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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.

🥗 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

🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables:
🥬 In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, and mandarin orange segments.

2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
🥄 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.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
🥗 Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.

4️⃣ Top It Off:
🌿 Sprinkle with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a little fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Bittersweet Asian Summer Salad
🥗 OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner — Get your greens perfectly dry every time.
🔪 Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper — Chop, slice, and julienne like a pro.
🧄 Microplane Premium Zester Grater — Perfect for ginger and garlic in your dressing.
🥣 OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set — Non-slip bowls that make tossing and mixing easy.
🥄 Mason Jar Lids with Shaker Inserts — Great for storing and shaking dressings.
🧴 Kikkoman Rice Vinegar — Essential pantry item for Asian-inspired dressings.

💡 Helpful Tip:
Toast your almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes to bring out their full nutty flavor—it adds an irresistible crunch and aroma to your salad.