Cucumber Tofu Salad

by Monica on May 12, 2025 2 comments

5 from 1 rating

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This vegan cucumber tofu salad with spicy Asian-style dressing is fresh, zesty, and delicious! This protein-packed salad is perfect for plant-based meal prep and make-ahead lunches.

A cucumber salad with tofu and carrots with a spicy Asian-style dressing in a white mixing bowl.

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Why make this recipe

I’ve been making carrot and cucumber salad a lot lately, and my family has been loving it, but I wanted to add more protein to it to make it more of a meal. I started adding some pan-fried tofu to it, and it made the salad into a satisfying meal.

Tofu cucumber salad holds up well in the fridge, and the tofu soaks up the flavors of the dressing and just gets better the longer it sits. This makes it perfect for a side dish that you can prepare ahead of time, and it works great for lunches or meal prep.

It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare this salad, and it may be your favorite new way to enjoy tofu.

Ingredients and substitutions

Tofu – Extra firm or high protein tofu works best in this recipe since it will hold its form and not break apart.
Oil – to fry the tofu. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or any cooking oil that you want to saute the tofu.
Carrots – You will need about 3 or 4 carrots, cut into thin slices.
Cucumbers – I like to use seedless cucumbers. English cucumbers or baby cucumbers work best in this recipe.
Green Onions – you can also use chives instead.
Sesame Seeds – for garnish, optional.

Spicy Asian Dressing

Seasoned Rice Vinegar – This is a key flavor in the dressing and should not be swapped out for another type of vinegar.
Chili Garlic Sauce – or Sriracha. To give the salad a spicy kick.
Sesame Oil – You can omit it for an oil-free dressing, but it adds a lot of flavor.
Soy Sauce – use tamari or Bragg’s liquid aminos to make it gluten-free.
Garlic – fresh minced garlic cloves add extra flavor.
Ginger – Fresh minced ginger adds a lot of flavor, but if you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use granulated ginger.
Sugar – This sweetens up the dressing a little, but you can leave it out if you choose. (optional)
Salt – For a little extra flavor (optional).

Helpful tools

Mandoline Slicer – for slicing the cucumbers and carrots thinly.
A Large Frying Pan – for frying the tofu.

How to make tofu cucumber salad

A full, printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Step 1 – Slice 2 cups of carrots and 2 cups of cucumbers into very thin slices using a knife or a mandoline.

Make the dressing

Step 2 – Add seasoned rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to a small container, then stir well until combined.

Step 3 – Pour the dressing over the carrot and cucumber slices and mix well. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Place in the fridge while you fry the tofu.

Pouring the dressing over the sliced carrots and cucumbers. — Mix the dressing, cucumbers and carrots.

A top view of a cucumber tofu salad before the tofu is added. — Mix the dressing, cucumbers and carrots.

Make the pan-fried tofu

Step 4 – Drain and press a package of extra-firm tofu. Then cut it into bite-sized cubes.

Step 5 – Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil in the bottom. Allow the skillet to heat up for about 2 minutes before adding the tofu.

Step 6 – Place the tofu in the hot skillet with a sprinkle of salt and allow it to cook for about 2 minutes before giving the skillet a little shake. If the tofu moves freely in the pan, it is ready to turn. Flip the tofu and repeat the process until it is cooked on all sides.

Tofu cubes frying in a pan being stirred with a wooden spoon. — Pan fry the tofu cubes.

A top view of a tofu cucumber salad. — Pan fry the tofu cubes.

Step 7 – Once all sides of the tofu are golden and crispy, turn off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before adding it to the cucumber and carrot salad mixture. Mix well and garnish with more sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Pro Tips

A mandoline slicer is a great tool for this salad, but please use caution. Follow the safety instructions for using this tool.
The salt and sugar in the dressing will cause the carrots and cucumbers to release liquid. This is normal and adds flavor to the dressing, providing a great marinade for the tofu.