This bright and colorful Thai Salad makes a perfect meal or side dish. Topped with crunchy veggies, sweet mandarin slices, cubes of sesame-crusted tofu, and an Asian ginger dressing, this salad is sure to wake up your senses and leave you satisfied.
Unwrap and press the tofu for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep everything else. (I find this step unecessary in this recipe but if you prefer pressed tofu, then do what you like).
Prep Work
Make the Asian Dressing according to the linked instructions.
Assemble your lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. (I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time, but if you are shredding by hand, do it now).
Wash and cut the bell pepper into thin slices. Peel the mandarins and separate the segments, removing any excess pith or seeds. Wash and dry the cilantro and Thai basil.
Cook the Tofu
Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes.
Add the cubed tofu to the skillet. Pour the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup over the tofu and gently stir.
Cook the tofu for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until every side is crusted.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tofu and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
Remove the tofu from the heat and set aside.
Add the cashews to the hot skillet and roast for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Assemble the Thai Salad
Roughly chop the cilnatro and Thai basil.
Add the greens, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, and Thai basil to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
Top with the tofu, cashews, and mandarin slices. Drizzle with the Asian dressing. Garnish with lime wedges (optional). Serve and enjoy right away.