Chilled Spinach Salad with Tangy Pickled Ginger and Sesame
This vibrant and refreshing Chilled Spinach Salad is an elegant blend of tender, steamed spinach tossed with zesty pickled ginger and savory soy sauce. Inspired by traditional Japanese flavors, this salad is a perfect complement to rich, fried, or oily dishes, offering a clean and bright taste that invigorates the palate. The nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds adds another layer of flavor, making this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. Serve this salad chilled as a healthy side or light meal that will leave you feeling revitalized.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach leaves
350 g (Washed and trimmed)
Pickled ginger
1 tablespoon (Roughly chopped)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (Toasted)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly wash the spinach leaves under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, place them in a large pan and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
2
On medium heat, cook the spinach for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even wilting. The spinach should be bright green and tender when done.
3
While the spinach cooks, chop the pickled ginger into small, bite-sized pieces.
4
Once the spinach is wilted, drain it well in a colander. While still warm, mix in the chopped pickled ginger and soy sauce until the spinach is evenly coated.
5
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least one hour to enhance the flavors.
6
In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
7
To serve, arrange the chilled spinach salad in a decorative pile on a serving platter. Generously sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Spinach Salad with Tangy Pickled Ginger and Sesame?
It is a vibrant, Japanese-inspired side dish made with steamed spinach, zesty pickled ginger, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are spinach leaves, pickled ginger, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 350 grams of washed and trimmed spinach leaves.
How long should the spinach be cooked?
Cook the spinach on medium heat for about 5 minutes until it is wilted and bright green.
Why should I use a lid when cooking the spinach?
A tight-fitting lid helps trap steam, which cooks the spinach evenly and quickly.
How do I prepare the pickled ginger?
The pickled ginger should be roughly chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.
When should the soy sauce be added to the salad?
Mix the soy sauce into the spinach while it is still warm after being drained.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to enhance.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
Toast them in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently.
What is the purpose of toasting the sesame seeds?
Toasting releases a nutty aroma and adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
How can I prevent the sesame seeds from burning?
Stir the seeds constantly during the toasting process and remove them from the heat immediately once they are golden.
Is this spinach salad recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, clean-eating recipe that is nutrient-dense.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
This recipe is specifically designed to be served chilled.
What types of dishes does this salad pair well with?
It is a perfect complement to rich, fried, or oily dishes, providing a bright and clean taste.
How should I wash the spinach?
Thoroughly wash the leaves under running water to remove any traces of dirt or grit.
Can this recipe be considered a light meal?
Yes, it can be served as either a healthy side dish or a light, revitalizing meal.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: spinach, pickled ginger, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
What is the preparation for the sesame seeds?
The sesame seeds should be toasted before being used as a garnish.
How much soy sauce is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is a blend of savory soy, zesty ginger, and nutty sesame.
How should the salad be presented for serving?
Arrange the chilled spinach in a decorative pile on a platter and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top.
Is this a traditional Japanese recipe?
While not necessarily strictly traditional, it is heavily inspired by traditional Japanese flavors.
What color should the spinach be after cooking?
The spinach should remain a bright, vibrant green.
Do I need to drain the spinach after wilting?
Yes, drain the wilted spinach well in a colander before mixing with other ingredients.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires chilling for at least an hour, it is an excellent make-ahead dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe contains no animal products and is vegan-friendly.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The texture consists of tender, soft spinach leaves with a slight crunch from the toasted sesame seeds.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the active cooking time is short, though it does require time to chill in the refrigerator.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a veggie side dish or a chilled salad.