As many of you know, I love salad. So, I'm constantly trying to create different salads to keep my love alive. So, today I'm making an Asian crunch salad for dinner. Even though many people think salad is boring, the more creative the salad recipe, the better. And this easy recipe for Asian crunch salad with Asian salad dressing turned out precisely as planned.
First, it's all about combining ingredients to create a salad that wows the family. Since I'm a true salad lover, I often eat salads several times a day or at least include a side salad at dinner. However, getting my family to eat salads daily was a challenge until I created exciting ways to include raw vegetables in salads.
This Asian crunch salad, for instance, disappeared in minutes when placed in the center of the dinner table last night.
One of the best aspects of salads with cabbage is you can dress the salad ahead of time without worrying about it wilting. The next day, dressed cabbage salads taste just as good or better than the day they are made.
How to make Asian crunch salad with Asian Salad Dressing
As with all fabulous salad creations, the ingredients, or combination of ingredients, makes or breaks a salad. Select ingredients you like and skip the ones in recipes you don't like.
So, what's in this crunchy Asian creation?
- Kale
- White Cabbage
- Purple Cabbage
- Cucumber
- Baby Bell Peppers (different colors)
- Carrots
- Mame (shelled edamame)
- Green onions
Quinoa Topping
- Quinoa
- Sunflower Seeds (optional)
Rinsing quinoa and then toasting
Recently, I learned how to toast quinoa rather than cook it in water for a crunchy salad topping. Now that I've toasted quinoa, I'm obsessed.
As crazy as it sounds, I've never heard of toasted quinoa. But then, last week, while eating at one of my favorite vegan restaurants, I ate this great nutty mixture on top of a casserole; when I asked what this wonderful nutty mixture was, I learned about toasting quinoa. So, I tried it myself. So, now, I'm hooked.
Although most quinoa is prewashed, washing quinoa removes a funky bitter-tasting substance called saponin. Since rinsing quinoa is the prequel to toasting it, washing it for toasted quinoa is part of the process.
However, if the quinoa is prewashed, rinsing quickly versus prewashing is a quick remedy to washing the quinoa.
- If using prewashed quinoa, measure the quinoa, transfer it to a medium-sized bowl, and fill it with water. Next, pour the contents into a fine-mesh sieve, then rinse the quinoa again with fresh water and set aside.
- When using unwashed quinoa, measure the quinoa and place it into a bowl. Then, fill it with clean water and allow it to soak for approximately 20-30 minutes. Now, use a wire whisk to swish the quinoa around to remove the soapy residue that comes out of the quinoa. Next, pour the contents into a fine-mesh sieve, then rinse the quinoa again with fresh water and set aside.
How to toast quinoa for Easy Recipe for Asian Crunch Salad
Once the quinoa is washed or rinsed, it's time to toast it.
- Using a large non-stick pan, heat the pan to medium-low. Put the rinsed quinoa into the saute pan, creating a thin layer. Shake the pan to level out the quinoa.
- Once the quinoa gets hot, the water is absorbed, and the quinoa starts making a popping noise.
- Keep moving the quinoa around the pan with a wooden spoon until the quinoa grains start to brown. It browns quickly, so don't leave it unattended.
- When the quinoa is brown and smells nutty, please remove it from the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Store it in a container with a top in the refrigerator.
Asian Salad Dressing
Like all my salad recipes, this easy recipe for Asian crunch salad has an oil-free dressing that is tasty and healthy. I used my favorite Carrot Ginger Dressing.
- Carrots
- Ginger
- White miso paste
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Rice Vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Water
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sesame Seeds (optional)
FAQ
Can you eat uncooked quinoa?
- Raw or uncooked quinoa can be consumed if it is first soaked and sprouted. But, it is best when toasting quinoa first to wash it, drain it and toast it in small batches.
Does toasting quinoa remove nutrients?
- Although most grains lose their nutritional value when cooked, quinoa stands up to cooking, toasting, and steaming without losing essential nutrients.
What does toasting quinoa do to it?
- Toasting quinoa brings out its authentic nutty flavor. The texture becomes toasted and crunchy and nutty delicious.
What does quinoa taste like?
- Cooked quinoa tastes earthy and nutty; toasted quinoa tastes like tiny, healthy nuts.
If you love salads, try these healthy, tasty salad recipes!
- How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Quinoa Greek Salad
- Fattoush Salad Recipe
- Buffalo Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Spicy Asian Salad
- Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Charred Corn Salad
- Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
- Citrus Salad Recipe
📖 Recipe
Asian Crunch Salad
Ingredients
Toasted Quinoa Topping
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- Water
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds optional
Asian Crunch Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded kale
- 2 cups shredded/chopped white cabbage
- 1 cup shredded/chopped purple cabbage
- 1 English cucumber deseeded and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots shaved
- 1 cup prepared cooled mame (shelled edamame)
- 1 cup baby bell peppers cut into slices (different colors used)
Asian Salad Dressing
- 1 recipe carrot ginger dressing
Instructions
Toasting Quinoa
- If using prewashed quinoa, measure the quinoa and transfer to a medium-sized bowl and fill it with water. Next, pour the contents into a fine-mesh sieve, then rinse the quinoa again with fresh water and set aside.
- When using unwashed quinoa, measure the quinoa and place it into a bowl. Then, fill it with clean water and allow it to soak for approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Now, use a wire whisk to swish the quinoa around to remove the soapy residue that comes out of the quinoa.
- Next, pour the contents into a fine-mesh sieve, then rinse the quinoa again with fresh water and set aside.
- Using a large non-stick pan, heat the pan to medium-low. Put the rinsed quinoa into the saute pan, creating a thin layer. Shake the pan to level out the quinoa.
- Once the quinoa gets hot, the water is absorbed, and the quinoa starts making a popping noise.
- Keep moving the quinoa around the pan with a wooden spoon until the quinoa grains start to brown. It browns quickly, so don't leave it unattended.
- When the quinoa is brown and smells nutty, please remove it from the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Store it in a container with a top in the refrigerator.
- Add sunflower seeds to toasted quinoa if desired.
Preparing the Asian Salad Dressing
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the desired amount of dressing on the salad and toss to coat.
- Now, add crunchy quinoa mixture.
- Dress salad ahead of time for deeper flavors.
- Add topping AFTER dressing.
- If you plan to have leftover salad, DO NOT add the quinoa topping; instead, add the topping right before eating.
Making the Asian Crunch Salad
- Prepare mame (shelled edamame) following the package instructions and allow to cool completely before adding to the salad. Or, purchase precooked mame in the produce section of your local grocery store.
- Cut vegetables and arrange them on a large platter.
- Add quinoa/sunflower topping
- Enjoy!
- Add grilled or air-fried tempeh or tofu for additional protein (optional)
Notes
- Raw or uncooked quinoa can be consumed if it is first soaked and sprouted. But, it is best when toasting quinoa first to wash it, drain it and toast it in small batches.
- Although most grains lose their nutritional value when cooked, quinoa stands up to cooking, toasting, and steaming without losing essential nutrients.
- Toasting quinoa brings out its authentic nutty flavor. The texture becomes toasted and crunchy and nutty delicious.
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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