Discovering the Sesame Ginger Asian Salad
My Favorite is Sesame Ginger Asian Salad and It was one of those sweltering summer days when the thought of cooking felt unbearable. My kitchen was too hot, and the idea of turning on the stove was daunting. I wanted something cool and refreshing but didn’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition. That’s when I remembered a recipe for a Sesame Ginger Asian Salad I had saved for a day just like this. I pulled out the ingredients, and as I did, I could already feel the excitement of trying something new.
Creating the Perfect Dressing
Making the dressing was the first step, and it was surprisingly simple. I mixed low-sodium soy sauce with rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and a touch of agave nectar for sweetness. The real magic happened when I added freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. As I whisked it all together, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma. I let the dressing sit for a while to let the flavors meld, feeling like I was on the verge of something delicious.
Assembling the Salad
With the dressing ready, I turned my attention to the vegetables. Shredding the romaine lettuce and red cabbage was oddly satisfying, and the vibrant colors made me smile. I julienned the carrots and thawed the edamame, enjoying the crunchiness of each ingredient. Mixing everything in a large bowl, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The salad was coming together beautifully, and I could already tell it was going to be a hit.
Enjoying the Salad
Finally, I drizzled the dressing over the salad, tossing it gently to coat every piece. The mandarin orange segments added a burst of sweetness, and the crispy noodles on top made it extra special. As I took my first bite, I was met with a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors. It was refreshing and satisfying, just what I needed on a hot day. This Sesame Ginger Asian Salad became my go-to recipe for those lazy, hot afternoons, proving that sometimes the simplest meals can be the most delightful.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Sesame Ginger Asian Salad
- For the best texture, shred or julienne the veggies just before assembling the salad. This helps maintain their crunch and freshness.
- To ensure the dressing is well-combined, whisk it thoroughly and let it sit in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sesame seeds to infuse their nutty flavor.
- For extra crunch and flavor, consider toasting the almonds and crispy noodles slightly before adding them to the salad. This enhances their taste and texture.
- Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. Reserve some of the mandarin orange segments and crispy noodles to add on top for a final crunch and burst of flavor.
- If preparing the salad ahead of time, store the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Sesame Ginger Asian Salad
Dive into the vibrant flavors of this Sesame Ginger Asian Salad! It’s a refreshing, no-cook meal that’s perfect for warm days. Packed with crunchy veggies, protein-rich edamame, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s customizable to suit your taste. Try it today and enjoy a burst of Asian-inspired goodness!
4
servings20
minutes0
minutes187
kcal10
minutes30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Dressing
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
3 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
2 1/2 tablespoons juice from canned mandarin oranges
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Salad
1 large head romaine lettuce (about 7 cups), shredded
1 1/2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups carrots, julienned or shredded
1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds (raw or toasted)
1 can (10 oz) mandarin oranges, drained (reserve liquid)
1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles (for topping)
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, agave nectar, minced garlic, grated ginger, juice from canned mandarin oranges, and sesame seeds. Whisk until well blended. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep the Veggies: While the dressing chills, wash and shred the romaine lettuce and red cabbage. Julienne or shred the carrots. Thaw the frozen edamame and slice the green onions.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded romaine lettuce, red cabbage, julienned carrots, thawed edamame, sliced green onions, and sliced almonds.
- Dress the Salad: When ready to serve, whisk the dressing again and pour over the salad mixture. Add half of the mandarin orange segments and gently toss to combine.
- Final Touches: Top the salad with crispy chow mein noodles and the remaining mandarin orange segments. Sprinkle additional sesame seeds if desired.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 187kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 245mg
- Potassium: 503mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 211.8IU
- Vitamin C: 23.8mg
- Calcium: 9.6mg
- Iron: 12.8mg
FAQ-Sesame Ginger Asian Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to maintain the salad’s crunchiness.
What can I use instead of edamame?
If you don’t have edamame, you can substitute it with snow peas for a similar crunch, or chickpeas for an additional protein boost.
Is there a substitute for agave nectar?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or honey (if not vegan) as an alternative sweetener in the dressing.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Ensure the soy sauce or tamari used is gluten-free. You can also check that the crispy noodles and other ingredients are gluten-free or choose gluten-free alternatives.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers, snow peas, or fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint for additional flavor and texture.
