Asian Salad / Ensalada Asiatica Recipe
Mixed leaf salad garnished with carrot, cherry tomato, cucumber, tropical fruits with tamarind dressing
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Ingredients
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Salad
Tamarind Dressing
Method
Salad
- 1
Prepare produce
Rinse mixed salad greens thoroughly under cold water, spin or pat dry and place in a large salad bowl. Peel and julienne the carrot. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Seed the cucumber, then thinly slice. Dice the tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, papaya) into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
- 2
Combine the prepared carrot, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and tropical fruit with the mixed greens. Add the chopped cilantro and sliced scallions. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- 3
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and set aside the crispy wonton strips or toasted almonds to add just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Tamarind Dressing
- 4
Reconstitute tamarind (if using concentrate/paste)
If your tamarind paste is very thick, dissolve the 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste in 2 tablespoons hot water, mashing until smooth. Strain if you prefer a smoother liquid. If using ready-to-use tamarind liquid, skip this step and use measured amount.
- 5
Mix dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the reconstituted tamarind, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or agave), fresh lime juice, toasted sesame oil, neutral oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake in a jar until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust: add a little more honey if you want sweeter, more lime for brightness, or more soy for saltiness.
- 6
Rest dressing
Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors (ginger, garlic, tamarind) to meld.
Assemble & Serve
- 7
Just before serving, drizzle about half of the tamarind dressing over the salad (reserve the rest to offer on the side). Toss the salad gently but thoroughly so every leaf and piece of fruit is lightly coated.
- 8
Taste a small portion of the tossed salad and add more dressing if desired. Add the crispy wonton strips or toasted almonds as garnish to provide crunch.
- 9
Transfer to individual plates or leave in the bowl. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few cilantro leaves. Serve immediately so greens and garnishes remain crisp.