Smoked Tofu Cucumber Fennel Mint Salad
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
A crunchy vegetarian salad with smoked tofu, crisp cucumber, shaved fennel and fresh mint in a bright lemon dressing.
A crunchy vegetarian salad with smoked tofu, crisp cucumber, shaved fennel and fresh mint in a bright lemon dressing.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 175g smoked tofu, cut into bite-size cubes
- 🫗 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 🫗 1/2 small fennel bulb, very thinly sliced
- 🫗 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 🫗 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 🫗 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 🫗 Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- 🫗 Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Cut the smoked tofu into even cubes and set aside.
Thinly shave the fennel with a mandoline or sharp knife.
Combine the tofu, cucumber, fennel and mint in a serving bowl.
Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, salt and pepper into a dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors meld, then serve.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Slicing the fennel too thick, which makes it tough and texturally harsh.
- ✕
Oversalting the dressing, since smoked tofu is already quite salty.
- ✕
Letting the salad sit dressed too long, which sogs out the vegetables.
🔄 Variations
Add torn green olives or capers for a briny kick.
Swap mint for dill or basil.
Include some orange segments for sweetness and freshness.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Best served within 30 minutes of dressing.
- 📦
Store the undressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days and add the dressing at serving time.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Shave the fennel paper-thin so it is crisp rather than fibrous.
Tip 2: Tear the mint leaves rather than chopping them to avoid bruising.
Tip 3: Dress the salad just before serving so the cucumber and fennel stay crunchy.
❓ FAQ
Is this salad vegan? Yes, it is entirely plant-based, using smoked tofu and no dairy.
How much protein is in a serving? About 29g, mostly from the tofu.
Do I need to cook the tofu? No, smoked tofu is ready to eat straight from the package — cooking is optional if you prefer it warm.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →