Sesame Spinach Salad
A flavorful sesame spinach salad with toasted sesame seeds, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, dressed in a tangy lemon-soy sauce mixture. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat sesame seed in a large saucepan over medium heat until toasted.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vegetable oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and hot pepper sauce to the saucepan.
- Cover and chill the mixture.
- Tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces and add to the chilled dressing.
- Toss to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the sesame seeds a bit longer for a nuttier profile. If you don’t have vegetable oil, canola or avocado oil works well as substitutes. For a twist, add some sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch. If you like a bit of sweetness, a teaspoon of honey can elevate the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Sesame Spinach Salad makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish, complementing the meal with its refreshing flavors. It also pairs beautifully with Stephen'S Salad Dressing for a more robust taste. For a heartier meal, serve alongside some Oriental Sweet Potatoes or a bowl of Potato-Avocado Soup to balance the lightness of the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spinach may wilt after being dressed, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. To refresh the salad, you can toss it with a little extra fresh spinach before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Spinach Salad contains roughly 185 calories, with 4g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of green instead of spinach?
Absolutely! You can substitute the spinach with kale, arugula, or mixed greens for a different flavor and texture. If using kale, massage the leaves with a bit of oil before adding to the dressing to soften them.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the soy sauce you use is labeled vegan. You can also add some chickpeas or grilled tofu for added protein to make it even more filling.
Is the dressing suitable for other salads?
Yes, the dressing is versatile! It works wonderfully with other salads, especially those featuring mixed greens or Asian-inspired ingredients. Feel free to experiment and use it with different vegetables like shredded cabbage or even as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
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).