| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: No cooking required | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 173 | 12g | 2g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 5g | 5g | 0.7g |
One of my favorite creations, the Green Salad with Laver and Sesame Dressing, is truly a validation of my passion for producing sumptuous dishes that celebrate my dual origins. Like a blissful blending of two worlds, this dish showcases the simplicity and beauty of the Pacific Northwest alongside the flavorful richness inherent in Japanese cuisine.
A Delightful Fusion
As someone deeply rooted both in Seattle and Japan, I’ve always been inspired by the kitchens of my two homes. This vegetable-based dish, once again called the Green Salad with Laver and Sesame Dressing, pays homage to my dual heritage. It adopts the freshness of the mixed greens typical of Pacific Northwest salads, and marries it with the distinct flavor of laver, a type of seaweed used extensively in Japanese cuisine. Not to forget the toasted sesame seeds which add a remarkable, nutty punch.
Refreshing and Healthy
Beyond its flavour, this recipe boasts an array of health benefits. Cucumbers and avocado are highly nutritious and hydrating, providing an abundance of vitamins, nutrients, healthy fats, and fibre to your diet. Seaweed, too, is considered a superfood, exceptionally rich in minerals like iodine and antioxidants. Plus, the sesame dressing offers a combination of ingredients like ginger and garlic—both renowned for their medicinal properties and power to boost our immune system.
Here’s an article on the health benefits of seaweed if you are interested in knowing more.
Accompaniment Ideas
This salad, though delicious as a standalone dish, also pairs beautifully with an assortment of main dishes. Given its flavors and ingredients, it complements sushi, sashimi, and grilled seafood perfectly – reinforcing that connection to my heritage. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to other Asian-style dishes, such as teriyaki chicken or grilled tofu.
For inspiration, you can check out this link for other gourmet recipes.
In essence, the Green Salad with Laver and Sesame Dressing is not just a recipe—it’s an edible testament to my heritage, a celebration of my dual cultural backdrop. It’s a delightful fusion of my two homes in every bite, and my way of sharing a piece of my story with you.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of mixed greens
- 1 cup of laver (seaweed), rinsed and chopped
- 1 cup of cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of pear, diced
- 1/2 cup of ripe avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup of sesame seeds, toasted
- For the Sesame Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of sesame oil
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse and chop the laver, thinly slice the cucumber, dice the pear and avocado, and chop the mint leaves. Set these ingredients aside.
Step Two
Next, toast the sesame seeds. Place them in a frying pan over medium heat. Shake the pan frequently to prevent the seeds from burning. Once the seeds are golden brown, remove them from the heat and set aside.
Step Three
For the Sesame Dressing, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this aside.
Step Four
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, laver, cucumber slices, diced pear, diced avocado, and chopped mint leaves. Toss gently to mix.
Step Five
Finally, drizzle the Sesame Dressing over the salad and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently again until everything is well mixed and coated with the dressing.
And there you have it, your Green Salad with Laver and Sesame Dressing is ready to be served and enjoyed!
