How to Make Easy Tofu and Celery Salad
This Easy Tofu and Celery Salad is a refreshing dish, perfect for a quick lunch or side. It combines the crunchiness of celery with the soft texture of tofu, all enhanced with a tangy dressing.
If you’re looking for a light, nutritious, and quick meal, an easy tofu and celery salad is the perfect option. Combining the crisp freshness of celery with the protein-packed goodness of tofu, this salad is a simple yet satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. It’s refreshing, full of texture, and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.
The key to making this salad delicious lies in the quality of the tofu. Firm tofu works best as it holds its shape well and adds a hearty bite to the salad. To prepare the tofu, simply press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Pan-frying the tofu adds a crispy texture that enhances the salad’s overall crunch. However, you can also leave the tofu raw for a lighter option.
Celery is the star of the dish, providing a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the tofu. Thinly slice the celery to get the perfect bite-sized pieces, and add some fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for added flavor. You can also include thinly sliced red onions for a hint of sharpness or a handful of cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
For the dressing, a simple combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a dash of honey or agave works wonders. The soy sauce provides a salty, umami flavor, while the sesame oil adds depth, and the rice vinegar gives it a tangy kick. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few chili flakes can add texture and spice, if desired.
This tofu and celery salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal, but it also works wonderfully as a side dish to accompany rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a fresh, healthy meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 200 grams firm tofu drained and cubed
- 2 stalks celery thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cubed tofu and sliced celery to the bowl.
- Toss everything together gently until the tofu and celery are well coated with the dressing.
Nutrition
I tried this but I don’t think tofu belongs in salads. It’s too mushy for me. Celery is great though.
Simple and quick! I added some carrots for extra crunch and it made it even better! Will make again.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! Carrots sound like a delicious addition! 🥕
This salad is super easy and delicious! I didn’t have sesame oil so I used olive oil and it still turned out great! 😋
I dunno, sounds a bit weird with olive oil. Isn’t sesame oil part of the whole flavor? 🤔
Glad to hear it turned out great! Olive oil is a good swap. 😄
Isn’t tofu like bad for hormones? Idk, I read that somewhere. Anyway, I passed on this.
I used to think that too, but tofu can actually be part of a balanced diet! It’s all about moderation.
So good!! wow easy!!
I don’t get why sesame oil is only 1 teaspoon—mine tasted super strong anyway. I’ll lower it next time because the celery flavor got kinda overpowered.
This is so fast I almost didn’t believe it would be filling. I served it with rice and it became a full meal. Would make again.
The tofu cubes just kinda soaked the dressing and got really soft. Still tasty though. Next time I’ll press the tofu a bit longer.
This salad is super easy and so tasty! I love the tofu addition, gives it a nice texture.
So simple yet so fresh! I added some nuts for crunch. Yum!
Nuts? That’s weird! Isn’t this supposed to be a healthy meal?
That sounds delish! I love adding nuts too. It gives such a nice texture!
This is so easy! I made it last night and loved it. Definitely a keeper!
Tofu? Really?! Not for me. I don’t know how people eat that stuff.
Easy recipe, I like it but how to make it spicy? Suggestions plz!
I don’t know, it looks too plain. Like, where’s the sweetness? I added a tiny bit of honey and it improved a lot.
Not bad for a light meal. The celery is a little too crunchy for my taste, but the dressing is solid. Would make again.
Totally get the crunchy celery thing—next time I’ll slice it thinner or give it a quick rinse (or 2 minutes in cold water) to soften it a bit. Glad you liked the dressing though!
This is good as a side, but I wish it had more seasoning. Like maybe a tiny bit of salt or something. Soy sauce helps, but still felt flat to me.
Tastes healthy but a bit boring. Wouldn’t do it again.
I get what you mean! Sometimes healthy recipes lack that kick. Maybe add some spicy dressing next time?
I dunno, is tofu really good? Never liked it but gave it a try, was okay I guess.
I get it! Tofu can be pretty bland if not cooked right. Maybe try marinating it longer next time?
Honestly, I think you just need to find the right recipe. This one seems easy and light, but tofu can be hit or miss.
yup
Really?! Just two ingredients?! I added carrots and forgot the lemon. Still tasty tho.
Glad to hear it was still tasty! Carrots sound like a great addition. 😊
Two ingredients? Seems too easy! Not sure if it’d taste good without the lemon. But hey, if you liked it…🤷♂️
I like that it’s quick, but my tofu kept breaking up when I tossed it. Still delicious though—next time I’ll cube a bit firmer.
salad too bland, me need more flavor, like spicy jacket potato 🤔
This was just OK. I’m not a big fan of tofu anyway. Maybe it’s just me.
I think tofu is great! It really soaks up flavors. Maybe it’s just the way you prepared it? Give it another shot!
Honestly, I get you. Tofu can be a bit weird. Have you tried it fried? Might change your mind!
Not sure about the taste. Maybe I added too much soy sauce? 😕
Takes too long to prepare. Tofu is a pain to deal with. Not for me.
The lemon juice is doing WORK. I thought it would be too sour, but it’s actually nice. I ate it cold and it tasted even better.
Simple and quick! Perfect for lunch. I give it a thumbs up! 👍
So simple but really tasty! The lemon + sesame combo makes the tofu taste less bland. I added a pinch of garlic powder and it was perfect.
This salad is a game changer! Super easy and delicious. The tofu is so good with the dressing!
I don’t know about this. Tofu is kinda weird, and celery just makes it worse. But I guess you could try if you like that kinda stuff.
