Vegan Lotus Root Salad Recipe: Crunchy and Healthy

Vegan lotus root salad is a light, nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare. With its harmonious sweet and sour flavors and the distinctive crunch of lotus root, this dish is not only appealing but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the detailed recipe below!

Ingredients for Vegan Lotus Root Salad (Serves 3-4)

• Lotus root: 200 grams
• Fresh lotus seeds: 100 grams
• Cucumber: 1/2
• Carrot: 1/2
• Green apple: 1
• Celery: a small amount
• White tofu: 1 piece
• Toasted sesame seeds: 2 teaspoons
• Shallots: 3
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Lime juice: a small amount (or vinegar)
• Malt syrup: 1 tablespoon
• Salt, pepper: a small amount
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients for vegan lotus root salad

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients

Choosing Lotus Root

• Choose medium-sized, short sections of lotus root as they are usually more mature and flavorful.
• The outer skin should be shiny and free of unusual dents.
• Look for a natural yellow color, and avoid white-skinned lotus roots as they may have been chemically treated.

Choosing Lotus Seeds

• Choose round, evenly sized lotus seeds, about half a finger joint in size, with a slightly yellowish white color.
• Check freshness by gently pressing the seed; if it releases a bit of water, it’s fresh.
• Avoid seeds that are black or wet as they may be spoiled.

Choosing Green Apples

• Choose apples that are moderately round and firm.
• The skin should be shiny with small white dots on the surface.
• The stem should be fresh and firmly attached to the apple.

Steps to Prepare

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Peel the lotus root and slice it thinly, about half a finger joint thick. Immediately soak in water mixed with lime juice to prevent discoloration.
• Rinse the lotus seeds and drain.
• Rinse the cucumber, carrot, and shallots, then shred them into thin strips.
• Cut the green apple into small wedges. Rinse the celery and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Cut the white tofu in half, fry until golden on both sides, then cut into small pieces.

Preparing ingredients

Step 2: Boil Lotus Root and Lotus Seeds

• Place the lotus root in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 5 minutes until it comes to a boil.
• Cover the pot and steam for an additional 30 minutes until the lotus root is tender.
• Steam the lotus seeds separately for 15 minutes. Then remove and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• Combine the green apple, shallots, apple cider vinegar, malt syrup, 200ml of water, and a pinch of salt in a blender.
• Blend until smooth, then strain through a sieve to remove any solids.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, balancing the sweet and sour flavors.

Making the dressing

Step 4: Mix the Salad

• Place all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl: lotus root, lotus seeds, cucumber, carrot, celery, and fried tofu.
• Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is well coated.
• Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and ground pepper to enhance the flavor.

Mixing the salad

Finished Product

The crunchy vegan lotus root salad with its vibrant colors and harmonious sweet and sour taste will captivate you from the first bite. You can enjoy this dish as an appetizer or serve it with white rice for a delightful meal.

Finished vegan lotus root salad

We hope this article has helped you master the vegan lotus root salad recipe in a simple and appealing way. Give it a try to treat your family to this nutritious dish!

Good luck!