The Perfect Cheese For Your Asian Salad

Asian salads are a versatile dish that can be served as a light meal or a side and are packed with protein and veggies. They are usually dressed with a sesame vinaigrette, a sweet ginger chilli lime dressing, or a simple sesame ginger dressing.

Asian salads are often made with shredded green cabbage, celery, carrots, green onion, cilantro, crunchy chow mein noodles, and chicken. They can also include mandarin oranges, avocado, eggs, and spinach.

When it comes to cheese, an Asian salad can be paired with feta, cheddar, or blue cheese.

What types of cheese go with an Asian salad?

Asian salads are a versatile dish that can be customised and paired with a variety of ingredients. While there are no cheeses that are specifically mentioned as pairings for Asian salads, there are a few cheeses that can be used.

Feta is one such cheese that can be used in an Asian salad. A Canadian spinach and feta salad is a great example of this pairing. The salad also includes baby spinach, radicchio, red bell pepper, clementines, water chestnuts, and sesame seeds, all tossed in a dressing made with canola oil, toasted sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

Another option is to make an Asian-style Cobb salad, which typically includes ingredients like romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, shredded chicken, carrots, avocado, eggs, and green onions. This salad can be topped with a sesame vinaigrette dressing and is a great way to cut down on the heavy bacon and cheese usually found in traditional Cobb salads.

For those who enjoy the flavour of feta but are looking for something a little different, Canadian cheeses such as Bocconcini, Blue cheese, or Havarti are also suggested as alternatives to feta in the spinach salad mentioned above.

Additionally, an Asian chicken and cheddar lettuce wrap can be a delicious option, where Bibb lettuce is stuffed with a combination of shredded chicken coated in a homemade dressing, along with cucumber, mango, grapes, scallions, cilantro, and cheddar cheese. This wrap combines a variety of flavours and textures, making it a tasty and addictive snack or light meal.

What ingredients are in an Asian salad?

Asian salads are typically made up of a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and an assortment of meats. The ingredients can be mixed and matched according to preference, but here is a list of commonly used ingredients:

Vegetables

• Cabbage (Napa, red, or green)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cilantro
• Bell Peppers
• Snap Peas
• Bean Sprouts
• Cucumbers
• Soybeans (Edamame)
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Radicchio
• Green Onions

Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Black Sesame Seeds
• Regular Sesame Seeds

Noodles

• Crispy Wonton Strips
• Chow Mein Noodles
• Crispy Asian Noodles

Meats

• Chicken (grilled, shredded, or teriyaki)
• BBQ Pork
• Smoked Salmon
• Hard-boiled Eggs
• Beef Skewers
• Shrimp
• Turkey
• Shredded Beef

Dressing

A simple homemade sesame ginger dressing is often used to complement the variety of vegetables in an Asian salad. This dressing is typically made by combining oils (such as canola or sesame), soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Some recipes also include orange juice, lime juice, or Sriracha for an extra kick of flavour.

What dressings go with an Asian salad?

Asian salads are typically dressed with vinaigrettes that are tangy, sweet, nutty, and savoury. Here are some ideas for dressings that go well with an Asian salad:

Sesame Ginger Dressing

A simple homemade sesame ginger dressing is a great way to complement the veggies in an Asian salad. This dressing typically includes ingredients such as sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or orange juice for some extra zesty flavour.

Sweet Ginger Chili Lime Dressing

For a sweet and tangy option, a ginger chilli lime dressing combines finely chopped ginger and garlic with low-sodium soy sauce, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and sweet chilli sauce. This dressing adds a nice balance to the cabbage and cilantro in the salad.

Hoisin Sauce Dressing

For a sweet and savoury option, a hoisin sauce dressing includes ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, less sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, honey or maple syrup, hoisin sauce, and sesame seeds. This dressing is perfect for adding a nutty sesame flavour to the salad.

Asian Sesame Dressing

This dressing is a simple combination of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, white vinegar, olive oil, and sugar or honey. It is a versatile dressing that can be used on leafy green salads, Asian slaws, noodle salads, and chopped salads. It also works well as a marinade for steamed vegetables or fried shallots.

Other Ideas

You can also experiment with different variations of these dressings by adding ingredients such as peanut butter, lime juice, Sriracha, or fresh or powdered ginger. These additions can give your dressing a thicker consistency and a spicier kick.

What proteins go with an Asian salad?

There are a variety of proteins that can be added to an Asian salad to make it more filling and nutritious. Here are some ideas:

Meat and Seafood Options:

Salads are often associated with vegetarian or vegan options, but adding meat or seafood is a great way to increase the protein content and create a more satisfying meal. Some options include:

• Chicken: Grilled or shredded chicken breast is a lean and versatile option.
• Salmon: This fish is a rich source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Shrimp: Commonly consumed shellfish that offer a good amount of protein and are quick to cook.
• Bacon: Believe it or not, bacon can be a good source of protein and healthy fats. Just be mindful of the sodium content and pair it with other proteins.
• Crab: Crab meat is another lean protein option that delivers the nutritional benefits of seafood.
• Beef: Beef, including steak or ground beef, is a nutrient-dense source of protein and offers various vitamins and minerals.

Plant-Based Options:

For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are plenty of plant-based proteins that can be added to an Asian salad:

• Tofu: Made from condensed soybean curd, tofu contains all essential amino acids and is a popular source of vegetarian protein.
• Tempeh: Similar to tofu, tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and has a firm texture and nutty taste. It's also a source of probiotics.
• Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Lentils: Like beans, lentils provide plant-based protein and fiber. They work well in make-ahead salads and are best cooked al dente to retain their texture.
• Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas offer some protein and fiber. They can be added cold to salads or toasted/baked for a crunchy topping.
• Nuts and Seeds: While primarily sources of fat, nuts and seeds like peanuts, almonds, pistachios, hemp seeds, and sunflower seeds provide some protein. They're best paired with other protein sources to mitigate excessive calorie intake.
• Whole grains: While not a substantial source of protein, whole grains like quinoa, farro, or Kamut can boost the protein content of your salad.

Egg Options:

Eggs are a convenient and inexpensive source of protein that can be added to various salads, including green salads, bean salads, potato salads, or grain salads. You can use soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, depending on your preference.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of proteins to create a well-balanced and flavorful Asian salad that suits your taste preferences and nutritional needs!

What is an Asian spinach and feta salad?

An Asian spinach and feta salad is a fresh and nutritious dish that serves as a satisfying vegetarian option or can be enjoyed with shredded beef, turkey, or chicken. It is a crisp and crunchy salad with a flavour that sparkles like sun on fresh snow. The recipe yields eight servings and takes 15 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 8 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups radicchio, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 3 clementines or mandarins, peeled and divided into segments
• 4 ounces Canadian Feta, roughly crumbled
• 1 can water chestnuts, drained, rinsed, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

In a jar or salad dressing mixer bottle, combine the oils, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Close the lid and shake well.

In a large salad bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, including Feta, but excluding the sesame seeds.

Just before serving, add the salad dressing and sesame seeds to the bowl and toss well. Serve immediately.

Variations and Substitutions

The Dairy Farmers of Canada, who provide the recipe, note that the feta can be substituted with other Canadian cheeses such as Bocconcini, Blue cheese, or Havarti.

Similar Recipes

A similar salad is the Greek spinach salad with feta and olives. This salad is vegetarian and gluten-free, and it takes 10 minutes to prepare. The Greek salad uses a combination of lemon and red wine vinegar for its dressing, and it includes ingredients such as black olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Frequently asked questions