Asian Sesame Salad
Embark on a journey through the vibrant flavors of Asia with the AsianSesame Salad—a culinary masterpiece that combines the essence of thecontinent's diverse cuisines into a single harmonious dish. This salad is acelebration of contrasts: the delicate interplay of textures, the marriage ofsweet and savory, and the fusion of aromatic herbs and savory dressings.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- A vibrant blend of mixed greens, including lettuce, spinach, and arugula, totaling 4 cups.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- A delightful assortment of bell peppers in various hues, finely sliced to fill 1 cup.
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cooked edamame (shelled)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for those with gluten-free dietary needs)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (white or black)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped roasted peanuts or almonds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded red cabbage,sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, cooked edamame, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar,honey or maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, sesame seeds, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors to achieve the desired balanceof sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Pour the sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to ensurethe dressing coats all the ingredients.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors tomeld and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped roastedpeanuts or almonds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Notes
- Customize the salad by adding grilled tofu, cooked shrimp, or shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey or maple syrup, according to your taste preference.
- Toasted sesame seeds and nuts enhance the salad's texture and flavor. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Serve the Asian Sesame Salad as a refreshing appetizer or a side dish to complement Asian-inspired main courses.
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables and herbs based on your preferences and what's in season.
- The resting time allows the flavors to develop, but you can also serve the salad immediately if desired.