Haipai Indigirka Salad

Ingredients

In the original Russian Indigirka Salad, the main ingredients are potatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise. However, in this Haipai adaptation, we have replaced the potatoes with tofu to give it a lighter and more Asian-inspired twist. Additionally, we have incorporated Chinese flavors by using soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in the dressing, and added roasted peanuts for an extra crunch. We alse have the original recipe for Indigirka Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 200g (7oz) firm tofu, cubed 200g (7oz) firm tofu, cubed
• 50g (1/4 cup) roasted peanuts 50g (1/4 cup) roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, tofu, and roasted peanuts.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro and green onions.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before cubing it to remove excess moisture and enhance its texture.
• Roasted peanuts — If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use smoked peanuts instead of regular roasted peanuts.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili oil or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salad.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
• If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey to the dressing mixture.
• Make sure to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Serving advice

Serve the Haipai Indigirka Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing.