Polynesian Salad
A vibrant Polynesian-inspired salad featuring fresh greens, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and radishes, coated in a tangy soy-lemon dressing with a hint of honey and sesame seeds. Perfect for light, refreshing meals or parties.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup peanut oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon honey ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons grated onion
- 8 cups washed, trimmed spinach, romaine, or a combination, torn into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts ⓘ
- 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, drained, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup washed, thinly sliced radishes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, blender, or food processor, combine peanut oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, grated onion, and honey and mix well.
- In a large salad bowl, combine greens, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, radishes, and sesame seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the dressing, consider substituting sesame oil for half of the peanut oil for added depth. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the honey slightly. Fresh spinach is best, but you can use kale for a heartier texture. For a vegan version, make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free and check the honey substitution options.
Serving Suggestions
This Polynesian Salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats. Pair it with dishes such as teriyaki chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. It also pairs beautifully with something like Candied.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be made ahead of time and kept sealed for up to a week. If the greens start to wilt, consider reheating the salad briefly in a pan to revive their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polynesian Salad contains roughly 1246 calories, with 14g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of greens in this salad?
Absolutely! While spinach and romaine are great choices, you can also use arugula, kale, or mixed greens for a variety in texture and flavor. Just ensure they're washed and trimmed properly.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Most brands of tamari are gluten-free, providing the same savory flavor without the gluten. Always check labels to ensure products are certified gluten-free.
What is a good protein addition to this salad?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These proteins complement the flavors well and turn the salad into a complete meal. Just toss them in after the dressing for an even distribution.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).