Trader Joe's Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry Recipe: Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry Recipe

Trader Joe's Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry Recipe: Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry Recipe

Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce

This Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles recipe is nutritious, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes! The perfect weeknight meal for when you don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen. 

Trader Joes Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce in a stoneware pasta bowl with noodles swirled around black chopsticks

What are Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles?

Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles are fully cooked, ready-to-eat, and shelf-stable wheat noodles. One package contains three ready-to-use noodle packages located in the Trader Joe’s grocery aisle near ramen and other noodles. 

Per Trader Joe’s website, they are made from scratch by a supplier in Thailand. These noodles are soft, chewy, and delicious. 

Because they are preserved at room temperature, they are excellent in anything from soups to curries to stir-fries. 

Peanut Noodle Stir Fry in a large skillet with props including cilantro, green onions, peanut sauce, and a black bowl with chopsticks

Ingredients in this Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles Recipe

This recipe comes together in a flash! The stir fry only requires 5 ingredients not including the sauce.

  • Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles – You could sub for another noodle of choice such as udon, soba, rice noodles, or even linguini. 
  • Red Bell Peppers
  • Onions
  • Green Onions
  • Cilantro

 

Peanut Sauce Ingredients

  • Peanut Butter
  • Hoisin
  • Soy Sauce
  • Rice Vinegar – (lime juice would be excellent as well)
  • Ginger
  • Garlic

Peanut Noodle Stir Fry in a large skillet with props including cilantro, green onions, peanut sauce, and a black bowl with chopsticks

Step – By – Step Instructions

Delicious Peanut Sauce

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic until smooth.
  • Gradually add water, 1 tbsp at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.

Prepare the Noodles

  • Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  • Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add minced onions and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add sliced red bell pepper to the skillet.
  • Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

  • Add cooked noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
  • Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
  • Toss everything together until well coated and heated through about 2-3 minutes.

Serve

  • Transfer the stir-fried noodles and vegetables to serving plates.
  • Garnish with lime wedges, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your stir-fried Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce!

Other Flavor Variations for this Peanut Noodles Recipe

Change up the Noodles 

You can use fresh noodles, egg noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, Banza Protein+ spaghetti.

Make It Spicy Noodles 

Add in any of the following, Sambal Olek, Sriracha, chili oil, red pepper, or Chili Crisp for a spicy sauce.

Make It Sesame Noodles

For more sesame flavor, omit the peanut butter and use tahini, drizzle toasted sesame oil to finish this dish.

Change up the Veggies

Use your favorite combination of vegetables, or use what you have on hand.

Other Ways To Use Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles

The best part about Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles is their versatility in recipes. You can use them in soup, stir fry, or curry!

You could even make a variation of pad Thai using these noodles. Rather than rice noodles, use these wheat noodles. Then add a chili-fried egg over top for a delicious pad Thai-inspired recipe!

Check out my article 10 Easy Trader Joe’s What Wheat Noodles Recipes for more inspiration!

FAQ (Ask A Dietitian)

How do you cook wheat noodles?

These noodles are already fully cooked, shelf-stable, and ready to eat! Depending on the dish, you might prepare these noodles slightly differently. Check out my article 10 Easy Trader Joe’s What Wheat Noodles Recipes for more info on how to make these noodles in 10 different dishes!

Are wheat noodles healthy for you?

Cooking wheat noodles in a dish with lean protein, vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats, is healthy for you! 

This Peanut Noodle recipe includes all of these things!

How long do these leftovers last in the refrigerator? 

These noodle leftovers will last about 3 days in the refrigerator. 

 

Trader Joes Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce in a stoneware bowl with black chopsticks. To the left are green onions and cilantro props

Like This Recipe? Try These!

Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce

Easy Vegan Yakisoba-Inspired Noodles

Healthy Glass Noodle Salad Recipe

Peanut Noodles in a stoneware pasta bowl with noodles swirled around black chopsticks

Trader Joe's Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce uses Trader Joe's Thai Wheat Noodles and creates a savory delicious peanut noodle dish!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Thai-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 524 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 wok or large frying pan
  • 1 small sauce pan
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Stir Fry

  • 3 packages Trader Joe's Thai Wheat Noodles
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red pepper cut into strips
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

Peanut Sauce

  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup Hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Garnishes/Toppings

  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup green onion, chopped

Instructions
 

Prepare Peanut Sauce

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic until smooth.
  • Gradually add water, 1 tbsp at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.

