Bittersweet Asian Summer Salad
A refreshing and vibrant summer salad that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. Crisp vegetables, juicy mandarin oranges, and a zesty sesame-soy vinaigrette make this a perfect side or light lunch on hot days.
π₯ Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
π³ Instructions:
1οΈβ£ Prepare the Vegetables:
π₯¬ In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, and mandarin orange segments.
2οΈβ£ Make the Dressing:
π₯ In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended.
3οΈβ£ Assemble the Salad:
π₯ Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
4οΈβ£ Top It Off:
πΏ Sprinkle with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a little fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
π¦ Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Bittersweet Asian Summer Salad
π₯ OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner β Get your greens perfectly dry every time.
πͺ Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper β Chop, slice, and julienne like a pro.
π§ Microplane Premium Zester Grater β Perfect for ginger and garlic in your dressing.
π₯£ OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set β Non-slip bowls that make tossing and mixing easy.
π₯ Mason Jar Lids with Shaker Inserts β Great for storing and shaking dressings.
𧴠Kikkoman Rice Vinegar β Essential pantry item for Asian-inspired dressings.
π‘ Helpful Tip:
Toast your almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes to bring out their full nutty flavorβit adds an irresistible crunch and aroma to your salad.