Tofu & Seaweed Salad with Homemade Sesame Seed Dressing (Salt Koji Mayo) – A Gut-Boosting, Flavor-Packed Recipe

CONTENTS

• About This Recipe

• Nutrition & Gut Health Benefits

• Ingredients

• Instructions

• Serving Suggestions

• Final Thoughts

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ABOUT THIS RECIPE |

This refreshing Tofu & Seaweed Salad is paired with a creamy, aromatic homemade sesame seed dressing made with salt koji mayo. Unlike store-bought dressings, this version is free from added sugar, MSG, and artificial additives, while delivering a rich, nutty flavor that complements fresh vegetables and silky tofu perfectly.

Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and beneficial enzymes, this salad is a perfect everyday gut-friendly dish. The sesame dressing is so versatile that you can also enjoy it with steamed vegetables, chicken, or as a dip for raw veggie sticks.

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NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |

Sesame Seeds

• Rich in healthy fats that support a healthy gut lining

• Contain lignans and antioxidants to reduce inflammation

• Provide calcium and magnesium, which support digestion and bone health

Seaweed (Wakame)

• High in soluble fiber to feed beneficial gut bacteria

• Contains iodine for healthy thyroid function (which supports metabolism)

• Naturally rich in minerals like iron and magnesium

Tofu

• Plant-based protein that’s easy to digest

• Isoflavones may support hormone balance

• Low in calories but nutrient-dense

Koji Condiments (Salt Koji, Shoyu Koji, Ama Koji)

• Natural source of enzymes and probiotics

• Enhance umami flavor without excess salt

• Support better digestion of proteins and starches

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INGREDIENTS |

Salad

• A handful of mixed greens

• Kaiware sprouts

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• Wakame (rehydrated and cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 2–3 Campari tomatoes, cut into sixths

• 1/4 pack of tofu (silken or firm, based on preference)

• (Optional) Yaki-bara nori (roasted shredded seaweed)

Sesame Seed Dressing (Approx. 140g)

• 3 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds

• 2 tbsp salt koji mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 tbsp shoyu koji

• 1 tbsp ama koji

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

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INSTRUCTIONS |

Tofu & Seaweed Salad Recipe

Salt-Koji & Sesame Seed Dressing Recipe

1. Prep Salad Ingredients:Slice cucumber thinly, cut wakame into bite-sized pieces, and slice tomatoes into sixths. Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes.

2. Make the Sesame Dressing:

   • If using whole sesame seeds, grind them until the shells break and the aroma is released.

   • Mix with salt koji mayo, shoyu koji, ama koji, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until creamy.

3. Assemble the Salad:Arrange mixed greens, kaiware sprouts, cucumber, wakame, tomatoes, and tofu on a serving plate.

4. Dress & Garnish:Drizzle with the sesame dressing and sprinkle with yaki-bara nori if available.

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SERVING SUGGESTIONS |

• Serve as a light lunch with mixed grain rice.

• Pair with grilled fish or teriyaki tofu for a balanced meal.

• Use leftover sesame dressing as a dip for veggie sticks or as a sauce for steamed vegetables.

Tofu salad with grilled salt koji marinated Saba

Steamed corn, okuras, and broccoli

steamed mushrooms and asparagus in a Seiro

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FINAL THOUGHTS |

This Tofu & Seaweed Salad with Sesame Seed Koji Dressing is a simple yet nutrient-rich dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful. By making the dressing from scratch with koji-based condiments, you’re not only enhancing taste but also supporting digestion and gut health naturally. Keep a jar of this dressing in your fridge, and you’ll always have a quick way to elevate any meal.