Prepare the Noodles 

  • Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  • Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add minced onions and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add sliced red bell pepper to the skillet.
  • Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

  • Add cooked noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
  • Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
  • Toss everything together until well coated and heated through about 2-3 minutes.

Serve

  • Transfer the stir-fried noodles and vegetables to serving plates.
  • Garnish with lime wedges, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 524kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 17gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1021mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1063IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Keyword 30 minutes or less, Noodles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing

 

Spring and summer offer the perfect opportunity to savor the refreshing flavors of this Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with a tangy Balsamic Dressing.

This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a terrific weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic. Moreover, this is a quick recipe that requires no cooking and has minimal clean-up. 

My Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe has protein, good fats, calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy eating and meat-free option for all eaters, even those not following a vegetarian diet. 

 

 

arugula and cottage cheese salad over sliced tomatoes with a balsamic vinaigrette to the top left hand corner of the image

The Star Ingredients for This Tomato and Herb Salad

Not only is my Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I often have inspiration from a recipe like this and change the ingredients based on what I have in my refrigerator, pantry, and garden!

Tomatoes:  Fresh, local juicy tomatoes are excellent in this recipe.

It goes well with large slices of tomatoes, but you can use smaller, bite-sized tomato halves such as cherry tomatoes.

Arugula: Peppery arugula is delicious in this cottage cheese salad recipe. Any left arugula can be used in a future arugula salad!

Cottage Cheese: I prefer full-fat cottage cheese for this recipe. However, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, too. You could substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese. 

 

Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad on a plate with salad dressing

The Other Ingredients in This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad

Green onion: Green onion is so delicate and “oniony”, it’s perfect raw in a salad! Another fantastic addition to this salad could be pickled red onions!

Fresh Herbs: Basil is a fantastic herb to serve alongside tomatoes. Moreover, basil grows well alongside tomatoes in the garden. 

Fresh or dried oregano, fresh flat-leaf parsley, marjoram, mint, and cilantro would go nicely alongside the tomatoes and onion.

Salt & Pepper: I use flakey sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

Optional ingredients: Option to use pine nuts, parmesan cheese, thinly sliced bell peppers, chicken breast, or sunflower seeds.

 

Salad Dressing

Basil Balsamic Dressing: Check out my recipe and article about this Basil Balsamic Dressing!

 

Step – By – Step Instructions

You can finish this recipe with lots of fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 

Make The Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and kosher salt.

Assemble The Salad

Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, adjusting thickness to personal preference, and arrange them around the plate. Sprinkle tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer arugula over the tomatoes and place cottage cheese in the center of the platter. Scatter green onions and fresh herbs over the top.

Dress The Salad and Serve

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.

 

Serving Companions for Tomato and Herb Salad

Eat this recipe as a meal or side dish. 

This salad is excellent alone or with crackers, pita, or pita chips. It also pairs well as a side, with a cup of soup, sandwich, or grilled meat or fish.

In addition, this creamy Arugula and Cottage Cheese Salad would also make a wonderful dish at a cookout or summer picnic with family and friends! Perhaps even pair this salad with some Squash Blossom Fritters!

 

arugula and cottage cheese salad over sliced tomatoes with a balsamic vinaigrette to the top left hand corner of the image

Check Out These Recipes!

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein]

Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: An Easy Copycat Recipe

Dehydrated Cucumber Recipe [Cucumber Chips!]

Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad on a plate with salad dressing

Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a wonderful and quick weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Plate or Serving Platter

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large tomatoes
  • 2 cup arugula
  • cup full fat (4% milk fat) cottage cheese or 2%, I do not recommend skim
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • garnish with lots of fresh basil and mint see recipe notes

Basil Balsamic Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 4 basil leaves chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and kosher salt.

Assemble the Salad

  • Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds (thicker or thinner per eater preference), and arrange around your plate.
  • Sprinkle tomatoes with salt, pepper.
  • Place arugula over top the tomatoes.
  • Add Cottage cheese in the center of the platter.
  • Add green onions and fresh herbs.

Dress the Salad and Serve

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Notes

Many other fresh herbs will work in this recipe i.e. flat leaf parsley, thyme, dill, cilantro etc!
 

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 10gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 377mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1177IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 1mg
Keyword easy, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Easy and Delicious Jalapeno Pickled Eggs Recipe

Easy and Delicious Jalapeno Pickled Eggs Recipe

Spicy Jalapeno Pickled Eggs

These Jalapeno Pickled Eggs are one of my favorite eggs recipe and I always have a jar on hand. Moreover, not only are these Jalapeno Pickled Eggs delicious, but they can be prepped, cooked, and finished in under an hour.

These quick pickled eggs serve as the perfect snack option or can elevate a main course meal like salads, ramen noodle soup, or even jazz up avocado toast with some of those pickled jalapeno slices and jalapeno hard-boiled eggs.

Below, I’ll discuss the ingredients, preparation, and cooking, how to utilize pickled eggs, and how to shop for eggs; one of my favorite low-cost proteins.

jalapeno-pickled-eggs-in-jar

The Ingredients in Jalapeno Pickled Eggs

Large Eggs: I use peeled hard boiled eggs. The eggs can be prepped and cooked in 30min from start to finish in an instapot!

Alternatively, you could make jalapeno quail pickled eggs. Just swap the hard-boiled peeled chicken eggs for quail eggs! You won’t be able to find those in any grocery store!

Fresh Jalapeno: The jalapenos add flavor without being overly spicy. Add as many or as few as you desire – more jalapenos means more spicy flavors! IMO the best pickled eggs are spicy!

White Vinegar: I use white distilled vinegar in this recipe. Option to include other vinegars in the vinegar mixture such as apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or even black vinegar.

Water: I use a 3:1 ratio of vinegar to water tp make this pickling liquid.

Salt and/or sugar: Depending on the flavors you enjoy, you can add some salt or sugar, but they are not required. I love to add honey to my Jalapeno Picked Eggs. Some other flavor profiles that would pair well with pickled eggs include garlic, peppercorns, fresh or dried dill, onion, and red pepper.

Optional Ingredients: Mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic cloves salt, honey, jalapeno juice, chili flakes, turmeric, and beets. Want to make this recipe even more “green-like” add some blanched green beans!

Jalapeno picked egg sliced on a cutting board with a jar full of jalapeno picked eggs behind it.

Egg Colors: Yellow and Pink

For a beautiful golden hue, add 1/8 tsp of turmeric. This also provides earthy turmeric flavors.

For a pink or purple hue, add a chunk of a canned or roasted beet directly into the jar with your eggs. The larger the beet chunk the deeper the color. Alternatively, you could add some beet juice to your spicy pickled eggs.

 

How to Make Jalapeno Pickled Eggs in four easy steps

1) Cook Hard Cooked Eggs

There are three ways I like to make hard-cooked eggs: boiled, baked, and in a pressure cooker. Follow the links below for more details on how to make hard-cooked eggs.

  • Pressure Cooker

2) Peeling Hard Cooked Eggs

  • To help peel your hard-cooked eggs, plunge the hot eggs into an ice bath immediately after cooking. Wait 2 to 3 minutes before handling. Warning: the eggs may be hot!
  • Crack the eggshell. Rolling can help crack the eggshell, but be careful because this can break or tear the egg, especially if it’s softer cooked.
  • Plunge the egg into the water bath used to cool the hot eggs. The water will assist in loosening the shell.
  • Peel from the largest end of the egg. There is often an air pocket on the larger end that make peeling easier.

3) Create the Brine in 2 simple steps

First, combine water and vinegar in a 1:3 ratio (1 cup of water to 3 cups of vinegar). Second, if adding honey or sugar you may want to dissolve the sugar in the vinegar-water mixture either by bringing the liquid to a boil on the stovetop or microwave. However, heating the brine is not required. I recommend bringing the brine to room temp before adding it to your cooked eggs.

4) Pickle the Eggs

In a 32oz sterile mason jar (or container with a lid) place 10 to 12 hard-cooked eggs. Then add your sliced jalapenos. Lastly, the brine over the hard-cooked eggs. You will likely have some leftover liquid you can use for a small batch of another pickled item (like red onion, more jalapenos, or cucumbers). Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for at least 72hrs.

How long do you let picked eggs sit before eating?

The National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests storing eggs in the refrigerator at all times. Medium eggs may require 2 to 4 weeks to be well seasoned but the hardest part about this recipe is waiting that long! Use the eggs within 3 to 4 months for the best quality.

 

top down of many jalapeno picked eggs in a green bowl. Some slices of jalapenos dispersed throughout.

 

Pickled Eggs and How to Use This Egg Recipe

Maybe you haven’t seen many pickled eggs sold in grocery stores or restaurants but, in Pennsylvania for instance, pickled beet eggs are very pretty popular, especially around Easter. You might even find a jar of pickled beet eggs presented in rural PA bars. There are endless ways to add eggs, and picked eggs to other recipes but find some of my favorites below.

My favorite ways to use picked eggs include:

  • As a salad topper
  • Addition to charcuterie boards
  • Served over avocado toast
  • A snack (season with salt and pepper)
  • In an egg salad (the picked aspect will bring even more flavor)
  • Used when making deviled eggs
  • And one of my favorites, as a Ramen topper

 

Jalapeno picked egg ontop of a veggie packed ramen.

 

Understanding Egg labels

Egg labeling is complicated. There are many terms used in egg labeling that are somewhat misleading, for instance, cage-free. The term cage-free doesn’t have much meaning behind it.

Below are some meaningful labels to look out for:

  • Animal Welfare Approved
  • Certified Humane
  • Global Animal Partnership Steps 3.4.5 and Step 5+
  • SDA Organic

More Resources

Curious to dive deeper into the food label guide to choosing eggs? Check out these resources below.

 

top down of many jalapeno picked eggs in a green bowl. Some slices of jalapenos dispersed throughout.

 

Happy Cooking!

I hope this recipe post provided some valuable information about the world of pickled eggs. Pickling is a culinary adventure I hope you decide to try if you have not already.

Enjoy this article, below are a few others you may enjoy.

How to Upgrade Instant Ramen (3 Instant Ramen Hacks)

Vegan Kimchi Instant Ramen

Garlic Sweet Soy Glaze

top down of many jalapeno picked eggs in a green bowl. Some slices of jalapenos dispersed throughout.

Jalapeno Pickled Eggs

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This pickled egg recipe is super easy and has a kick! Jalapeno Picked Eggs are the perfect ramen topped, salad addition, or simple and high protein snack!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Refrigerator time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 5 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 eggs
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 32oz container or mason jar with lid
  • 1 3 cup liquid measuring cup
  • 1 chefs knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 12 medium to large hard cooked eggs, peeled
  • 3 cups white distilled vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 jalapenos

Instructions
 

Brine

  • Combine water and vinegar in a 1:3 ratio (1 cup of water to 3 cups of vinegar). If adding honey or sugar, you may want to dissolve the sugar in the vinegar-water mixture either by bringing the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop or microwave. However, heating the brine is not required and I recommend bringing the brine to room temp before adding it to your cooked eggs.

Pickle the Eggs

  • In a 32oz mason sterile jar or container with a lid place 10 to 12 hard cook eggs. Then add sliced jalapenos. Lastly, pour in the brine. You will likely have some leftover liquid you can use for a small batch of something pickled (like red onion, more jalapenos, or cucumbers). Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for at least 72hrs.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 64mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 285IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword eggs, jalapeno, pickled
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to dine at Din Tai Fung for the very first time. Din Tai Fung is a popular Taiwanese restaurant chain. I joined a group of friends, and together, we had the pleasure of ordering a variety of delectable dishes and popular side dishes from the menu.

 

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe plated from the restaurant. The cucumbers are stacked with marinade all around.

 

From Cucumber Salad to Wood Ear Mushrooms in Vinegar Dressing, to Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings), to Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai, to Spicy Pork Wontons, to Pot Stickers, to of course, one of the excellent noodle dishes, we tasted so many delicious dishes, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad recipe plated and a chili oil crisp being drizzled over top with a small spoon.

