Spicy Asian Chopped Salad
- by Christiane Matey
- all recipes, easy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy recipes, salad dressings, salad recipes
The small but mighty sesame seed is an age-old medicinal food used to treat wounds, asthma, blurred vision, abdominal pain and ulcers, toothaches, gum disease and migraines, to name a few. Sesame seeds are high in healthy fats, protein, calcium and B and E vitamins — all proponents of heart health and cancer prevention. Tahini is a paste made from ground roasted sesame seeds that’s used in many traditional Middle Eastern recipes. Tahini adds nutty flavor and depth to the sesame vinaigrette in my Spicy Asian Chopped Salad. Immensely flavorful, this salad is full of fiber, nutrients and phytonutrients. Like many of my recipes, it’s easy to make ahead of time. Just add the marinated cucumbers and sesame vinaigrette to the salad before serving. Try the versatile dressing on noodles, grilled chicken or crunchy shredded vegetables.
Ingredients for Salad:
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 small chili, seeded and sliced
- 3 tablespoons toasted crushed macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Ingredients for Marinated Cucumbers:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Method for Marinated Cucumbers:
- Mix all ingredients and allow to sit for a few minutes.
Ingredients for Sesame Vinaigrette:
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
Method for Sesame Vinaigrette:
- Mix all ingredients and set aside.
Method for Salad Assembly:
- In a large bowl, add 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage, 1 small chili seeded and sliced, 3 tablespoons toasted crushed macadamia nuts and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro. Add the pickled cucumbers and vinaigrette, mix well and serve. Enjoy!
Looking for other easy, healthy recipes from Mint Nutrition? Start here, and be sure to follow Mint Nutrition on Instagram for continued recipes, tips, and insight.
As a certified integrative and functional dietitian, it’s my job to come up with tasty, healthy recipes and meal plans for individuals (neat, I know). To learn more about how my recipes and meals can best serve you and your specific needs, schedule a 15-minute consultation with Mint Nutrition today.
