For those looking to add some fresh and healthy options to their meal repertoire, a Japanese style salad is a must-try. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients and bursting with flavor, this salad is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you are a fan of Japanese cuisine or just looking for a new salad recipe to try, this article will guide you through the steps of creating a delicious Japanese style salad.
One of the most refreshing and simple salads in Japanese cuisine is the Japanese Cucumber Salad. Made with crisp cucumbers, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of soy sauce, this salad is a staple in Japanese households. It's perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing to eat. You can even add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
2of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is the Japanese word for vinegar-based dishes, and this Japanese Cucumber Salad is no exception. The tangy vinegar dressing is what gives this salad its signature flavor. You can also add some thinly sliced onions or carrots to this salad for some added crunch and color.
No Japanese salad is complete without a delicious sesame dressing. This Japanese Sesame Salad Dressing is creamy, nutty, and packed with umami flavor. It's perfect for drizzling over your favorite salads, including this Japanese Cucumber Salad. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for steamed vegetables or grilled meats.
4of 20
Japanese Cabbage Salad
Main Ingredients: Shredded Coleslaw Mix, Granulated Sugar, Light Soy
If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying salad, then look no further than the Japanese Cabbage Salad. Made with shredded cabbage, crunchy radishes, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a great side dish for any meal. You can also add some grilled shrimp or tofu for some extra protein.
5of 20
Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Soy
This Sunomono Salad is a classic Japanese dish that is a must-try for any food lover. The combination of tangy rice vinegar, soy sauce, and mirin gives this salad its signature sweet and sour flavor. It's also a great way to use up any leftover cucumbers in your fridge.
6of 20
Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad)
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Salt, Sake, Mirin, Roasted White Sesame Seeds
If you're a fan of spinach, then you'll love this Gomae salad. The spinach is blanched and then dressed in a delicious sesame sauce, making it a healthy and flavorful side dish. You can also use this dressing on other greens like kale or bok choy.
Ginger lovers, rejoice! This Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing is the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy. It's made with fresh grated ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's the perfect dressing for any salad and also makes a tasty marinade for chicken or fish.
8of 20
Cucumber Salad made Japanese Style
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Mirin, Sugar, Salt, Sesame Seeds
This Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and dressed in a tangy sauce made with rice vinegar and soy sauce. It's perfect for pairing with grilled meats or seafood.
9of 20
Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Japanese cucumber dish, then these Quick Pickled Cucumbers are for you. They're lightly pickled in a tangy vinegar and sugar brine, making them the perfect accompaniment to any Japanese meal. You can also add some red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Another variation of the classic Japanese Cucumber Salad, this version is made with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. The sesame flavor adds a nutty and toasty element to the salad, making it a delicious and unique side dish.
11of 20
Kani Salad – Japanese Crab Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Imitation Crab, Shallot, Light
Kani Salad, also known as Japanese Crab Salad, is a popular dish in Japanese restaurants. It's made with imitation crab, cucumber, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and rice vinegar. It's a great way to incorporate some seafood into your diet.
This simple yet tasty Japanese Salad is a great addition to any meal. It's made with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in a flavorful way.
This versatile Japanese Salad Dressing is a must-have in any kitchen. It's made with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, giving it a delicious and unique flavor. You can use it on any salad, or even as a marinade for grilled vegetables or tofu.
Move over, traditional potato salad, because this Japanese Potato Salad is here to steal the show. Made with potatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, this salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, and you can even add some bacon or ham for some added protein.
15of 20
Ebi Sunomono (Japanese Shrimp Salad)
Main Ingredients: Bean Thread Vermicelli, Shrimp, English Cucumber, Rice
If you love seafood, then you have to try this Ebi Sunomono, a Japanese Shrimp Salad. The shrimp is marinated in a tangy sauce made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. It's a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
16of 20
Spinach and Tofu Salad with Japanese Sesame Miso...
Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach, Sesame Seeds, Tofu, White Miso, Ponzu
This Spinach and Tofu Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is packed with nutrients. The spinach and tofu are dressed in a delicious sesame miso dressing, giving it a savory and nutty flavor. It's a great side dish for any meal, or you can add some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
17of 20
Japanese Watercress Salad
Main Ingredients: Watercress, Natural Peanut Butter, Honey, Rice Vinegar
Watercress is a superfood that is packed with vitamins and minerals, and this Japanese Watercress Salad is a delicious way to incorporate it into your diet. The watercress is dressed in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a great way to add some greens to your meal.
Another variation of the Japanese Spinach Salad, this version is dressed in a flavorful sesame dressing and topped with crispy fried onions. The fried onions add a delicious crunch to the salad, making it a satisfying and delicious side dish.
19of 20
Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumber, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce
This Sunomono Salad is a classic Japanese dish that is a must-try for any food lover. The combination of tangy rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar gives this salad its signature sweet and sour flavor. You can also add some thinly sliced onions or carrots to this salad for some added crunch and color.
20of 20
Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
Last but not least, this Creamy Japanese Potato Salad is a delicious twist on the classic potato salad. It's made with potatoes, carrots, and corn, and dressed in a creamy and tangy dressing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for your next Japanese-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the salad:
Leafy greens: The base of any salad, choose your favorite greens such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula.
Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds a nice crunch to the salad.
Carrots: Grated carrots not only add color but also provide a boost of vitamins and minerals.
Cucumbers: Sliced cucumbers add a refreshing element to the salad.
Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a spicy kick to the salad.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocados are a staple in Japanese cuisine and a great addition to this salad.
Edamame: These young soybeans are packed with protein and add a unique texture to the salad.
Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor to the salad.
For the dressing:
Soy sauce: A staple in Japanese cuisine, soy sauce adds a savory flavor to the dressing.
Rice vinegar: This mild and slightly sweet vinegar is commonly used in Japanese cooking.
Honey: A touch of honey balances out the tanginess of the vinegar.
Ginger: Grated ginger adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the dressing.
Sesame oil: This flavorful oil adds a hint of nuttiness to the dressing.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, avocado, and edamame.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and sesame oil.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Optional additions
For those who want to add more protein to their salad, grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp are all great options. You can also add some sliced green onions or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
This Japanese style salad is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables and toppings to make it your own. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!
