Creamy Carrot Salad (Tofu Cream Dressing, 3 Ways)

Name: Creamy Carrot Salad (Tofu Cream Dressing)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1-2 carrots (200 g); 2 soft or hard boiled eggs; 2-3 oz additional protein of choice (canned tuna, chicken, ham, proschutto, bacon etc.); 5 oz (150 g) soft or silken tofu; 5 oz (150 g) soft tofu; 1 tbsp miso paste, to taste; 1 tbsp shiro dashi (Substitute: 1 tbsp mentsuyu or 1/2 tbsp soy sauce + 1/2 tsp MSG); 2-3 tbsp ground roasted sesame seeds; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp kewpie mayo; 1 tsp bonito flakes, optional; 5 oz (150 g) soft tofu; 1-2 tsp gochujang; 1 tsp miso paste; 1 tbsp mentsuyu (Substitute: ½ tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp MSG); 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp honey or sugar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp chicken stock powder; 5 oz (150 g) soft tofu; 1 tbsp miso paste; 4 tbsp (30 g) grated parmesan cheese; 2-4 tbsp lemon juice, to taste; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo; 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

This Creamy Carrot Salad is tossed in a smooth tofu cream dressing that’s light, savory, and packed with protein. With three flavor variations including sesame, gochujang, and cheesy, it’s an easy customizable side or meal prep staple!

Tofu Cream Makes the Creamiest Carrot Salad
Ingredients and Substitutions

Seasonings

How to Make Creamy Carrot Salad with Tofu Dressing
VIDEO: Watch How to Make It
Lisa’s Recipe Tips
Serving Suggestions
How to Store Leftovers
Recipe FAQ
More Carrot Recipes to Try
Creamy Carrot Salad (Tofu Cream Dressing) Recipe

Tofu Cream Makes the Creamiest Carrot Salad

When I was plant-based, tofu was (and still often is!) my go-to ingredient for making creamy dressings and sauces for both savory and sweet. I’ve used it in everything from dairy-free cream cheese and tofu yogurt to my creamy mapo tofu salad. Its neutral flavor makes it perfect for absorbing whatever flavors you add, giving dishes body and richness without relying on heavy fats. That’s why this creamy carrot salad is so satisfying: it’s light, high in protein, and full of flavor. This recipe was also inspired by a few videos I saw on Japanese social media where they blended tofu to make a sesame dressing, and I couldn’t wait to try it myself. Using tofu in your carrot salad is a simple way to make a Japanese-inspired, sesame tofu dressing that’s creamy, healthy, and easy to toss together.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy carrot salad:

Carrots: The star ingredient of this recipe. Use fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture.
Soft or silken tofu: The base of the creamy dressing. Choose a brand that’s mild and pleasant tasting since its flavor will come through in the finished salad.
Protein: You can use whatever protein you have on hand. I usually add eggs, but shredded chicken, canned tuna, canned salmon, imitation crab, ham, bacon, or cooked ground beef all work well.

Seasonings

I’ve included three dressing variations below: sesame, gochujang, and Caesar-inspired, but this is also where you can get creative. Tofu is incredibly versatile and can be seasoned in countless ways. Here’s a simple guide for building your own delicious tofu cream sauce:

Fat: A small amount of fat adds richness and helps create a creamier mouthfeel. Kewpie mayo is my favorite, but peanut butter, tahini, ground sesame seeds, sesame oil, or olive oil also work well.
Tang: Brighten the dressing with ingredients like lemon juice, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, or whole grain mustard.
Umami: This is what makes the dressing not taste like tofu! Try miso paste, parmesan cheese, MSG, shiro dashi, mentsuyu, bonito flakes, soy sauce, or nutritional yeast.
Salt: Depending on the other ingredients you’re using, season with salt, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, or additional miso.
Spice: Add heat with gochujang, chili oil, fresh chilies, black pepper, shichimi togarashi, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add color and freshness. Scallions, cilantro, parsley, dill, shiso, and chives are all great options. I also like adding a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Garlic, ginger, and onion: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the dressing. Freshly grated garlic and ginger provide the boldest flavor, while garlic powder and onion powder are convenient pantry-friendly alternatives

How to Make Creamy Carrot Salad with Tofu Dressing

Here’s a quick overview of how to bring this salad together:

Blend the dressing: Puree tofu until smooth, then mix in the rest of your chosen dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Prepare the carrots: Slice, ribbon, or chop them. Optionally microwave briefly to soften, then drain any excess water.
Cook or prep protein: Hard or soft boil eggs, and prepare any additional protein if using.
Assemble the salad: Combine carrots, eggs, and protein in a bowl. Roughly chop eggs, then toss with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.

VIDEO: Watch How to Make It

Lisa’s Recipe Tips

Choose the right tofu: Use a brand of silken or soft tofu that is neutral in flavor and made only from soybeans.
Blot to prevent watery dressing: Pat tofu dry with a paper towel before blending to avoid a watery dressing.
Make ahead: Blend a batch of tofu dressing to have on hand so you always have a creamy, ready-to-use sauce.
Taste and adjust: Every tofu brand has slightly different flavors, so taste as you go and adjust seasonings and quantities to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy carrot salad is satisfying on its own, but you can also pair it with grains or pasta for a more substantial meal, such as:

Onigiri: Mixed Rice Onigiri, Yaki Onigiri or Onigiri Dogs
Rice bowls: Teriyaki tofu donburi, Yakitori don or Oyakodon
Cold soba noodles
Corn Mayo Udon
Cheesy Kimchi Udon Noodles
Miso Butter Pasta

How to Store Leftovers

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Keep the dressing separate if you want the carrots to stay firmer.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this tofu fully plant based?

Yes! Skip the eggs and any animal-based proteins. You can add some plant based proteins such as firm tofu, beans, lentils, tempeh or mock meats.

Can I use regular tofu instead of soft?

Silken or soft tofu works best for a creamy dressing. If using firm tofu, blend it with a splash of water or plant-based milk to reach a smooth texture.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep the carrots and dressing ahead of time. Combine just before serving for the best texture.

More Carrot Recipes to Try

Enjoy! If you make this Creamy Carrot Salad recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below, and if you share it on social media, tag me on Instagram @Okonomikitchen. I can’t wait to see your creations!