Creamy tofu salad with “chicken” style tofu
Still searching for vegan meal prep ideas? This Curry Tofu Salad would be a perfect option! It’s easy to make, so creamy and flavorful, and can be served with greens, in wraps, or stuffed into sandwiches. Bonus: it takes less than 1 hour to make and stays fresh throughout the week! It’s made with crispy baked tofu, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that’s boosted with curry powder and chutney. Every bite is bold, sweet, creamy, and crunchy! If you are new to tofu, I have some recipes that will turn you into a tofu fanatic! Check out this Marinated Tofu (The Best Tofu Ever!), Peanut Tofu, or Perfect Fried Tofu.
Ingredients needed (with substitutions)
Baked extra firm tofu – The “chicken” style tofu is tossed in cornstarch and oil, then baked until crispy. You don’t have to cook the tofu if you need the salad in a hurry, but I think it tastes better when it’s cooked first. Alternatively, 2 cans of mashed chickpeas, my vegan chicken, or storebought vegan chicken (like Tofurky) can be substituted for the baked tofu.Olive oilCornstarch – Arrowroot and tapioca starch can be used instead.SaltVegan mayonnaise – This is the base of the creamy curry salad dressing. You can lessen the oil in the recipe by using my oil free homemade vegan mayo.Curry powder – This flavorful and aromatic spice blend is the main flavor booster in this tofu salad recipe. Curry powder is made from a mix of Indian spices, like coriander, turmeric, cumin, ginger, fennel, red chilies, and more. It’s a necessary ingredient in vegan curry and can provide so much flavor to roasted cauliflower!Chutney or apricot jam – Or substitute half of a shredded apple or 2 tablespoons of agave or maple syrup.CeleryGreen onionRaisins – Or use dried cranberries, dried cherries, or leave them out if you want.Roasted cashews – Optional, but they give the salad a delicious crunch!Cilantro
How to make tofu salad
Press the tofu to remove the excess moisture, then rip the block into small chunks. Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, cornstarch, and salt. Lay the coated tofu on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy. Next, make the salad dressing by whisking the vegan mayo, curry powder, chutney, salt, and black pepper together. Feel free to make the dressing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for later! Stir the cooked tofu pieces, celery, green onion, raisins, roasted cashews, and cilantro in the bowl with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary, then serve!
Serving suggestions
Treat this creamy, filling salad just like vegan egg salad or vegan chicken salad. Scoop some over a bed of greens or into lettuce cups for a light lunch. It can also be stuffed into sandwiches, vegetable wraps, or enjoyed on its own with crackers or bread for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
Want more creamy vegan salad recipes?
Best Vegan Potato SaladVegan Tuna SaladThe Best Vegan Macaroni SaladBacon Ranch Vegan Pasta Salad
