Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Cilantro Scented Tofu Rice Salad, a refreshing fusion of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfectly crispy, golden tofu pairs with fluffy jasmine rice and an array of fresh vegetables like red bell pepper and cucumber for a satisfying crunch. The zesty dressing, made with lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, is delicately sweetened with agave syrup and infused with garlic for a tantalizing punch of flavor. Fresh cilantro and scallions add a fragrant herbal note, tying the dish together beautifully. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe makes for a light yet fulfilling main dish or a standout side. It's a healthy, plant-based option that bursts with color, texture, and tasteβideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Press the tofu to remove excess water by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15 minutes. Then, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Finely chop the cilantro leaves and thinly slice the scallions. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, agave syrup (or honey), minced garlic, and black pepper. This is the dressing for the salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked jasmine rice, crispy tofu, chopped cilantro, scallions, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, soy sauce, or lime juice if needed.
Serve immediately as a main dish or side, and enjoy the fresh and aromatic flavors!
Calories |
1247 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.9 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3712 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.9 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.9 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.2 g | ||
| Protein | 64.0 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 893 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2801 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.