Nutrient-Rich! Zucchini and Tofu Salad Recipe
A Healthy Zucchini and Tofu Salad That’s Both Delicious and Nutritious
This vibrant salad is packed with fresh zucchini, crisp bell peppers, sweet fruits, and soft tofu! It’s a delightful combination of flavors and nutrients that makes for a healthy and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and beautiful to serve, it’s perfect for special occasions or as a wholesome addition to your daily diet.
Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 zucchini
- 4 slices bell pepper
- 1/2 kiwi
- 1/4 Korean persimmon (or Fuyu persimmon)
- 1/4 block firm tofu
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp water
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp water
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the zucchini thoroughly. Sprinkle it with coarse sea salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture, making the zucchini firmer and better able to absorb flavors. After 10 minutes, rinse it gently under running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Lightly oil a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the dried zucchini slices and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. Aim for a nice sear rather than overcooking to retain a pleasant texture and enhance flavor.
Step 3
Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and slice it into rounds. Peel the kiwi and dice the persimmon into bite-sized pieces (cubes or wedges). Feel free to substitute with other seasonal fruits like apples or pears if desired.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp water. Whisk everything together until well combined and emulsified.
Step 5
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, similar to the fruit. Lightly coat the tofu cubes with flour or cornstarch. Heat a bit of oil in the pan and pan-fry the tofu until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. This gives the tofu a delightful exterior crunch while keeping the inside soft.
Step 6
Arrange the pan-fried zucchini slices attractively around the edge of a serving plate.
Step 7
Place the prepared fruit pieces over the zucchini, distributing them evenly across the plate.
Step 8
Add the sliced bell peppers, tucking them in among the fruit and zucchini for pops of color and crunch.
Step 9
Drizzle the prepared dressing generously over the entire salad. Finish by sprinkling dried parsley flakes over the top for a touch of green and aromatic finish.
Step 10
Carefully place the golden-brown tofu cubes in the center of the salad as a garnish. Your delicious and nutritious zucchini and tofu salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
