Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Recipe

The Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing and nutritious twist on the traditional salad. With the crunch of fresh veggies, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the zing of ginger, it's a salad that'll tickle your taste buds and nourish your body.

Photos of Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Recipe

The ingredients in this salad are easily found in most supermarkets. However, there may be a couple you might need to look for. Sriracha, a type of hot sauce or chili sauce, is usually found in the Asian foods aisle. Unseasoned rice vinegar, used in the dressing, is also found in the same section. If you cannot find them, you can substitute with any other hot sauce or vinegar.

Ingredients for Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

Kale: Known for its health benefits, kale adds a hearty, earthy flavor and satisfying crunch.

Carrots: Carrots provide a sweet crunch and are rich in beta-carotene.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and zesty flavor.

Red cabbage: Offers a crunchy texture and vibrant color.

Cilantro: Gives the salad a burst of fresh, herby flavor.

Almond slivers: Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

Sesame seeds: They add a toasty flavor and a little crunch.

Creamy peanut butter: It forms the base of the dressing, giving it a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

Unseasoned rice vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy flavor.

Lime juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy tang.

Olive oil: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a smooth, rich flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dressing.

Sugar: Balances the tangy and salty flavors in the dressing.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the dressing.

Ground ginger: Gives the dressing a warm, spicy flavor.

Sriracha: Adds heat to the dressing.

Asian sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty flavor to the dressing.

One reader, Ferdinanda Hopson says:

This Asian kale ginger peanut salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a delightful fusion, and the dressing is simply divine. The crunch of the almonds and sesame seeds adds a perfect finishing touch. It's a healthy and delicious dish that's become a favorite in my household. Highly recommended!

Ferdinanda Hopson

Techniques for Preparing Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

How to prepare the dressing: Whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, sriracha, and Asian sesame oil until smooth. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

How to chop kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

How to julienne carrots: Cut the carrots into thin, matchstick-like strips.

How to slice the pepper: Remove the seeds and core from the pepper, then slice it into thin strips.

How to shred red cabbage: Cut the cabbage into thin strips or use a grater to shred it.

How to toast almond slivers: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almond slivers, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant.

How to assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, julienned carrots, sliced pepper, shredded red cabbage, and cilantro. Add the prepared dressing and toss to coat. Top with the toasted almond slivers and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

How To Make Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

Loaded with fresh kale, pepper, carrot and cabbage, this peanut salad has a creamy and nutty dressing with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6cupskale,chopped
1cupcarrots,shredded
1red pepper,or yellow, thinly sliced
1cupred cabbage,thinly sliced
⅓cilantro,roughly chopped
⅓cupalmond slivers,or shaved almonds
sesame seeds,optional

For Dressing:

6tbspcreamy peanut butter
6tbspunseasoned rice vinegar
1lime juice,for more tang, add an extra half lime
6tbspolive oil
2tbspsoy sauce
¼cupsugar,or honey
2tspgarlic powder
1tspground ginger
1tspsriracha
1tspAsian sesame oil

Instructions

Whisk the creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, ginger, sriracha, and sesame oil together until smooth. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Add the chopped kale, peppers, cabbage, cilantro and carrots to a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat.
Top with almonds and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 508.02kcal
Fat: 40.16g
Saturated Fat: 5.96g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 25.24g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.26g
Carbohydrates: 31.68g
Fiber: 5.83g
Sugar: 19.89g
Protein: 10.78g
Sodium: 483.52mg
Calcium: 109.95mg
Potassium: 629.59mg
Iron: 2.05mg
Vitamin A: 436.04µg
Vitamin C: 84.75mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting This Kale Salad Recipe

When preparing the kale for this salad, it's beneficial to massage it first. This helps to break down the tough cell structure and gives the kale a softer texture and a gentler flavor. Simply remove the stems, chop the leaves, and then use your hands to massage the kale for about 5 minutes until it's tender. This will make your Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad even more enjoyable.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Kale Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain components, such as grains or proteins, to use in multiple dishes throughout the week.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils, saving time during meal preparation.

Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to efficiently multitask, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.

Substitute Ingredients For Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Recipe

kale - Substitute with swiss chard: Swiss chard has a similar texture and taste to kale, making it a suitable substitute in this salad.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dressing, while also offering a different dimension of flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to rice vinegar, making it a good alternative in the dressing.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro, and it complements the other ingredients in the salad well.
almond slivers - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can offer a similar crunch and nuttiness to the salad, adding a different texture and flavor profile.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a similar savory and umami flavor to the dressing.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy brightness to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil can offer a nutty and rich flavor similar to sesame oil, adding depth to the dressing.

