Citrus Ginger Tofu Salad with Buckwheat Soba Noodles: A Refreshing & Flavorful Dish

If you’re looking for a nutritious, light, and flavorful meal that’s packed with health benefits, the Citrus Ginger Tofu Salad with Buckwheat Soba Noodles is your perfect choice. This vibrant salad combines the crisp freshness of vegetables, the umami of marinated tofu, and the nutty flavor of buckwheat soba noodles, all tied together with a zesty citrus ginger dressing. The combination of protein-rich tofu, fiber-packed soba noodles, and the antioxidants found in fresh veggies makes this dish not only filling but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner and offers a satisfying balance of flavors, including sweet, savory, and tangy.

In addition to being packed with vitamins and minerals, the buckwheat soba noodles are a great source of plant-based protein, and tofu provides a healthy dose of iron and calcium. The citrus and ginger dressing gives your digestive system a boost while enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. This recipe is also vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soba noodles, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

Serving Size and Preparation Time

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
  • 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 8 oz (225g) buckwheat soba noodles (or gluten-free soba noodles)
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup edamame (optional)
• For the Citrus Ginger Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu to remove any excess moisture. You can do this by placing the tofu block between two paper towels or clean kitchen towels, then setting a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into small cubes.

2. Cook the Soba Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

3. Make the Citrus Ginger Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and chili flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, cubed tofu, julienned cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper. Add the edamame (if using) and chopped green onions. Pour the citrus ginger dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the salad immediately, garnishing with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired. This salad can also be refrigerated for later use.

Tips for Perfecting Your Citrus Ginger Tofu Salad

This Citrus Ginger Tofu Salad is very versatile, so feel free to add or remove ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You could include other vegetables like thinly sliced radishes, spinach, or avocado for a creamier texture. If you’re not a fan of tofu, feel free to substitute it with grilled chicken or tempeh for a different protein source.

To make your salad even more exciting, you can add a handful of roasted peanuts, cashews, or almonds for crunch. The citrus ginger dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and adjust the salad to suit your taste preferences. This dish is as customizable as it is delicious!

This vibrant, nutrient-packed salad will not only satisfy your taste buds but also nourish your body. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress at a dinner party, this Citrus Ginger Tofu Salad with Buckwheat Soba Noodles will be a crowd-pleaser.