Vibrant Mixed Greens Salad with Homemade Oriental Dressing
Crisp and Fresh Mixed Greens Salad with a Golden Ratio Oriental Dressing Recipe
Hello there! We believe that strength comes from good food. Do you enjoy fresh salads? It’s no exaggeration to say that the dressing is what completes a salad. Today, I’ll be sharing a fantastic recipe for a mixed greens salad, perfectly complemented by a zesty Oriental dressing that you can easily make at home. The harmony of fresh, crisp greens and the tangy-sweet dressing is simply delightful. Let’s get started!
Salad Ingredients
- 2 handfuls of fresh mixed salad greens (use a variety of your choice)
- 1/2 cup ripe strawberries
- 1/4 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 carrot, thinly sliced
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- 1 mini cucumber (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your star ingredient: the fresh mixed salad greens. Lively greens are the essence of a great salad! Using a variety of greens will give you a more diverse texture and flavor.
Step 2
Soak the prepared salad greens in cold water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes. This helps remove any residual pesticides and makes the greens extra crisp. After 10 minutes, rinse them thoroughly under running cold water two to three times and drain them completely. Ensuring the greens are well-drained is key to preventing a watery or diluted salad.
Step 3
Next, prepare the supporting ingredients that will add freshness and vibrant color to your salad. Hull and quarter the strawberries. Thinly slice the onion and carrot. If using, thinly slice the mini cucumber.
Step 4
Wash the strawberries gently in cold water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, just like the greens, and then drain them. It’s best to wash strawberries with their stems still attached to minimize the loss of their delicious flavor into the water. Lightly rinse the julienned onion and carrots in cold water to enhance their crispness, and then thoroughly drain them as well.
Step 5
Combine the sliced mini cucumber (if using) with all the prepared vegetables (salad greens, onion, carrot, strawberries) in a bowl and gently toss. It’s crucial to remove as much excess moisture as possible from all the ingredients. Excess water can dilute the dressing and negatively impact the salad’s taste.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to beautifully plate your salad. Arrange the mixed greens in the center of your serving dish. Garnish the edges with the sliced strawberries and lemon slices (if using) to create a visually appealing and fresh salad.
Step 7
Finally, let’s make the Oriental dressing that will elevate your salad. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of vinegar (or lemon vinegar), 2 tablespoons of sugar (or corn syrup), and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Mix them well. The secret to this golden ratio is the 1:1:1:1 proportion of these four ingredients! Add a pinch of sesame seeds for extra flavor. Stir diligently until the sugar is completely dissolved – this step is important for a smooth dressing. You’ll have a delicious Oriental dressing that rivals any store-bought version. Drizzle generously over your fresh salad and enjoy!
