Tofu Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

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Making tofu tastier can be as simple as tossing it in a knockout sauce like this Sichuan-inspired peanut dressing. To make this cucumber salad recipe a meal, add rice noodles and double the dressing. Serve with an extra drizzle of sesame oil and sliced scallions.

By
Bruce Aidells
Bruce Aidells
Bruce Aidells

With 40 years of teaching, writing, and producing award winning recipes and sausages, Bruce Aidells is an American expert on sausage. In addition, his knowledge of American regional cooking has led him to write hundreds of published recipes that showcase the bounty of American ethnic and regional cooking, as well as grilling and charcuterie.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Prep Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Low-Carb Diabetes-Friendly Dairy-Free Healthy Pregnancy Low-Sodium Heart-Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

Spicy Peanut Dressing

  • 1 ½ tablespoons natural peanut butter

  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 ½ teaspoons toasted (dark) sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon black bean-garlic sauce

  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

  • ½ teaspoon chile-garlic sauce or Sriracha, or to taste

  • ½ teaspoon sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon finely chopped garlic

  • ¼ teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns

Salad

  • 8 ounces extra-firm water-packed tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 1 large English cucumber, quartered and sliced 3/4 inch thick

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped cilantro, divided

  • ¼ cup chopped salted roasted peanuts

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced scallion greens

Directions

  1. To prepare dressing: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, black bean-garlic sauce, ginger, chile-garlic sauce (or Sriracha), sugar, garlic and ground peppercorns in a medium bowl; whisk until well combined.

  2. To prepare salad: Combine tofu, cucumber and 3/4 cup cilantro in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the dressing; toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

  3. To serve, transfer salad to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining dressing. Top with peanuts, scallions and the remaining cilantro.

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Tips

To make ahead: Refrigerate peanut dressing (Step 1) for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature and whisk before serving.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2017

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

167 Calories
12g Fat
7g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 167
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 3g
Added Sugars 1g 2%
Protein 10g 20%
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Vitamin A 484IU 10%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Folate 19mcg 5%
Sodium 316mg 14%
Calcium 188mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 38mg 9%
Potassium 278mg 6%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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