Cold Tofu Salad With Tomatoes and Peaches

Amarante

Fri, Aug 19 2022, 1:03 pm

I had a bounty of peaches and tomatoes from a Costco run and this salad was perfect for using them up. As the notes indicate it is a bit of a play on the classic Caprese salad using firm tofu instead of mozzarella cheese.

The individual components can be prepared ahead of time and in fact one does want to get out as much moisture from the tofu as possible as well as the peaches although the peach juice can be added back in as part of the dressing.

Cold Tofu Salad With Tomatoes and Peaches

Sweet, savory and refreshing for summer’s hottest days, this is the salad to make when tomatoes and peaches are at their prime, on the verge of bursting. Inspired by Italian caprese salad and Japanese hiyayakko, it features juicy, ripe wedges of peaches and tomatoes seasoned with flaky salt, which draws out their juices to mingle with soy-balsamic dressing and creamy silken tofu. Top the salad with a shower of fragrant basil and mint, a nod to the shiso that often accompanies hiyayakko, and a few cranks of black pepper. Be sure to spoon the umami-rich dressing (the best part!) over the tomatoes, peaches and tofu so that it pools at the bottom of the serving platter.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

For the Salad

12 to 14 ounces silken tofu, chilled
 2 to 3 ripe medium peaches
 3 to 4 ripe medium tomatoes
 Flaky sea salt
¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
 Black pepper

 For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2  teaspoons soy sauce 
1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Preparation

Step 1

 Prepare the tofu: Carefully drain the tofu in its packaging, then remove the tofu. Gently wrap it with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture and set it on a plate.

Step 2

 Meanwhile, prepare the peaches and tomatoes: Pit and cut each peach into 1-inch-thick wedges, then core and cut each tomato into 1-inch-thick wedges. Place tomatoes and peaches on a serving platter, pouring any tomato or peach juices from the cutting board over the dish. Season generously with flaky sea salt to draw out juices.

Step 3 

Remove the tofu from the paper towels and place it back on the plate. Using a large spoon, scoop out tofu mounds onto the tomatoes and peaches. Season tofu with flaky sea salt.

Step 4

 Prepare the dressing: In a small glass jar, combine dressing ingredients, cover and shake to combine. Spoon 4 tablespoons of the dressing over the tomatoes, peaches and tofu. Extra dressing can be served alongside.

Step 5 

Just before serving, stack together the basil and mint leaves and roughly chop. Top the salad with chopped herbs and black pepper. Serve immediately, taking care to spoon extra dressing and juices from the bottom of the platter.