### Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu: A Revitalizing Summer Dish
As the heat increases, the idea of cooking can seem daunting. Nonetheless, there are dishes that offer a break from the high temperatures without needing a lot of preparation. One excellent choice is the Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu, a revitalizing and fulfilling meal that’s ideal for sweltering summer days. This salad draws inspiration from the popular Peanut Sesame Noodles, presenting a fresh yet satisfying meal that showcases crisp ingredients and lively tastes.
#### Ingredients
**Dressing:**
– 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, unseasoned
– 1 1/2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
– 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced or grated
– 1 small clove of garlic, finely minced or grated
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
– Hot sauce, chili paste, or chili crisp to taste
– Water, if necessary
**Assembly:**
– 1 package (14-16 ounces) Persian cucumbers (5 to 6)
– 1 scallion
– 3 tablespoons chopped salted roasted peanuts
– 1 package firm or extra-firm silken tofu (10-12 ounces)
– Toasted black and white sesame seeds (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Dressing:**
– In a large bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk well. The flavor will be intense initially but will soften once combined with the cucumbers.
– Set aside 3 to 4 tablespoons of this dressing in a smaller bowl and add a bit of soy sauce or water to make it easier to pour.
2. **Get the Vegetables and Tofu Ready:**
– Halve the cucumbers lengthwise and cut each half into long wedge-shaped pieces. Slice these into 1 1/2-inch diagonal segments and add them to the dressing bowl.
– Finely chop the scallion and break the peanuts into small bits.
– Remove the tofu from its packaging, pat it dry, and cut it into rectangular strips.
3. **Arrange and Serve:**
– On a serving dish, layer half of the tofu and drizzle half of the reserved, diluted dressing over it.
– Mix the cucumbers with the dressing, then pile half on top of the tofu. Repeat the layering with the remaining tofu, dressing, and cucumbers.
– Top with the scallion-peanut mix, a splash of chili crisp or hot sauce, and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
4. **Serve Right Away:**
– This salad is best enjoyed immediately. If allowed to sit for too long, the salt will pull moisture from the cucumbers, so it’s recommended to combine only what you need or finish the meal in one go.
#### Conclusion
The Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu is not only a fantastic way to stay cool during the summer’s heat but also a flexible dish that can be tailored to personal preferences. Whether you love cucumbers, tofu, or the rich taste of peanut sauce, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your summer meal lineup.