As many of you know, I love salads. So, I am constantly trying to make different salads to keep my love alive. So, today I am making Asian Crunch Salad for dinner. Although many people think that salads are boring, the more creative the salad recipe, the better. And this easy recipe for Asian Crunch Salad with Asian Salad Dressing turned out exactly as planned.
First, it’s about combining ingredients to create a salad that impresses the family. Since I’m a true salad lover, I often eat salad several times a day or at least include a side salad with dinner. However, feeding my family salads every day was a challenge until I came up with exciting ways to incorporate raw vegetables into salads.
This Asian Crunch Salad, for example, disappeared within minutes when placed in the center of the dinner table last night.
One of the best aspects of a salad with cabbage is that you can dress the salad in advance without worrying about it drying out. The next day, dressed cabbage salad tastes just as good or better than the day it was made.
How to make Asian Crunch Salad with Asian Salad Dressing
As with all imaginative salad creations, the ingredients or combination of ingredients make or break a salad. Select the ingredients you like and skip the recipes you don’t like.
So, what’s in this crunchy Asian creation?
- in time
- White cabbage
- Purple cabbage
- cucumber
- Baby Bell Peppers (Various Colors)
- the carrot
- Mame (shelled edamame)
- green onion
Quinoa Topping
- Quinoa
- Sunflower seeds (optional)
Rinse the quinoa and then toast it
Recently, I learned how to toast quinoa instead of cooking it in water for a crunchy salad topping. Now that I’ve made quinoa toast, I’m obsessed.
As crazy as it sounds, I’ve never heard of toasted quinoa. But then, last week, while eating at my favorite vegan restaurant, I had this wonderful nut mixture on top of a casserole; When I asked what this wonderful nut mixture was, I learned about toasting quinoa. So, I tried it myself. So, now, I’m hooked.
Although most quinoa is washed first, washing quinoa removes the pleasant bitter-tasting substances called saponins. Since washing quinoa is a prequel to toasting it, washing is part of the process for toasted quinoa.
However, if the quinoa is pre-washed, quick rinsing vs. prewashing is a quick fix for washing quinoa.
- If using prewashed quinoa, measure the quinoa, transfer it to a medium-sized bowl and fill with water. Next, pour the contents through 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 in a bowl. Then, fill it with clean water and let it soak for about 20-30 minutes. Now, use a wire whisk to swirl around the quinoa to remove any soapy residue that comes out of the quinoa. Next, pour the contents through a fine-mesh sieve, then rinse the quinoa again with fresh water and set aside.
How to Toast Quinoa for an Easy Asian Crunch Salad Recipe
Once the quinoa has been washed or rinsed, it’s time to toast it.
- Using a large non-stick pan, heat the pan over medium-low. Place the washed quinoa in the saute pan making a thin layer. Shake the pan to even out the quinoa.
- Once the quinoa is heated, the water is absorbed and the quinoa starts to make a popping sound.
- Stir the quinoa around the pan with a wooden spoon until the quinoa grains begin to brown. It browns quickly, so don’t leave it unattended.
- When the quinoa is brown and smells nutty, please remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Store it in a container with a top in the fridge.
Asian salad dressing
Like all my salad recipes, this easy Asian Crunch Salad recipe includes an oil-free dressing that’s delicious and healthy. I used my favorite carrot ginger dressing.
FAQ
Can you eat uncooked quinoa?
- Quinoa can be eaten raw or uncooked if first soaked and sprouted. However, when toasting quinoa, first wash, drain, and toast it in small batches.
Does toasting remove nutrients from quinoa?
- While 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 brings out the authentic nutty flavor of quinoa. The texture becomes toasted and crunchy and nutty.
How does quinoa taste?
- Cooked quinoa has an earthy and nutty flavor; Toasted quinoa tastes like small, healthy nuts.
If you love salads, try these healthy, delicious salad recipes!
📖 Recipe
Asian Crunch Salad
Take your salad to the next level with this Asian Crunch Salad topped with greens and almonds topped with toasted quinoa and a delicious Asian salad dressing.
Materials
Asian Crunch Salad Ingredients
instructions
Toasting Quinoa
-
If using prewashed quinoa, measure quinoa and transfer to a medium-sized bowl and fill with water. Next, pour the contents through 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 in a bowl. Then, fill it with clean water and let it soak for about 20-30 minutes.
-
Now, use a wire whisk to swirl around the quinoa to remove any soapy residue that comes out of the quinoa.
-
Next, pour the contents through a fine-mesh sieve, then rinse the quinoa again with fresh water and set aside.
-
Using a large non-stick pan, heat the pan over medium-low. Place the washed quinoa in the saute pan making a thin layer. Shake the pan to even out the quinoa.
-
Once the quinoa is heated, the water is absorbed and the quinoa starts to make a popping sound.
-
Stir the quinoa around the pan with a wooden spoon until the quinoa grains begin to brown. It browns quickly, so don’t leave it unattended.
-
When the quinoa is brown and smells nutty, please remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely.
-
Store it in a container with a top in the fridge.
-
Add sunflower seeds to toasted quinoa if desired.
Asian Salad Dressing Preparation
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Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
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Pour desired amount of dressing over salad and allow to coat.
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Now, add the crushed quinoa mixture.
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Dress the salad in advance for a deeper flavor.
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Add the toppings after the dressing.
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If you plan to eat the leftover salad, don’t add the quinoa topping; Instead, add toppings before eating.
Making Asian Crunch Salad
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Prepare the mame (shelled edamame) following package directions and allow to cool completely before adding to the salad. Or, buy precooked mame in the produce section of your local grocery store.
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Cut the vegetables and arrange them in a large dish.
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Add the quinoa/sunflower topping
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Enjoy!
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Add grilled or air fried tempeh or tofu for extra protein (optional)
Comment
- Quinoa can be eaten raw or uncooked if first soaked and sprouted. However, when toasting quinoa, first wash, drain, and toast it in small batches.
Does toasting remove nutrients from quinoa?
- While 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 brings out the authentic nutty flavor of quinoa. The texture becomes toasted and crunchy and nutty.
nutrition
Calories: 203kcalSugars: 31gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fats: 3gMonounsaturated fats: 3gTrans fats: 0.01gSodium: 489mgPotassium: 594mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 6024IUVitamin C: 81mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 3mg
Oh! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher and vegetarian and blogger. My entire blog is completely plant-based vegan. I truly believe that what we eat and how we live determines our health and the preservation of our planet! 🙂