Cherry Tomato and Orange Salad with Asian Orange Dressing Recipe
Overview
The Cherry Tomato and Orange Salad with Asian Orange Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that makes a perfect side for lunch or dinner. Combining fresh greens, sweet orange wedges, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s a healthy option that’s full of flavor and texture. The unique dressing—packed with umami from soy sauce, zesty ginger, and a hint of sweetness from honey—brings an exciting contrast to the crisp vegetables and fruits. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with the option to make the dressing ahead of time to save even more on prep. The salad is ideal for those looking to enjoy a light, yet satisfying dish with an Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant salad:
Salad Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Iceberg lettuce | 1 head |
| Swiss chard | 100 grams |
| Rocket leaves (arugula) | 100 grams |
| Cherry tomatoes | 10-12, halved |
| Orange | 2, peeled and cut into wedges |
| Green Moong Sprouts | 1/4 cup |
| Feta cheese | 50 grams, crumbled |
| Pecans or walnuts | 2 tablespoons, roughly chopped |
Dressing Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh orange juice | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh ginger | 1/2 inch, peeled and grated |
| Honey | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame (gingelly) oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Greens and Veggies:
- Start by washing all the greens—iceberg lettuce, Swiss chard, and rocket leaves—under cold running water. Once washed, arrange the greens in a colander to drain excess water. Pat them gently with a kitchen towel to remove any remaining moisture.
- Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces or roughly chop them, depending on your preference. Place the torn greens in a large bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and green moong sprouts to the bowl with the greens, and gently toss to combine. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
-
Prepare the Asian Orange Dressing:
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Alternatively, if you don’t have a jar, you can whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl until fully combined.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the freshly prepared Asian orange dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Crumble feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- For a complete meal, serve this Cherry Tomato and Orange Salad alongside a Light and Creamy Broccoli Soup or Herb Mushroom Bruschetta for a delightful and well-balanced dining experience.
Allergen Information
- Contains dairy: The salad includes feta cheese, which is a dairy product.
- Contains nuts: The recipe uses pecans or walnuts as a garnish. If you or your guests have nut allergies, feel free to omit these or substitute with another topping like sunflower seeds.
- Soy: The dressing includes soy sauce, which contains soy. If you have a soy allergy, you can opt for a soy-free alternative such as coconut aminos.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This salad is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or animal products besides dairy.
- Gluten-Free: The ingredients used, including the soy sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free) and other fresh produce, are naturally gluten-free. However, always verify the soy sauce label if you’re sensitive to gluten.
- Dairy: This salad contains dairy (feta cheese), so it is not suitable for those following a dairy-free or vegan diet. You can substitute the feta with a dairy-free cheese or simply leave it out if you prefer a plant-based version.
Tips and Variations
- Make-Ahead Option: To save time, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight jar or container. When you’re ready to assemble the salad, the dressing will be perfectly chilled and ready to go.
- Add Protein: For an added protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make this salad a more filling main course.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. The dressing is already vegan-friendly, so no changes are needed there.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a dash of chili flakes or a small sliced chili pepper to the dressing to elevate the flavor with a little heat.
Conclusion
The Cherry Tomato and Orange Salad with Asian Orange Dressing is a perfect fusion of fresh, healthy ingredients and bold, tangy flavors. Its vibrant color and diverse textures make it a visually appealing dish, while the Asian-inspired dressing adds a savory and slightly sweet depth to the crisp greens and juicy fruits. Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit for any occasion.
