Every now and then, even during a lunch made from traditional ingredients, it's nice to have a salad at some point during the meal, to refresh the palate between one course and another. We often make a simple green salad for this purpose, though for a long time the fashion has been to make mixed salads with fresh, diced green apple, crunchy and just tart enough to able to cleanse the palate and allowing you to enjoy the rest of your meal all the more. The salad that we propose today is inspired by Eastern and Asian cuisine. The combination of radicchio, kiwi and cucumbers is original and delicious, fresh and crunchy at the same time. Meanwhile, the sauce made with soy sauce, umeboshi sauce and black sesame seeds gives a touch of the orient and is extremely fragrant, offering a new and original taste. A salad, as we mentioned, perfect to be served between courses to refresh the palate or, alternatively, to be served at the start of a ‘fusion’ lunch or dinner as tasty appetizer.
* approximate values per serving
Wash and clean the radicchio. Cut into thin slices, then cut the cucumber into strips. Peel the kiwi and cut into little cubes. Mix the radicchio with the kiwi and cucumber and season with the Umeboshi sauce, soy sauce, oil and sesame seeds.
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Cut the cucumber into thin slices and thin into strips
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Peel the kiwi and then chop into cubes
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Mix the radicchio with the kiwi and the cucumber and season with the umeboshi sauce, soy sauce, olive oil and sesame seeds
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One of the freshest variations of the Asian Salad is the one that includes kiwi and cucumbers. This preparation stands out for its lightness and the contrast of flavors between the sweetness of the kiwi and the freshness of the cucumber. To prepare it, start by washing and trimming the Treviso radicchio, then slice it thinly and cut it into strips. Peel the kiwi and cut it into cubes, while the cucumber should be sliced finely. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and dress with an emulsion of soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and umeboshi vinegar. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish to main courses, bringing an exotic touch to your table.
The preparation of the Asian Salad can vary significantly depending on the region in which it is made. In the case of the Indonesian variant, typical ingredients such as roasted peanuts or bean sprouts can be added, which further enrich the dish with flavors and textures. To make it, follow the basic recipe, but incorporate these ingredients to give it a distinctive touch. The addition of roasted peanuts not only increases the nutritional value of the salad but also gives it an irresistible crunch. Serving this salad as a side to a fish or grilled meat dish will be a guaranteed success on any occasion.
For those who are mindful of their figure, the Asian Salad can be easily transformed into a light version without sacrificing flavor. By using fresh and light ingredients, such as Treviso radicchio, cucumbers, and kiwi, you can create a dish rich in nutrients and low in calories. Additionally, by replacing the extra virgin olive oil with a splash of lemon juice and reducing the amount of soy sauce, you will further decrease the calorie intake. This dish is ideal for those following a balanced diet, allowing you to enjoy a salad rich in vitamins and minerals without guilt. Perfect also as a quick lunch, it can be prepared in advance and consumed throughout the day.
The Asian Salad, thanks to fresh ingredients like radicchio, kiwi, and cucumbers, offers numerous health benefits. Radicchio is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which help maintain a healthy digestive system. Kiwi, with its high vitamin C content, supports the immune system and improves iron absorption. Cucumbers, finally, are extremely hydrating and low in calories, making them ideal for a healthy diet. On average, a serving of Asian Salad provides about 150 calories, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a light yet nutritious meal. Incorporating this salad into your diet can contribute to a balanced and healthy eating plan.
Storing Asian Salad is an important topic for those who wish to prepare their meals in advance. Generally, it is recommended to consume the salad fresh to fully enjoy its flavors and nutritional properties. However, if you wish to store it, you can place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It is important to keep the dressings separate until consumption to avoid the ingredients becoming soggy and losing their freshness. This way, you can enjoy your Asian Salad the next day, keeping the flavors and textures intact.