Presentation Tips for Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad ingredients in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a balance of colors and textures.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to highlight the vibrant colors and freshness of the salad.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle the dish with vibrant and flavorful microgreens to enhance the overall presentation and provide a burst of freshness.
Opt for minimalist plating: Embrace a minimalist approach, focusing on clean lines and precise placement of each element to create a visually stunning presentation.
Consider geometric plating: Experiment with geometric shapes and patterns to create an artistic and visually captivating arrangement on the plate.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Use the peanut dressing to create an intricate and artistic drizzle design on the plate, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Use a variety of textures: Incorporate a variety of textures, such as crunchy almonds and tender kale, to add depth and complexity to the dish's presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Strive for symmetrical plating to create a sense of harmony and balance, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Highlight the dressing: Showcase the peanut dressing as a focal point, using it to frame the salad and draw attention to its vibrant colors and flavors.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad

Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, typically in a bowl. It is commonly used to incorporate air into a mixture, creating a smooth and uniform texture.
Large bowl: A large bowl is essential for tossing and mixing the salad ingredients together. It provides ample space for combining the kale, carrots, peppers, cabbage, and cilantro with the dressing.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile tool used for chopping and slicing vegetables, such as kale, carrots, and peppers, with precision and ease.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and herbs for the salad.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion the ingredients for the dressing, ensuring the right balance of flavors.
Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is used to combine the salad ingredients with the dressing, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Salad spinner: A salad spinner is useful for washing and drying the kale, ensuring it is clean and crisp before assembling the salad.
Serving platter: A serving platter is used to present the finished Asian kale ginger peanut salad, allowing for an attractive and appetizing display.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

To store leftover asian kale ginger peanut salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, but keep in mind that the kale may begin to wilt and lose its crispness over time.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, it's best to store the dressing separately from the vegetables. Combine the salad ingredients in a container and place the dressing in a separate jar or sealed container. When you're ready to serve, simply pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
For longer storage, you can freeze the asian kale ginger peanut salad, but with a few adjustments:
- Omit the almond slivers and sesame seeds from the salad before freezing, as they may lose their crunch and texture when thawed.
- Freeze the undressed salad in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy the salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prepare the dressing fresh and toss it with the thawed salad just before serving. Add the almond slivers and sesame seeds at this point for the best texture and flavor.
If you have leftover dressing, you can store it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The dressing may thicken when chilled, so let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir before using it on the salad.

Interesting Fact About Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

Kale is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as a good source of calcium and iron. It's a nutrient-dense leafy green that can be a great addition to any salad.

Is Making Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Cost-Effective?

This Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as kale, carrots, and cabbage, are affordable and readily available. The dressing components, including peanut butter and rice vinegar, are also reasonably priced. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious option for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Is This Kale Salad Healthy?

The asian kale ginger peanut salad recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that packs a punch of healthy ingredients. The salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the kale, carrots, red cabbage, and peppers. These vegetables provide a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. The addition of cilantro not only adds a fresh flavor but also contains antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.

However, the dressing contains a significant amount of sugar and oil, which can contribute to excess calories and unhealthy fats. The peanut butter, while providing healthy fats and protein, is also high in calories. The soy sauce and sriracha add sodium to the dish, which can be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content
Opt for a lighter oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, instead of olive oil
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or edamame, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Replace the almond slivers with chopped, unsalted peanuts for a more authentic Asian flavor and added crunch

Editor's Opinion on This Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

The Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of kale, carrots, red cabbage, and peppers provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy peanut dressing with a hint of ginger and sesame oil adds a rich and savory dimension. The addition of almonds and sesame seeds offers a delightful nuttiness. Overall, this salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances the earthy notes of kale with the zesty, aromatic flavors of the dressing. It's a wonderful way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet without sacrificing on taste.

Enhance Your Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Stir-Fried Green Beans with Garlic and Ginger: Sautéed green beans with aromatic garlic and ginger for a flavorful side dish.

Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection and drizzled with sweet honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful accompaniment.

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy butternut squash soup infused with aromatic coconut and curry flavors, perfect for a warm and comforting starter.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: This dish is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines tender chicken with fresh Thai basil and aromatic spices.

Mango Avocado Salsa: A refreshing and vibrant salsa that combines sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice for a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or tacos.

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: A comforting and aromatic soup that combines hearty lentils with creamy coconut milk and fragrant curry spices for a satisfying meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable savory stuffed mushrooms. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs will leave everyone craving for more.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp. The crunchy coconut coating paired with succulent shrimp is a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky golden crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Why trust this Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Recipe:

This recipe is a testament to the fusion of Asian and healthy cuisine. The vibrant mix of kale, carrots, and red cabbage provides a powerhouse of nutrients. The zesty ginger and lime juice in the dressing add a refreshing kick, while the creamy peanut butter and sesame oil bring a rich depth of flavor. The inclusion of soy sauce and sriracha further enhances the umami and heat. With a balance of textures from the crunchy almond slivers and the tender vegetables, this salad is a delightful and nourishing choice for any meal.

Want to share your own take on this Asian Kale Ginger Peanut Salad Recipe or discuss tips and variations? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What type of kale should I use for this salad?

You can use any type of kale for this salad, but I recommend using curly kale for its texture and flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. The kale holds up well with the dressing, and the flavors actually meld together better after sitting for a while.

Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal?

Of course! Grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame would be great additions to make this salad a complete and satisfying meal.