Watercress and Tofu Salad

Brighten up your meal routine with this vibrant and nutrient-packed Watercress and Tofu Salad, a perfect fusion of wholesome greens and crispy tofu. Featuring delicate, peppery watercress, golden pan-fried tofu coated in a light cornstarch crust, and creamy slices of avocado, this salad is topped with a savory sesame-ginger dressing that balances soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly twist. Toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions add texture and a pop of flavor, making each bite delightful and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and healthy recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, dinner side, or even a light entrée. Perfect for plant-based eaters and salad enthusiasts alike, it’s a fresh, Asian-inspired dish guaranteed to elevate your salad game.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups watercress
• 1 block firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess liquid. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top.

Step 2

Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

Rinse and trim the watercress, removing thick stems if desired. Pat it dry and place it in a large salad bowl.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to make the dressing.

Step 7

Add the crispy tofu, sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds to the watercress.

Step 8

Drizzle the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your Watercress and Tofu Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(870.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1165.7

Total Fat 85.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1887.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 52.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 867.5mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 1960.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.2%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 22.0%