Why I Made This Copycat Recipe

One dish that especially stood out to me was the crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad. Creating my own Din Tai Fung copycat recipe at home flashed through my mind instantly after eating the Taiwanese cucumber salad. It is crunchy cucumbers season in Oregon, so this crunchy cucumber salad salad is perfect for a hot summer day. Bonus, this is a super easy recipe, with simple ingredients that maintains its nice crunch the next day!

Sure, the classic Din Tai Fung’s Cucumber Salad recipe uses Persian cucumbers, but you can use any variety of cucumbers. I use pickling and salt and pepper cucumbers in my Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad recipe.

 

Pickling and Salt and Pepper Cucumbers lined up in a row over a off white linen napkin.

Ingredients in Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad

 

For the Cucumbers

  • Cucumber Slices – If you don’t have farm fresh cucumbers some excellent options are Persian Cucumbers or English Cucumbers. Both types of cucumbers are available at most grocery stores. Both have a thinner skin and fewer seeds.
  • Kosher Salt

Dressing Ingredients

  • Vinegar (I use rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar but distilled white vinegar is an excellent option as well)
  • Soy Sauce (use light soy sauce if you do not want excess salt)
  • Sesame oil
  • Honey (or white sugar)
  • Optional: minced fresh garlic, chopped green onions or red pepper flakes

Topping

  • Chili oil or chili crisp – the amount of chili oil is up to you!

 

Close up of Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe with a chili oil drizzle.

How to Make this Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe

  • Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Cut thick slices of cucumbers. Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and then cut them into 1/2-inch slices.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add sliced cucumbers and sea salt. Let the cucumber mixture sit for at least 10-15 minutes but preferably 30 minutes.

 

sliced salted cucumbers in metal bowl

 

  • While the cucumbers are sitting, prepare the marinade. Add vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey to a small bowl and whisk until combined. TIP: Measuring the honey after the sesame oil allows for the honey to slide out of the measuring spoon more easily.
  • Once the cucumbers are finished, and the excess water has been drawn out, rinse the salt from the cucumbers. Pat the cucumbers dry with clean dishcloths.
  • Add the cucumbers and marinade to a large bowl, mix, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

 

To serve, add cucumbers to a plate or serving dish and drizzle some of the marinade and chili oil over top. Option to add any other garnishes you prefer, such as sesame seeds or finely sliced green onion.

Cucumbers sliced and stacked in an off white bowl. The cucumber salad has a glistening vinegar sauce with a drizzle of red chili oil over top.

How Do You Serve Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?

I serve this chilled cucumber salad recipe in many ways, below are some of my favorites:

  • Appetizer before your meal
  • Side dish with your meal. Serve it with some rice, a noodle dish, or a grilled or baked protein of choice.
  • An easy snack

 

If you enjoy this recipe you will love these!

Easy Baked Tofu

Dehydrated Cucumbers

Healthy and Easy Vegan Kimchi Instant Ramen

Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: An Easy Copycat Recipe – one of my most popular recipes!

Cucumbers sliced and stacked in an off white bowl. The cucumber salad has a glistening vinegar sauce with a drizzle of red chili oil over top.

Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad recipe is refreshing, crisp, and delicious. Enjoy this simple and easy recipe with a variety of dishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4 serving
Calories 97 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 Small bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • dish cloth

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups sliced Persian cucumbers
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey

Topping

  • 1 tbsp chili oil

Instructions
 

  • Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Slice the cucumbers: Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and then cut into 1/2 inch slices.
  • In a large mixing bowl add slice cucumbers and salt. Let the cucumber mixture sit for 30 min.
  • While the cucumbers are sitting, prepare the marinade. Add vinegars, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Adding the honey after the sesame oil allows for the honey to slide out of the measuring spoon more easily.
  • Once the cucumbers are finished, and the excess water has been drawn out, rinse the salt from the cucumbers. Pat the cucumbers dry with clean dish cloths.
  • Add the cucumbers and marinade to a large bowl, mix, and let sit for at least 10minuites in the refrigerator.
  • To serve, add cucumbers to a plate or serving dish and drizzle some of the marinade and chili oil over top. Option to add any other garnishes you prefer such as sesame seeds or finely sliced green onion. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 1831mgPotassium: 162mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword cucumber
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Easy Italian Grinder Salad (Viral Tik Tok Recipe)

Easy Italian Grinder Salad (Viral Tik Tok Recipe)

Easy Italian Grinder Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Italian Dressing

No need for a hoagie roll for this recipe, we have all the good parts mixed into a bowl for an amazing veggie-packed grinder salad recipe. This Grinder Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Italian Dressing offers a well-rounded combination of nutrients, flavors, and textures! It makes a delicious lunch, and dinner, an addition to a potluck or picnic, and stores well for leftovers! It’s a no-brainer why this was a viral recipe on TikTok!

