Tofu and Noodle Salad with Sweet and Spicy Almond Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying option with plenty of flavor and texture. The tofu is crispy and golden on the outside, while the noodles provide a chewy, hearty base. The sweet and spicy almond butter sauce ties everything together, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and heat. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite veggies, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking for a refreshing, flavorful salad, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes

• 8 oz rice noodles or soba noodles

• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Sweet and Spicy Almond Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup almond butter (smooth)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin out the sauce)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (optional, for extra brightness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside.

2. Cook the noodles: While the tofu is baking, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Make the almond butter sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the almond butter, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, sriracha (or chili garlic sauce), and garlic powder (if using). Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency. For a lighter, more pourable sauce, add more water. Stir in lime juice if using for extra brightness.

4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, cucumber, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Once the tofu is baked and crispy, add it to the bowl with the noodles and vegetables.

5. Toss and serve: Pour the sweet and spicy almond butter sauce over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds (if using) and additional cilantro. Serve immediately, or chill for later.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30 minutes (for tofu)

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like edamame, avocado, or snap peas for extra flavor and texture.

• Substitute the noodles: You can use other types of noodles, like soba noodles, udon, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

• Add nuts or seeds: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted peanuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds on top of the salad.

• Make it spicy: If you like more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes over the salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’ve already tossed it in the sauce, the noodles may absorb some of the sauce, but it will still taste great.

• Reheating: If you prefer your tofu to stay crispy, it’s best to store the tofu separately and reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes before adding it back to the salad. The noodles and veggies can be eaten cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tofu, noodles, and vegetables ahead of time. Assemble the salad and add the sauce just before serving to keep the tofu crispy.

2. Can I use other types of nut butter?

Yes! While almond butter gives a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute it with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten-free (rice noodles or soba noodles made from buckwheat are great options).

4. Can I use fresh tofu instead of baked?

Yes, you can use fresh tofu if you prefer. However, baking it adds extra texture and flavor. If you don’t bake it, you can pan-fry it until crispy or use it as is for a softer texture.

5. Can I substitute the rice vinegar with something else?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

6. Can I use other sauces besides sriracha?

Yes, you can substitute sriracha with chili garlic sauce, gochujang, or a few dashes of hot sauce for the same sweet and spicy kick.

7. Can I make this salad without the dressing?

While the dressing adds a lot of flavor, you could omit it if you prefer a lighter salad. You can try using lemon juice or a simple olive oil dressing in its place.

8. Can I serve this salad warm?

You can serve this salad warm, but the tofu will lose some of its crispiness. For the best texture, it’s ideal to serve it chilled or at room temperature.

9. What else can I add to the salad for extra protein?

You can add grilled tempeh, chickpeas, or edamame for extra protein. Tofu already provides a good amount of protein, but these options would enhance it further.

10. How do I keep the tofu crispy?

To keep the tofu crispy, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before baking. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can pan-fry the tofu in a bit of oil before adding it to the salad.

Conclusion

Tofu and Noodle Salad with Sweet and Spicy Almond Butter Sauce is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy tofu, tender noodles, and crunchy vegetables all come together with the rich and flavorful almond butter dressing to create a satisfying and wholesome dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be enjoyed as a light meal, a side dish, or a packed lunch. Whether you’re a tofu fan or just looking for a fresh, flavorful salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!