Not bad, but 2 stalks celery felt a little too much for my taste. I used one stalk and it was more balanced. Still refreshing though.
Tried this for lunch—liked the tangy dressing. Celery stayed crisp, which I love. Next time I’ll probably add some toasted sesame seeds for extra texture.
I tried grinding fresh black pepper but my grinder jammed, so I used pre-ground… it was fine. Not mind-blowing but pleasant.
This salad looks easy and healthy! I love tofu! 🥗
This tasted like a fancy cafeteria salad (in a good way). The dressing was the star. I used bottled lemon juice and it was still decent.
Super simple and honestly really refreshing. The lemon + sesame combo makes the tofu taste way less “blah.” I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect.
Yes! I love that lemon + sesame trick—totally wakes up tofu. I’m trying your chili flakes next time 🔥
Ok but I used regular tofu (not firm) and it kinda fell apart… still tasty though. Maybe add less lemon juice? Or is it supposed to be more like a marinade?
Celery is kind of strong… like, it overpowered mine a bit. I might use half a stalk next time or add some cucumber.
Totally get that—celery can be punchy. I usually start with 1 stalk and taste the dressing before adding more.
I was a bit skeptical about the combo, but it turned out surprisingly good. Will make again.
Okay… but can we eat it with rice? Like a bowl or something? Just a thought!
1 tablespoon soy sauce feels like a lot for only 200g tofu. I reduced it and it was way better. Flavor was balanced after that.
Totally agree—1 tbsp soy sauce can overwhelm a pretty mild tofu like that. Glad you adjusted and it worked out!
I thought the combination of flavors was refreshing! Made it twice already this week.
Just a salad with tofu and celery? Where’s the excitement? Not for me.
Sounds boring, lol. Why not throw in some carrots or even some fruits? Mix it up a bit!
I get what you’re saying, but sometimes simplicity is best! Tofu can pack so much flavor if done right. Maybe try adding some nuts or spices?
Honestly I thought it would taste bland but WOW! The sauce really brings everything together.
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about lemon with sesame oil—sounds weird—but it actually worked. I ate it right after making it and the celery stayed crisp.
Okay that actually makes sense—lemon’s bright and sesame oil has that toasted depth. Glad the celery stayed crisp; that’s always the goal with salads like this.
Tofu + celery sounds weird but wow—this is better than most salads I’ve tried. Sesame oil makes everything pop.
Not my favorite. The dressing was too tangy for me. I prefer sweeter flavors.
Salad is good but where’s the flavor? Adding garlic next time.
Totally agree! Garlic would really bring it to life!
Too bland for my taste. I added some chili flakes and it was better.
Glad you found a fix! Sometimes just a little kick can make all the difference. 😄
Yummy! This is the first time I liked tofu. More please!
Easy and quick, but could use more flavor. I added garlic and it helped a lot.
1/2 tsp pepper was honestly too much for me. Otherwise it was fine—just wish I’d checked my measuring spoons.
Totally get that—black pepper can hit way harder than expected. I usually start with 1/4 tsp and add more to taste.
Hmm I’m surprised. 1/2 tsp doesn’t seem like a lot? I think your measuring spoon might be off or the pepper was extra strong (like fresh ground). Mine was delicious though.
I wasn’t sure about the tofu but it actually turned out great. Who knew?!
Mmmm, love it! My wife is a chef and she approves. Highly recommend! 👍
That’s awesome! A chef’s approval must mean it’s really good. I’ll definitely give it a try! 🥗
Looks boring. Tofu and celery, really? Seems simple but not in a good way. 🤔
This salad is sooo good! I added some carrots for a crunch. Yum!
I added avocado and it was yum! Will make again.
I’m skeptical about tofu + celery, but honestly it surprised me. The dressing clings well. I’d make it again for meal prep.
Easy recipe, but I burned the sesame oil by accident (whoops). Still ate it and it was kinda harsh. Would recommend keeping an eye on the oil next time 😅
Yummy!!! So easy to make and healthy! Will definitely make it again.
My kids didn’t like it, but my husband ate it all! So mixed feelings 🤷♀️.
Not my thing. Tofu is too soft for me and I prefer crunchy things. Just sayin’!
I dunno, something about this just doesn’t taste right to me. Sorry! 🙁
I tried it, and it’s okay but I’ve seen better tofu salads. Maybe needs more flavors? 🤔
Nah, I think it’s fine as it is. Sometimes simple is better!
I totally get that! Maybe some garlic or ginger could kick it up a notch?
The lemon juice and soy combo is chef’s kiss. I ate it as a side with rice and it worked. Will repeat.
This was super easy to make! I loved it! Will definitely make it again.
Super simple and actually tastes fresh. I used a little extra lemon because I like it punchy, and it was great.
I followed the steps exactly and mine came out kind of watery. Maybe my tofu wasn’t as dry as it should’ve been? Flavor was decent.
Yeah, watery tofu usually means it didn’t get pressed/drained enough. I squeeze mine in a towel for a bit before cubing—then it still soaks up the lemon/soy but doesn’t turn to soup.
OMG I loved this!!! So fresh and simple!!
But like, isn’t tofu kinda gross? I don’t get why people love it.
I agree! This salad is super refreshing! Perfect for summer!
Meh. I followed it exactly and it felt kinda bland until I added salt. Also, 1 tbsp soy sauce seems low for my palate.
Simple but refreshing. I added some chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch! Yum!
Tofu is gross! Who eats that stuff? I will stick to meat. 😒
I followed it pretty much exactly, and it turned out good, but I think I’d add a little salt next time. Maybe my tofu was bland? Still a solid quick salad.