Sesame Salad

Sesame Salad Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish with Butter, Sesame Seeds, Water Chestnuts and Tarragon

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sesame Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of lettuce with the nuttiness of sesame seeds and water chestnuts. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.

History

Sesame Salad has its origins in Asian cuisine, where sesame seeds are a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of sesame seeds, water chestnuts, and Almonsen Sprinkle creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

2 heads of butter lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
0.25 cup of toasted sesame seeds
0.25 cup of sliced water chestnuts
0.25 cup of Almonsen Sprinkle
tarragon Dressing (see below)

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients and toss together with enough dressing to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
Substitute other types of lettuce, such as romaine or arugula, for the butter lettuce.
Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Toss the salad ingredients together gently to avoid crushing the lettuce leaves.

- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference - some people prefer a lighter coating while others like a more generous amount.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Sesame Salad is to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Almonsen Sprinkle, you can substitute with a mixture of sesame seeds, almonds, and a pinch of salt.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Sesame Salad ahead of time and toss them together with the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sesame Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Sesame Salad pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fries or sushi, as well as grilled meats or seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Sesame Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sesame Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sesame Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sesame Salad contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sesame Salad contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds and nuts.

Summary

Sesame Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy choice for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Sesame Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its crunchy texture and nutty flavor, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, where the air was filled with the savory scents of street food vendors. As I wandered through the narrow alleys, my eyes fell upon a small stall with a sign that read "Sesame Salad - A Taste of Tradition."

Intrigued by the tantalizing aroma wafting from the stall, I approached the elderly woman who was busy tossing a colorful array of vegetables in a large wooden bowl. Her hands moved with grace and precision, as if she had been preparing this dish for years. I couldn't resist asking her about the recipe behind this delicious looking salad.

With a warm smile, the woman introduced herself as Mrs. Wong and welcomed me to watch her prepare the salad. She explained that the sesame salad was a traditional dish passed down through generations in her family, originating from the ancient Chinese city of Xi'an. As she mixed the vegetables with a dressing made of sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar, she shared stories of her childhood spent watching her grandmother prepare this dish in their humble kitchen.

Mesmerized by Mrs. Wong's culinary skills and the rich history behind the sesame salad, I asked if she would be willing to teach me how to make it. To my delight, she agreed and invited me to her home the following day.

The next morning, I arrived at Mrs. Wong's cozy apartment, where the fragrant scent of sesame oil welcomed me. She greeted me with a warm hug and led me to her kitchen, where we began the lesson. Mrs. Wong patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, from washing and chopping the vegetables to preparing the dressing with the perfect balance of flavors.

As we worked together, she shared more stories about her family's culinary traditions and the importance of passing down recipes through generations. I listened intently, soaking up every detail and savoring the wisdom that Mrs. Wong imparted with each word.

After hours of chopping, mixing, and tasting, the sesame salad was finally ready. The vibrant colors of the vegetables glistened in the light, and the aroma of sesame oil filled the air. Mrs. Wong handed me a fork and urged me to take the first bite.

As I savored the explosion of flavors in my mouth, I felt a deep sense of connection to Mrs. Wong and her family's culinary heritage. The sesame salad was more than just a dish – it was a symbol of tradition, love, and the power of food to bring people together.

Over the years, I have made the sesame salad countless times, each batch a tribute to Mrs. Wong and the valuable lessons she taught me. Whether I serve it at family gatherings or share it with friends, the salad always sparks conversations and brings smiles to the faces of those who taste it.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am grateful for the chance encounter with Mrs. Wong in the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Her generosity, wisdom, and passion for cooking have inspired me to embrace my own culinary heritage and continue the tradition of sharing recipes with others.

And so, whenever I toss a fresh batch of sesame salad in my kitchen, I can't help but feel Mrs. Wong's presence beside me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with warmth. The recipe may have originated in Xi'an, but it has found a permanent place in my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bridge cultures, generations, and memories.