Description
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!
Ingredients
Units
Base
- 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
Sesame Tofu Dressing
- 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
Gochujang Tofu Dressing
- 5 oz (150 g) soft tofu
- 1-2 tsp gochujang
- 1 tsp miso paste
- 1 tbsp mentsuyu
- (Substitute: 1/2 tbsp soy sauce + 1/2 tsp MSG)
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chicken stock powder
Caesar-ish Tofu Dressing
- 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
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
- Blend the tofu until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mix in the remaining dressing ingredients for your chosen flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Carrots
- Whole Carrot: Wash and peel (optional). Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 1.5 minutes per side, or until easily pierced with a skewer. Roughly chop with a spoon or knife.
- Mandoline: Peel and chop carrots into 3–4 inch pieces. Slice thinly using a mandoline. Optionally, microwave 1–2 minutes until slightly softened. Drain excess water and cool.
- Peeler Ribbons: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons. Optionally, microwave 1–2 minutes until slightly soft. Drain excess water and cool.
Assemble the Salad
- To the bowl with the blended tofu add the carrots and additional protein (if using) and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Roughly chop the eggs with a spoon and roughly toss to combine. Add garnishes or toppings if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Microwave, No cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 recipe for sesame dressing salad
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 375 mg