A Warm Dress!
This warm garlicky Asian inspired dressing on fresh spinach, mushrooms, radish and carrots is the perfect way to eat an early spring salad.
I love the way the warm dressing tenderizes the spinach and veggies but still leaves them crunchy and scrumptious. This method of making a salad dressing is also one you can use for other hearty greens like kale or mustard greens or even for veggies like asparagus. So BE BRAVE, and use this approach to making a vinaigrette regardless of what flavors of oil and vinegar you use – just warm up the oil, add an aromatic (ginger/garlic/onion/chili/leeks/scallion) and allow it to cook for a few minutes and finally whisk in the vinegar and seasonings. Then toss while warm with your greens or asparagus, and voila – a delicious and healthy salad!
Such a great and fun way to enjoy late winter salads while you await summer’s bounty!
Garlic-Sesame Spinach Salad
Ingredients
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons O&V Toasted Sesame Oil *
2 tablespoons O&V Lime Ginger vinegar *
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
3 cups (5-6 oz) spinach leaves
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup sliced cremini or shitake mushrooms
1 cup sliced radishes
½ cup thinly sliced spring onions (white and green parts) – optional
¼ cup white sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Heat the toasted sesame oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Whisk in the soy sauce and lime ginger vinegar remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
In a separate small dry pan, lightly toast the sesame seeds till slightly golden.
Add the spinach, carrots, mushrooms and radish to the bowl and toss well. Sprinkle the spring onions slices (if using) and toasted sesame seeds. Toss to combine.
Serves 4
Active time 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
Notes
* Pairing Toasted Sesame oil and the Lime & Ginger vinegar is a delicious combination for this salad, but you can use a plain EVOO or even a Garlic EVOO along with your favorite crisp and fruity vinegar. Both are available at most Oil & Vinegar stores. Just remember that the essence of any salad is a flavorful dressing, so use the highest quality ingredients for the vinaigrette that you can get.
Categories: Soups & Salad, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Easy Weeknight Side, Radish, Spinach, Garlic, Toasted Sesame Oil, Lime Ginger vinegar, Cremini Mushrooms, Shitake,
