Japanese spinach salad with ginger dressing

Japanese Spinach Salad with Ginger Dressing

I present to you a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for warm summer days when you want to refresh yourself with a fresh and flavorful salad. The Japanese spinach salad with ginger dressing has become extremely popular in restaurants across the United States, but today I will show you how to prepare it at home, step by step. It is a simple recipe, yet full of personality, that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the salad:
- 250 g fresh spinach (make sure it's green leaves without spots for maximum freshness)
- 1 carrot, grated (try to choose a young and crunchy carrot for better taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly (optional, but it will add a splash of color and crunch)

For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion (green onion can be a wonderful alternative, bringing a subtler taste)
- 3 tablespoons oil (sesame oil is an excellent choice to add an oriental note)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (you can use rice vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely grated ginger (fresh ginger is essential for a vibrant taste)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (yes, ketchup! It’s the secret to add a subtle sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for a salty and umami note)
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped (for an extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- pepper, to taste (white pepper can be a more elegant choice)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dressing: Start by combining all the dressing ingredients. Use an immersion blender to mix the chopped onion, oil, vinegar, ginger, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a jar with a lid to shake it well. Make sure the dressing becomes smooth and creamy. It’s essential to feel the perfectly blended flavors.

2. Preparing the salad: Wash the spinach well under cold running water and let it drain. Choose the most beautiful leaves and arrange them on a platter or in a deep plate. Add the grated carrot and the slices of red bell pepper, if you choose to use them. These vegetables will add a pleasant contrast of color and texture.

3. Assembling: Pour the ginger dressing over the salad, ensuring that each spinach leaf is coated. You can use a spoon to gently toss the salad, but be careful not to crush the delicate spinach leaves.

4. Serving: This salad can be served immediately, but if you let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, the flavors of the dressing will meld even better. It’s an excellent choice as a side dish to a fish steak or simply alongside a crunchy roll.

Practical tips:

- Dressing: You can keep the dressing in the fridge for 5 days, making it an excellent option for a quick salad throughout the week. It can also be used for other salads, bringing an Asian note.

- Vegan option: Make sure the ketchup and soy sauce are vegan, and the salad will be perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

- Enriching the salad: You can add toasted nuts, sesame seeds, or marinated tofu for an extra boost of protein and texture.

- Calories and nutritional benefits: This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the spinach, which is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. The carrot provides a significant amount of beta-carotene, and ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with vegetables like cucumbers, cabbage, or even avocado for a creamier version.

2. Is the dressing too spicy? If you feel the ginger is too strong, you can reduce the amount or add more oil and ketchup to balance the flavor.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad? A refreshing drink, such as iced green tea or mint lemonade, will pair perfectly with your salad.

The Japanese spinach salad with ginger dressing is not just a delicious meal, but also an excellent way to bring a touch of freshness and vitality into your diet. It may just become your favorite summer dish! Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share the recipe with your friends!