Description
A crisp and flavorful Asian-inspired salad with celery, sweet dates, fresh herbs, and a nutty sesame dressing, perfect as a side or light meal.
Ingredients
- 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop the celery and dates into bite-sized pieces and slice the green onions.
- Place celery, dates, green onions, and chopped herbs in a large salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Add vegetables: thinly sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Nutty twist: include chopped roasted peanuts or cashews.
- Fruit swap: use dried apricots, figs, or raisins instead of dates.
- Protein addition: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu makes it a light main dish.
- Storage: keep dressing separate if storing; toss with salad before serving to maintain celery crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
