🌱 Cold Sesame Tofu Noodle Salad

Cold Sesame Tofu Noodle Salad

Calories: 510

Protein: 33 g

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • Extra-firm tofu - 800g / 28 oz / 2 blocks

  • Soba or rice noodles - 300g / 10.6 oz dry

  • Shredded cucumber - 200g / 7 oz / 2 medium

  • Shredded purple cabbage - 150g / 5.3 oz / 1.5 cups

  • Shelled edamame (thawed) - 200g / 7 oz / 1.5 cups

  • Green onions (sliced) - 60g / 2.1 oz / 4 stalks

  • Tahini - 90g / 3.2 oz / 6 Tbsp

  • Soy sauce or tamari - 45ml / 3 Tbsp

  • Rice vinegar - 30ml / 2 Tbsp

  • Sesame oil - 15ml / 1 Tbsp

  • Maple syrup - 15ml / 1 Tbsp

  • Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves

  • Fresh ginger (grated) - 1 tsp

  • Warm water (to thin sauce) - 30–45ml / 2–3 Tbsp

  • Sesame seeds & chili flakes for garnish

 

Directions

1.Press tofu for at least 10 minutes using a clean towel or tofu press. Cut into small cubes.

2. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

3. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and warm water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.

4. Optionally, pan-fry tofu cubes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Alternatively, serve tofu raw/cold for a softer texture.

5. In a large bowl, combine noodles, tofu, cucumber, cabbage, and edamame.

6. Pour sesame sauce over everything and toss well until fully coated.

7. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes. Serve cold.

 

Meal Prep Instructions

  • Batch Cook: Make a double batch of sesame sauce and refrigerate in a jar for up to 1 week. Use on grain bowls, other salads, or as a dipping sauce.

  • Assemble Ahead (Option 1): Store Undressed: Keep noodles, tofu, veggies, and sauce in separate containers. Assemble when ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

  • Freeze for Later (Option 2): Pre-Dressed: Once combined, refrigerate up to 2 days. Noodles may absorb sauce — add a splash of water and stir before serving.

Lunch, Vegetarian OptionTameika Gentles