Watercress and Tofu Salad
Brighten up your meal routine with this vibrant and nutrient-packed Watercress and Tofu Salad, a perfect fusion of wholesome greens and crispy tofu. Featuring delicate, peppery watercress, golden pan-fried tofu coated in a light cornstarch crust, and creamy slices of avocado, this salad is topped with a savory sesame-ginger dressing that balances soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly twist. Toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions add texture and a pop of flavor, making each bite delightful and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and healthy recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, dinner side, or even a light entrée. Perfect for plant-based eaters and salad enthusiasts alike, it’s a fresh, Asian-inspired dish guaranteed to elevate your salad game.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups watercress
- 1 block firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess liquid. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top.
Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Rinse and trim the watercress, removing thick stems if desired. Pat it dry and place it in a large salad bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to make the dressing.
Add the crispy tofu, sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds to the watercress.
Drizzle the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Watercress and Tofu Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
360 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.6 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 442 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.7 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 16.7 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 661 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 622 mg | 13% | |
*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.
