Zoodle Salad with Sesame Dressing

Zucchini noodles with sesame dressing and tofu.

Zoodle Salad with Sesame Dressing:

A light and healthy dish featuring zucchini noodles, crispy tofu, and a creamy sesame dressing!

Ingredients

1- For the Zoodles:

• 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into noodles)
• 200g (7 oz) firm tofu, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the tofu)
• Salt and pepper to taste

2- For the Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

3- For Garnishing:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
• Sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the cubed tofu and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Zoodles:
   • Use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to turn the zucchini into noodles.
   • Optionally, lightly salt the zoodles and let them sit for 10 minutes to release moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Make the Sesame Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and a splash of water until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, toss the zoodles with the sesame dressing until well coated.
   • Add the crispy tofu on top and garnish with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and green onions. Optionally, add sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately as a refreshing and healthy meal or chill for a few hours in the fridge.

Tips & Variations :

• Add More Veggies: Enhance the salad with other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado for added texture and nutrients.
• Extra Protein: If you’re looking for more protein, consider adding edamame or chickpeas.
• Make it Spicy: For some heat, drizzle the salad with chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.

Enjoy your meal!