Thursday, July 25, 2013

Two Summer Sides - Asian Cucumber Salad + Cabbage, Pineapple and Peanut Salad


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...These recipes both were originally developed to feed four or six people. Last week,  it was necessary to double or triple the ingredients in order to feed the hungry mouths and hollow legs that gathered round the table. I made one salad, and the elder of my two daughters made the other. My cucumber salad was to accompany an Asian meal and her fancy slaw was part of a meal whose centerpiece was fresh fish tacos. The tacos were made with really fresh halibut and they were some of the best I've ever tasted. Kitchen limitations caused us both to take shortcuts and we used packaged vegetables that did away with the need to shred or julienne. I was unable to find English cucumbers, so I had to substitute the regular garden variety that is commonly found in supermarkets. My salad was delicious but it lacked the eye appeal I had hoped for. The slaw had lovely color and great crunch and it was a perfect topper for the tacos. When the time comes for me to relinquish my cooking crown, I know my family will not starve. There is an heir waiting in the wings. Both salads are delicious and each of them can be made in about 15 minutes. They are a great way to add substance and some texture to  lighter summer meals. I think you will enjoy both of them. Here is how they are made.



Asian Cucumber Salad...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Alice Currah@Savory Sweet Life

Ingredients:

3 English cucumber peeled and thinly sliced
1-1/2 cups shredded carrots
3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1-1/2 cups of rice vinegar
3/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon Thai chili garlic sauce
Salt to taste

Directions:

1) Combine vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce and salt in a microwave bowl. Microwave on HIGH power for 45 seconds. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
2) Combine cucumbers, carrots, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over cucumber mixture and toss to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Yield: 12 to 16 servings.


Cabbage, Pineapple and Peanut Salad...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Marie Simmons' Fresh and Fast Vegetarian Cookbook

Ingredients:

Salad
2 (12-oz.) packages of shredded coleslaw
4 cups coarsely chopped pineapple
1 cup coarsely chopped dry-roasted peanuts
1 large jalapeno, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut crosswise into 1/8-inch slices
Dressing
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup unseasoned Japanese rice vinegar
2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic clove, grated
2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions:
1) Combine cabbage, pineapple, peanuts and jalapeno in a large bowl.
2) To make dressing: Whisk oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger and salt in a small bowl until blended. Add to  cabbage and toss to blend. Add cilantro, if using. Serve at room temperature. Yield: 12 to 16 servings.

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11 comments :

Angie's Recipes said...

I love both, the cabbage one particularly.

Rhodesia said...

These both sound excellent. I like peanuts, but hate peanut butter, so I am sure I will love both of these. Have a good day and take care Diane

From the Kitchen said...

Both are staples around my house. I also have "bowls" just like your's!!

Best,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

Both sounds look and sound delicious! I especially love the cucumber salad. I love how fresh and light cucumbers are!

David said...

Mary, Nice change of pace...not the usual salads. They sound refreshing and tasty! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Cranberry Morning said...

Ah, that cucumber salad looks especially refreshing!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Both of these salads sound pretty tasty Mary. I always need more salad in my life.

Anna and Liz Recipes said...

Hello Mary! We just found your site and we gals have to tell you - we love your recipes! In fact we love this salad since we have been incorporating cabbage into ours lately. Thanks for sharing!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Phil would LOVE this cucumber salad! We buy his at the local grocery store deli, but yours looks so much better!

Kim said...

Salad with an asian flare are among my favorite! So... I love yours:)

kitchen flavours said...

Both salads looks delicious! Would be perfect with just about anything!
Thanks for sharing, have a great weekend!

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