Salad with Asian Dressing

Imagine coming home after a long day, the sun setting softly outside, and the aroma of a fresh Salad with Asian Dressing wafting through your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels warm and inviting, a hug in a bowl filled with vibrant flavors and textures. This cozy salad is not only easy to whip up but also a wonderful way to bring a little excitement to your weeknight dinners while keeping things light and healthy.

Salad with Asian Dressing

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A vibrant and refreshing salad with a delicious Asian dressing, perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.

• Author: amelia-grace
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1/4 cup tamari (or low sodium soy sauce)
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 cups chopped cucumber
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups sweet green peas (frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups chopped baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh lime juice (to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil until well blended.
2. For meal-prep jars, divide the dressing among four 16-ounce mason jars and layer in the vegetables and quinoa. Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
3. To serve in a big bowl, combine all chopped vegetables, quinoa, and sesame seeds in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat.
5. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste.

Notes

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat and experiment with seasonal ingredients for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Let’s Make It Together

Gather your loved ones and let’s create a delicious Salad with Asian Dressing that feels just right for family mealtimes. With a handful of colorful ingredients and a delightful dressing, you’ll find the process simple and enjoyable. Imagine tossing crisp veggies together, mixing in hearty quinoa, and drizzling that heavenly dressing all over. It’s a moment of joy that makes cooking feel like a loving gesture for those you cherish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce, preferably low sodium)
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (or sesame oil)
• 2 cups chopped cucumber
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups sweet green peas (frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh lime juice (to taste)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil until well blended. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen as these ingredients meld together.
2. For meal-prep jars, divide the dressing among four 16-ounce mason jars and layer in the vegetables and quinoa. Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This is a fantastic way to have healthy lunches ready to go!
3. For a big bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables, quinoa, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over and mix gently to coat. It becomes a vibrant, colorful mix that is simply begging to be served.
4. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste. That zing brings everything together and adds the perfect finishing touch!

Nutritional Snapshot

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 10g

Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full without feeling heavy. It’s a refreshing and nutritious option for those busy nights when you crave something healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This delightful salad is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in front of the TV with loved ones. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein, or pair it with freshly baked bread to soak up any remaining dressing on your plate. A light, crisp white wine or a glass of sparkling water with lemon would be a beautiful complement to these flavors, making the whole dining experience even more enjoyable.

Keep It Fresh

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, so you can enjoy leftovers with ease! To keep your ingredients from getting soggy, layer the dressing at the bottom of the jar if meal prepping. Simply shake it up when you’re ready to eat! If you want to freeze it, freeze the quinoa and veggies separately, then mix everything together fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Betty’s Secrets

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for added crunch and sweetness.
• For a heartier version, toss in some grilled chicken or tofu and add more baby spinach.
• Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing it to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Creative Twists

• In the fall, swap in roasted sweet potatoes for a warming touch.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or mint in the summer for a fragrant twist.
• For a touch of sweetness, incorporate cubed apples or pears during the spring.

Your Questions Answered

What kind of dressing works best for salad with Asian dressing? A combination of tamari and rice vinegar gives it that signature tangy and savory profile. Experimenting with sweet and nutty notes from maple syrup and sesame oil brings everything together beautifully.

Can I make salad with Asian dressing in advance? Absolutely! It’s an excellent option for meal prep. Just store the salad in jars with the dressing at the bottom to keep everything fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free? If you use tamari instead of soy sauce, it’s a great gluten-free option! Double-check labels to ensure everything else fits your dietary needs.

How can I make this salad more filling? Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a hard-boiled egg elevates the salad to a heartier meal. You won’t be hungry again anytime soon!