 

A Grinder Salad in a white bowl with deli meats, provolone cheese, various peppers, red onion, and tomatoes.

Why You Should Make This Italian Grinder Salad Recipe

This colorful salad recipe is also high in fiber, protein, and probiotics. Moreover, this recipe is customizable. You can keep this vegetarian by omitting the deli meat or perhaps swapping it for a plant-based alternative. You can also add your favorite grinder ingredients. Some other toppings I enjoy are spinach, alfalfa sprouts, sliced cucumber, jalapenos, Pickles, or red pepper flakes.

Grinder Salad Ingredients

Greens (the base of the salad)

  • Romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, kale, napa cabbage, or iceberg lettuce – really any other crunchy lettuce of choice

Vegetables

  • Bell peppers, small dice (approx 1 pepper)
  • Red onion, small dice
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (you could use any tomatoes you enjoy like grape tomatoes)
  • Banana peppers
  • Hot peppers, chopped (such as Trader Joe’s Bomba Peppers or Mama Lil’s Sweet Hot Pickled Peppers)

Proteins

  • Turkey, thinly sliced
  • Italian cured meat, such as salami or pepperoni, thinly sliced

Other types of meat you can use include roast beef, ham, or other cold cuts. I like to include at least two different meats. 

Cheese

  • Provolone cheese, sliced or shredded

Other cheese you can use include cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, or parmesan. 

Grinder Salad in a white bowl, all ingredients mixed together

Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing

  • Mayo
  • Greek yogurt
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red wine vinegar

For a tangy dressing, you can add more tangy red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or even a touch of banana pepper juice!

Garnish

You can garnish this salad however you like. Some of my suggestions include:

  • drizzle some olive oil
  • sprinkle some red pepper flakes
  • add more Italian seasoning
  • a dash of salt
  • a sprinkle of black pepper

Grinder Salad with black handled utensils and mixed up ingredients in a white bowl

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare The Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and red wine vinegar to make the dressing.

Add Greens: In a large bowl, add your greens base of Romaine lettuce.

Layer Ingredients: Arrange the bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and chopped hot peppers, into the bowl.

Add the thinly sliced turkey Italian cured meat and provolone cheese over the salad.

Serve: Wait to toss the ingredients together until just before serving for maximum impact. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. 

To store this salad: Place it in an airtight container for a day in the fridge. This recipe is best if using a heartier green like Brussels sprouts, kale, or cabbage. 

Grinder Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing Drizzled over top before the salad is mixed up

How to Serve This Grinder Salad Recipe

I like to serve this Grinder Salad recipe in many different ways. 

  • Alone as a Hearty Salad
  • As a side with some soup, perhaps Italian Wedding, Tomato Basil, or New England Clam Chowder
  • Alongside some crusty bread
  • As meal prep mason jar salads! Just add all the ingredients to a 32oz mason jar and keep the creamy Italian dressing on the side until you are ready to serve! 

A Grinder Salad in a white bowl with deli meats, provolone cheese, various peppers, red onion, and tomatoes.

 

FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)

What is a grinder sandwich made of?

A grinder sandwich is typically made up of sliced deli meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. For example, a grinder sandwich might consist of thinly sliced turkey, salami, ham, with provolone cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, onions, banana peppers, and mayo served in crusty Italian bread. 

How to jazz up a salad?

You can jazz up a salad many ways. 

Try jazzing up a salad by adding:

  • crunchy toppings
  • creamy toppings
  • savory proteins
  • sweet dried fruits
  • different flavors like herbs, or peppery lettuces

A Grinder Salad in a white bowl with deli meats, provolone cheese, various peppers, red onion, and tomatoes.

