I love crunchy colorful salads with asian flavors like sesame oil, rice vinegar, and mirin. Lots of fresh and crisp greens (cabbage or lettuce) with different textures, in this case, almonds, edamame, cucumber and parsley, with a savory umami flavor from the dressing. This is my ideal salad. It is so easy to make and so satisfying. It can easily be served as a main course or as a small side to a bigger meal, maybe homemade sushi or an asian flavored noodle dish. So much fiber and so many nutrients, it is a flavor packed dish.

Crunchy Cucumber Cabbage Salad with a Sesame Dressing

(serves 1 as a main, 2 as a side)

• prep time - 20 minutes

• baking time - n/a

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 small cabbage (2 1/2 cups), chopped

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber

• 1/4 cup shelled edamame

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup dry chow mein noodles

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp mirin

• 1/2 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp black sesame seeds

• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl combine the cabbage, green onions, parsley, cucumber, edamame, almonds, and chow mein noodles.

2. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, add the sesame oil, rice vinegar, mirin, and grated ginger. Shake to combine.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and combine. Add the sesame seeds and salt to taste.

4. Serve.