| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 285 | 16g | 2g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 8g | 11g | 0.01g |
Imagine a salad that not only delights your taste buds, but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients – that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Grilled Soybean Salad. As a Southern belle with a keen fondness for twists on traditional cooking, this is a tasty departure from my comfort zone, intermingling the crispness of fresh greens with the hearty warmth of grilled soybeans.
The Crux of the Dish
What’s truly wonderful about this salad is the duality it offers. From one perspective, it has the bright, zesty punch that resembles salads from the Mediterranean region, with ingredients like fresh citrus, strawberries, and green leafy vegetables. On another, the inclusion of soybeans adds a unique texture and taste that gives it a touch of Southern character.
Soybeans, as many of you may know, are a fantastic source of protein and dietary fiber. They’re often featured in plant-based diets for their health benefits and versatility. When grilled, they take on a smoky, nutty flavor that is simply irresistible!
Pairing Suggestions
The Grilled Soybean Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s divine alongside a classic Southern dish like grilled chicken. The tartness of the oranges, the sweetness of the honey, and the tang of the lemon juice complement the smoky flavor of grilled meats perfectly.
Alternatively, for my vegetarian brethren, pairing it with a hearty, roasted eggplant dish or a spicy burrito bowl could be a great option.
Last but not least, why not have the Grilled Soybean Salad as a standalone dish too? With nutritious soybeans and a myriad of fruits packed into it, it’s an ideal, light yet fulfilling meal for those days you’d prefer to eat just a smidge lighter.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of soybeans
- 3 cups of mixed greens
- 2 medium-sized oranges, peeled and divided into segments
- 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds, for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your grill on medium heat. Take your soybeans and spread them evenly over a grilling pan. Grill the soybeans, turning them occasionally, until they develop a slightly charred appearance. This should normally take about 10-15 minutes. Remove them from the grill and set them aside to cool.
Step Two
While the soybeans are cooling, start prepping your salad. In a large salad bowl, combine the three cups of mixed greens, the peeled and segmented oranges, and the hulled and halved strawberries. Toss these ingredients lightly to mix them together.
Step Three
Next, prepare your salad dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt and pepper to taste until they form a smooth, well-blended dressing.
Step Four
Now that all your components are ready, combine them to form your salad. Add the cooled, grilled soybeans to the salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss the salad gently to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
Step Five
For the finishing touch, sprinkle your sliced almonds over the top of the salad. These give the salad an extra crunch and nutty flavour. Your Grilled Soybean Salad is now ready to be served and enjoyed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so ideally serve it immediately after preparation.
