Best 2 Celery And Tofu Salad Recipes

# Celery and Tofu Salad: A Refreshing and Healthy Treat

Seeking a light and refreshing summer salad that's packed with flavor and nutrition? Look no further than the delectable celery and tofu salad. This culinary delight combines the crisp crunch of celery with the soft, protein-rich texture of tofu, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce, this salad offers a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and umami flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

This versatile salad caters to various dietary preferences, making it a perfect choice for vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious individuals. The inclusion of tofu provides a substantial source of plant-based protein, while the celery contributes essential vitamins and minerals. To enhance the salad's nutritional profile further, consider adding other colorful vegetables such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the salad with grilled tofu or tempeh, or even a side of quinoa or brown rice. It also serves as an excellent appetizer or side dish to accompany your main course. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to create this refreshing and revitalizing celery and tofu salad.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SICHUAN CELERY AND TOFU SALAD

Sichuan Celery and Tofu Salad image

This otherwise simple salad, adapted from a dish at Szechuan Gourmet in Manhattan, may require a trip to a Chinese market for Szechuan peppercorns and pressed tofu. And you'll need to make your own chili oil! But here's the thing. The effort, which really isn't much more than difficult shopping, produces an elegant dish that is worth whatever shoe leather or mileage you'll expend getting the ingredients together. It is astonishingly good. And we'll even allow one substitution. You can use regular celery instead of the Chinese version!

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories quick, salads and dressings

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup peanut oil
1 piece ginger, 2 inches long, cut into 3 or 4 slices
1 piece cinnamon, 3 inches long
3 cloves
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 star anise
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
1/4 cup red chile flakes, or more to taste
Salt
1 bunch Chinese celery, or regular celery, thinly sliced
4 to 6 ounces pressed tofu, thinly sliced or julienned

Steps:

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; when it simmers, add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes. Remove from heat and let sit until cool, at least 1 hour and preferably 2 or 3. Strain oil into a bowl or jar and discard spices.
Put a pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add celery and blanch for about a minute; drain in colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Layer celery and tofu on serving plates, drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle with salt.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 554, UnsaturatedFat 44 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 57 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 361 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CELERY AND TOFU SALAD

Celery and Tofu Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup peanut oil
1 (2-inch long) piece fresh ginger, cut into 3 or 4 slices
1 (3-inch long) piece cinnamon
3 cloves
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 star anise
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
1/4 cup red chili flakes
Salt
1 bunch Chinese celery, thinly sliced
4 to 6 ounces pressed tofu, thinly sliced or julienned

Steps:

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; when it simmers, add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili flakes. Remove from heat and let sit until cool, at least 1 hour and preferably 2 or 3. Strain oil into a bowl or jar and discard spices.
Put a pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add celery and blanch for about a minute; drain in colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Layer celery and tofu on serving plates, drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle with salt.

Tips:

Choose fresh and crisp celery: This will ensure that your salad is crunchy and flavorful.
Use firm tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu will hold its shape better in the salad.
Press the tofu before using: This will help to remove excess moisture and make the tofu more flavorful.
Marinate the tofu: Marinating the tofu in a flavorful sauce or dressing will add extra flavor to the salad.
Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, texture, and flavor to the salad. Some good options include carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and snap peas.
Add some nuts or seeds: This will add a crunchy texture and healthy fats to the salad. Some good options include almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Use a light dressing: A light dressing will help to keep the salad from becoming too heavy or greasy. Some good options include a vinaigrette, a lemon-tahini dressing, or a yogurt dressing.
Serve the salad immediately: Celery salad is best served immediately after it is made. This will prevent the celery from becoming limp or wilted.

Conclusion:

Celery and tofu salad is a healthy, refreshing, and delicious salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover celery and tofu. With its crunchy texture, flavorful dressing, and variety of vegetables, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.