Spicy Asian Chopped Salad

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, which are all proponents of heart health and cancer prevention. Tahini is a paste made from ground-roasted sesame seeds that is 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:

  1. 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:

  1. Mix all ingredients and set aside.

METHOD FOR SALAD ASSEMBLY:

  1. 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!

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Christiane Matey

Integrative Nutritionist & Dietitian

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