If you are looking for a fresh, elegant dish that celebrates delicate textures and bright, tangy flavors, the Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad perfectly balances the silky smoothness of tofu with the vibrant punch of ume plum vinegar and the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds. It’s light, nourishing, and comes together in just about 15 minutes—making it ideal for a quick lunch or a refreshing side that impresses without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two whole dark green cucumbers placed horizontally at the top left. Below them is a clear rectangular glass container filled with white cubed cheese or tofu. To the right of the cucumbers is a white bowl with a red rim, filled with small bright red cherry tomatoes. Below the bowl sits a whole dark green avocado with a bumpy texture. At the bottom right corner, there is a glass jar containing a liquid mixture with chopped green onions and spices visible inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Putting together the Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe is wonderfully simple thanks to a handful of thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, adding layers of texture, flavor, and color that make this salad irresistible.

Ume plum vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy acidity that’s unmistakably refreshing and unique.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the lightness of the tofu beautifully.
Silken tofu: Provides a delicate, creamy texture that is the star of this dish—choose soft, firm, or even extra-firm based on your preference.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, their vibrant red color livens up the plate.
Cucumber: Crisp and cool, it adds a refreshing crunch—Persian or English cucumbers work best for their mild flavor and thin skin.
Avocado: Creamy and buttery, avocado enhances the salad’s smooth consistency while bringing subtle richness.
Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top to introduce a satisfying crunch and an earthy aroma that rounds out the vinaigrette.

How to Make Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining the ume plum vinegar and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk them well until the dressing is smooth and well blended. This vinaigrette is the magic that gives the salad its bright and nutty flavor profile, so make sure to mix thoroughly to marry those lovely tastes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Carefully cube the silken tofu—handle it gently as it’s quite delicate—and place the pieces onto your serving plate or bowl. Next, quarter the cherry or grape tomatoes and slice the cucumber thinly. Add these on top or around the tofu cubes for a fresh pop of color. Finally, cube the avocado and arrange it with the other ingredients. The combination of textures here is simply delightful.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the arranged vegetables and tofu. Don’t rush this step—distribute the dressing evenly so every bite carries that perfect balance of zing and earthiness.

Step 4: Add the Sesame Seeds

Finish by sprinkling the toasted sesame seeds over the entire salad. These tiny seeds bring a lovely crunch and a toasty aroma that enhances each forkful. Now your Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is made of white tofu cubes placed around the edge. On top, there is a mix of bright red cherry tomato halves, green cucumber slices, and light green avocado chunks scattered in the center. The whole dish is sprinkled with small beige sesame seeds. At the front edge of the plate, there is a pair of brown chopsticks resting on the plate. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving, consider adding a few fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or mint for a refreshing herbal lift, or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions for a mild bite. A light dusting of shichimi togarashi can add subtle heat and complexity if you like a little spice.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired mains such as steamed jasmine rice or grilled miso-glazed salmon. It also works well alongside crisp vegetable spring rolls or as a refreshing starter before a heartier noodle dish. The possibilities to complement your meal are endless.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase its vibrant colors and layers. You might also try scooping the salad into small edible cups made from cucumber rounds or hollowed cherry tomatoes for a fun finger-food option at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the tofu is delicate and the avocado can brown, it’s best to consume within one day for maximum freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended. Silken tofu and fresh produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado will lose their desirable texture and flavor after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

This salad shines best served chilled or at room temperature. Since it is a fresh, uncooked dish, reheating is not necessary and would alter the refreshing character that makes it so lovely.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of ume plum vinegar?

While you can substitute with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, the unique fruity tang of ume plum vinegar is what makes the dressing truly special. If you want to capture the authentic flavor, it’s worth seeking out ume plum vinegar at an Asian market.

What type of tofu is best for this recipe?

Silken tofu is the recommended choice because of its delicate texture, but you can use soft, firm, or extra-firm tofu depending on your texture preference. Just handle softer tofu gently to avoid breaking it apart too much.

How do I toast sesame seeds at home?

Simply place sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until they become golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe contains no animal products and is a nutritious, plant-based choice packed with flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare and mix the vinaigrette in advance, but assemble the salad right before serving to keep the tofu and avocado fresh and prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Silken Tofu Salad with Ume Plum Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds Recipe is a bright and nourishing dish that effortlessly combines simplicity and elegance. With just a few fresh ingredients and a drizzle of vibrant dressing, you can create a salad that feels both special and comforting at the same time. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your go-to when you crave something light yet deeply satisfying.