Chilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing vegan salad combining crispy lemongrass-infused tofu with fresh herbs and a tangy, spicy lime dressing. This vietnamese-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes blends pressed and cubed firm tofu, finely minced lemongrass stalk, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely minced lemongrass stalk and 14 oz cubed firm tofu. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until tofu is golden and fragrant with lemongrass.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and salt to taste until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 julienned carrot, and 1 thinly sliced cucumber.
  4. Step 4: Add the warm lemongrass tofu to the salad mixture, pour the spicy lime dressing over, and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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