Discover the vibrant flavors and refreshing crunch of the Sumi Salad, a delightful dish that effortlessly combines fresh vegetables, tangy dressings, and a hint of umami. This salad is perfect for those who crave something light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a side to your favorite meals.
Inspired by Japanese culinary influences, the Sumi Salad features an exciting blend of ingredients that awaken your taste buds with every bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned salad lover or just beginning your journey into fresh and healthy meals, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your preferences. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more greens and nutrients into your day without compromising on flavor.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from vegan mains to hearty grain bowls.
Ready to create your own Sumi Salad? Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try, followed by everything you’ll need to bring it to life in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sumi Salad recipe stands out for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispness of fresh vegetables combined with a savory-sweet dressing creates a refreshing experience that is both nourishing and indulgent.
It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite seasonal vegetables or proteins, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a wholesome salad option. The dressing, made with simple pantry staples, elevates the salad without overpowering the natural freshness of the ingredients.
Moreover, this salad is quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. It’s a nutrient-packed dish that’s light enough to enjoy as a starter but hearty enough to be a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup firm tofu cubes (optional for added protein)
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Salad tongs or serving utensils
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Shred the purple cabbage finely, julienne or grate the carrot, and thinly slice the cucumber. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the edamame: If using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions, usually by boiling for 3-5 minutes. Drain and cool before adding to the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Add tofu (optional): If you want to include tofu, cut it into small cubes. For extra flavor, you can pan-fry the tofu lightly in a non-stick skillet with a splash of sesame oil until golden on all sides. Let it cool slightly before adding to the salad.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and add the tofu cubes if using. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats every ingredient.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures, or chill for 10-15 minutes for a slightly melded flavor.
Tips & Variations
For a nuttier twist, try adding chopped almonds or cashews instead of sesame seeds.
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes can add exciting new flavors and colors.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a tablespoon of tahini or vegan mayonnaise to the dressing ingredients. This will make the salad richer while maintaining its lightness.
For a protein boost, grilled tempeh or chickpeas can be added instead of tofu. This makes the salad more filling and perfect for a hearty lunch.
Want to add some grains? A scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice can transform this salad into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 | 9% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 25% |
| Vitamin A | 120% | – |
| Vitamin C | 90% | – |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
The Sumi Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed vegan meal.
It also complements rice bowls or noodle dishes perfectly, adding a fresh and crunchy contrast.
For a light lunch, enjoy the salad with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a side of steamed edamame. You can even incorporate it as a vibrant topping for your favorite vegan tacos or sandwiches.
Check out other fresh and healthy salad ideas like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for more inspiration.
Conclusion
The Sumi Salad is a delightful, fresh, and flavorful dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and an easy-to-make dressing for a satisfying meal. Its bright colors and contrasting textures make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a tasty side dish, this salad delivers on all fronts.
Its simplicity and adaptability allow you to tailor it to your dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. Be sure to try pairing it with recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore more plant-based options in Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Enjoy creating this vibrant salad and sharing its fresh flavors with friends and family!
📖 Recipe Card: Sumi Salad
Description: A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring grilled sumi mushrooms with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g sumi mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced sumi mushrooms and cook until tender, about 7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add cooked mushrooms to the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 15 g
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