups lettuce, torn
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ⅓ cup peanuts
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) tofu, patted dry
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- ⅓ of the dressing (see below)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- ½ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Notes
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the crispiest result.
- For a lighter version, bake or air fry the tofu instead of pan-frying.
- Add shredded carrots or red cabbage for extra crunch and color.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1.5 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 435Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 827mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g