Easy Asian-Inspired Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing

Imagine wandering through the streets of Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), Bangkok (Thailand), and Hanoi (Vietnam). In each place, you’ll find salads with flavors like sesame, ginger, soy, and vinegar. These ingredients bring a taste of Asia to their salads and dressings, making each one unique yet connected by these familiar flavors.

The Magic of Sesame Oil and Ginger in Traditional Asian Cooking

Sesame oil and ginger hold pivotal roles in Asian cuisine due to their distinct flavors and versatile culinary applications.

Sesame Oil

Distinct Flavor: It adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes, enhancing taste profiles.
Versatility: Used in stir-fries, dressings, marinades, and even as a finishing oil due to its robust flavor.
Cultural Significance: It’s deeply ingrained in Asian cooking, especially in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Ginger

Flavor Enhancement: Ginger offers a zesty, slightly spicy taste, contributing depth to dishes.
Digestive Properties: Valued for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and providing antioxidants.
Widespread Use: Commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, from stir-fries to soups and teas.

In Asian culinary traditions, sesame oil and ginger aren’t just flavorings; they’re foundational elements that lend depth, aroma, and cultural significance to the cuisine. Their unique tastes and versatile nature make them indispensable ingredients across a wide array of Asian dishes.

Make our Travel-inspired asian salad!

Our easy Asian-inspired salad with sesame ginger dressing recipe typically yields about 4 servings and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients for the salad

4 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup sliced green onions
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds

For the sesame ginger dressing

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, sliced bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and olive oil to make the dressing.
Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired salad with the flavorful sesame ginger dressing!