More Recipes

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Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

A Grinder Salad in a white bowl with deli meats, provolone cheese, various peppers, red onion, and tomatoes.

Grinder Salad with Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Enjoy this Grinder Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing a Viral Tik Tok recipe!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 731 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup red bell peppers, small dice
  • ½ cup red onion, small dice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • ¼ cup hot peppers, chopped
  • 4 oz deli turkey
  • 4 oz salami
  • 2 oz provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ½ cup greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup parmasean cheese
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasonings

Instructions
 

Prepare The Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and red wine vinegar to make the dressing.

Add Greens:

  • In a large bowl, add your greens base of Romaine lettuce.

Layer Ingredients

  • Arrange the bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and chopped hot peppers, into the bowl.
  • Add the thinly sliced turkey Italian cured meat and provolone cheese over the salad.

Serve

  • Wait to toss the ingredients together until just before serving for maximum impact. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. 

To store this salad

  • Place it in an airtight container for a day in the fridge. This recipe is best if using a heartier green like Brussels sprouts, kale, or cabbage. 

Nutrition

Calories: 731kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 42gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 2948mgPotassium: 1147mgFiber: 7gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 11358IUVitamin C: 145mgCalcium: 492mgIron: 4mg
Keyword salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
The Best Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble Recipe

The Best Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble Recipe

Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble

Here is a silken tofu recipe to add to your savory flavor tofu repertoire. Enjoy an egg-free breakfast that does not sacrifice taste with this Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble. Making vegan scrambled eggs is super easy and uses simple ingredients. It is almost as easy as making real scrambled eggs!

I am a big fan of shelf-stable tofu that will keep in the pantry for months. Moreover, this is one way to make an easy weeknight meal in under 30 minutes with little to no planning. In this article, I will discuss my Tofu Scramble’s ingredients, how to prepare the dish, how to pair it with other foods, and share a little about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Tofu Scramble with a grey serving spoon dipped into the white bowl with golden yellow tofu crumbles.

Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble Ingredients

Tofu: You can use silken tofu or extra firm tofu for a firmer texture. I like to use firm silken tofu but will use any regular tofu I have lying around. Silken tofu has a similar soft texture to soft scrambled eggs. Tofu has a lovely soft, creamy, yet firm texture.  In this recipe, I use Mori-nu tofu.

Soy Sauce: The soy sauce adds color and flavor. Additionally, the soy sauce deepens the flavor and makes these vegan eggs taste “meatier”. This is thanks to soy sauce’s umami flavor. 

Turmeric powder: This spice has a beautiful yellow color, mimicking the color of eggs. Not only that, ground turmeric is made from the nutritious turmeric root. What’s more, turmeric is a Zingiberaceae, also known as the ginger family! Is that why ginger and turmeric go together like bread and butter?

Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a “cheesy” flavor without adding the cheese. You will find nutritional yeast used in many vegan dishes. Nutritional yeast is full of B vitamins, specifically, Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B1), Pyridoxine (B6), Cobalamin (B12), and Folate/Folic acid (B9). 

Ginger (Optional): I always add ginger when making this tofu egg scramble and I typically pair it with Vegan Fried Rice. If you would like to serve this over toast and do not want the ginger flavor, simply omit it. To get even more creative, try adding dried or fresh herbs such as garlic, onion, or tahini!

Other Optional Seasonings include Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, hot sauce, red pepper, and kosher salt. 

Silken Tofu Scramble ingredients in three bowls showing crumbled tofu and the larger bowl

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prep and mix the tofu

  • Add the block of tofu to a bowl taking care to drain any excess liquid from the container. Using your hands or a wooden spoon break up the tofu into large chunks then into smaller pieces. **This step is super fun for kids in the kitchen!
  • Once you have finished breaking up the tofu, add your desired seasonings such as nutritional yeast, turmeric, soy sauce, and ginger, then mix.

Cook your tofu

  • Next, add a little oil (i.e. olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil) or vegan butter to your frying pan. Bring to medium-high heat. Add the tofu mixture and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Option to adjust the stove to low-medium heat and top the eggs with vegan cheese before serving. 
  • Finally, serve tofu scramble however you please. See below for serving suggestions. 
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. 

Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble in a large white bowl

Serving Suggestions for Silken Tofu Scramble Recipe

You can enjoy this soft tofu scramble in a variety of ways. Some of these include:

  1. As a replacement to traditional scrambled eggs perhaps with some vegan bacon bits sprinkled throughout
  2. Spooned over rice and topped with chopped red onions
  3. In a bowl, alongside black beans topped with various creamy sauces like vegan cheese or a vegan cashew herb cream sauce
  4. Served with sautéed baby spinach or any other favorite vegetables
  5. Wrapped inside breakfast burritos 
  6. As a protein boost to any vegan breakfast you enjoy

My favorite way to enjoy this vegan silken tofu scramble spooned over avocado toast with sliced onion and a sprinkle of hemp seeds.

Silken Tofu Breakfast Scrambled used in Vegan Vegetable Fried Rice in two bowls

What is Tofu? Is Tofu Vegan?

Tofu is a Soybean curd; it is custard-like and made from curdled soy milk. Tofu has a lovely smooth and creamy texture yet presents firm enough to slice. Tofu can be used in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, a breakfast bowl, soup, sauce, sandwich, and stir-fry. You can find tofu in more grocery stores. Best of all, just because tofu is vegan doesn’t mean only vegans can eat it! Many non-vegans can enjoy the benefits of tofu in their cooking. whether they want to lower their carbon footprint, eat less animal protein high in saturated fats, or just open up their culinary journey to new flavors. 

Tofu can be packaged in several ways such as:

  • Stored in water, sealed in plastic containers, and refrigerated
  • Vacuum sealed in plastic (without water)
  • Sealed in packaging that is shelf stable for up to 8 months
  • Freeze-dried

Note that tofu can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing your tofu will alter the texture. It drains easier and makes it chewier! I find marinades are better soaked up from first frozen than thawed-out tofu. 

Tofu Scramble with a grey serving spoon dipped into the white bowl with golden yellow tofu crumbles.

Like this Tofu Scramble? Try These Vegan Recipes!

You will want to add this recipe to your list of vegan breakfasts, high-protein breakfasts, and savory dishes recipe collections. Interest in learning more about tofu? Check article called You’re Eating Tofu, Are You Vegan? Is Tofu Vegan?

Vegan Fried Rice

vegan tofu fried rice large pot

The Best Butter Bean Curry with Lentils

Butter Bean Curry with Lentils in a large shallow cast iron casserole dish with toast, herbs, and Arome spices and oil as props

Easy Vegan Yakisoba-Inspired Noodles

Noodle pull of oyster mushroom stir-fry noodles with black chopsticks

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein] – another vegan breakfast fave

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl with pink smoothie base. Smoothie bowl is topped with coconut flakes, sliced strawberries, granola, and cocoa nibs. Bowl is placed on a sage linen table cloth.

Tofu Scramble with a grey serving spoon dipped into the white bowl with golden yellow tofu crumbles.

Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble

This Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble recipe is healthy, plant-based, and delicious! I love to have this recipe on hand for those I have no time to plan and not much time to cook nights.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Set measuring spoons
  • 1 Sautee Pan
  • 1 Heat resistant rubber spatula
  • 1 Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz Silken Tofu
  • 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 tsp Ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp Soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil
  • Optional: Ground ginger

Instructions
 

Prep and mix the tofu

  • Add the tofu to a bowl. Using your hands, break up the tofu into smaller pieces. **This step is perfect and super fun for kids in the kitchen!
  • Once you have finished breaking up the tofu, add the nutritional yeast, turmeric, soy sauce, and ginger, then mix.

Cook your tofu

  • Next, add avocado oil to your skillet. Bring to medium heat. Add the tofu mixture and sautee for 5-10min.
  • Finally, serve tofu scramble over rice with some stir-fried veggies alongside some toast, or in a breakfast burrito.

Notes

Ginger: If you are interested in omitting the ginger due to other conflicting flavors in the meal that is absolutely fine. Option to add in dried herbs, fresh garlic, onion, dijon mustard, tahini, cashew butter, miso paste, and/or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 89mgPotassium: 232mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
Keyword 5-ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!