Rainbow Salad with Kelp Noodles
Taking inspiration from our ocean, try this Rainbow Salad with Kelp Noodle recipe. This can be used as a side dish for outdoor entertaining or eaten on its own as a main. Omit and add ingredients as dietary needs require.Ingredients
Serves 6
12 oz (340 g) extra-firm tofu
3 tbsp (45 ml) palm sugar or light brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) tamarind paste
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
¼ tsp (1 ml) red pepper chili flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 small zucchini, trimmed
1 medium carrot, peeled
1 red beet, trimmed and peeled
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, trimmed and thinly sliced into matchsticks
12 oz (340 g) kelp noodles, rinsed well under warm water
¼ cup (60 ml) packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cup (250 ml) bean sprouts
½ cup (125 ml) roasted peanuts, plus more for garnish (optional)
1 or 2 Thai (bird’s eye) chilies, finely sliced (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Remove tofu from package and place on a cutting board or plate between several pieces of paper towel or a clean tea towel. Place a heavy pan, such as cast iron, on tofu and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil. Whisk constantly until sugar has dissolved and mixture is hot but not simmering. Remove from heat and whisk in chili flakes and olive oil until thoroughly combined.
- Cut pressed tofu into ¾-in (2 cm) pieces and place in a medium bowl. Toss with about half the dressing. Set tofu and remaining half of dressing aside while preparing remaining ingredients for dish.
- Using a spiralizer, spiralize zucchini, carrot and beet. If you don`t have a spiralizer, you can cut vegetables into thin matchsticks. To prevent red beet from staining other vegetables, rinse spiralized beet well under cold running water until water runs clear.
- When ready to serve, in a large bowl, combine spiralized vegetables, matchstick peppers, kelp noodles, cilantro leaves, green onions, bean sprouts, peanuts and Thai chilies if desired. Add tofu and any remaining dressing from tofu bowl and gently toss everything together. Add enough reserved dressing to dress salad as desired. Toss again gently to combine. Divide among serving bowls and garnish with some whole or torn Thai basil leaves, extra peanuts and lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy immediately.