🥗 Brown Rice, Tofu & Edamame Salad with Peanut Dressing

 

Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor — this salad is hearty enough for a meal and also makes a perfect meal-prep option. Packed with protein from tofu and edamame, fiber from brown rice and veggies, and finished with a creamy peanut dressing, it’s a salad that ✨doesn’t suck✨!

---

Ingredients

Salad Base

• 3 cups cooked brown rice, cooled

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage (packed)

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage (packed)

• 1 large carrot, shredded

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 ½ cups frozen shelled edamame, cooked and cooled

• ½ block (225g) firm tofu, cubed & pan-fried or air-fried*

• Optional: extra leafy greens (baby spinach, rocket/arugula)

Peanut Dressing

• ¼ cup natural peanut butter

• 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or hot maple for a kick)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 large garlic clove, minced

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Water (to thin, as needed)

To Serve

• 1 green onion, finely sliced

• Roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

• Fried shallots

• Black sesame seeds

---

Method

1. Cook the rice & edamame

   • Prepare the brown rice ahead of time and let it cool (or use leftover rice).

   • Boil frozen edamame for 3–4 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

2. Make the peanut dressing

   • In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, citrus juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.

   • Add 1 tbsp of water at a time until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.

3. Cook the tofu

   • Cube firm tofu and either air fry or pan fry until golden.

   • For extra flavor, toss tofu in soy sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, and pepper before cooking.

4. Assemble the salad

   • In a large bowl, combine rice, cabbages, carrot, cucumber, edamame, and tofu.

   • Pour over the peanut dressing and toss well to coat.

5. Garnish & serve

   • Top with green onion, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and sesame seeds.

   • Enjoy immediately or store (keeping dressing separate) for up to 4 days as a meal prep option.

---

⭐ Meal Prep Tip: Keep the dressing in a separate container and toss just before eating for maximum freshness!