Zesty & Sweet! Seasonal Tangerine & Veggie Salad with Homemade Dressing
A Dreamy Tangerine Dressing Vegetable Salad using Seasonal Tangerines | Simple Recipe using Fridge Staples
Today, we’re diving into our refrigerators to use up those leftover veggies! This tangerine dressing is incredibly tangy and sweet – truly amazing! Create a healthy salad with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Salad Ingredients
- 200g Romaine Lettuce
- 150g Cherry Tomatoes
- 100g Cucumber
- 100g Onion
- 200g Tangerines (approx. 2-3)
- Lotus root (moderate amount)
- Bell Peppers (red, yellow, etc., moderate amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s clear out the fridge today with a fantastic tangerine dressing! It’s wonderfully tangy and sweet, making it an irresistible sauce.
Step 2
We’re making a ‘Dreamy Tangerine Dressing Vegetable Salad’ today! Let’s create some delicious homemade dishes together. ♥
Step 3
First, let’s wash all the vegetables and fruits from the fridge. A good rinse under running water is great, but soaking them briefly in water with a splash of vinegar can ensure they are extra clean.
Step 4
In my fridge, I have 200g of Romaine lettuce, 150g of cherry tomatoes, 100g of cucumber, 100g of onion, and 200g of tangerines. I’m also adding some lotus root for texture and bell peppers for color.
Step 5
You can absolutely make this salad with just the vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to use any vegetables you like – the flexibility is key!
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the lotus root, which will add a unique texture. Slice the lotus root thinly. Thin slices will cook through nicely and become tender.
Step 7
Add the sliced lotus root to boiling water with a pinch of salt and blanch for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps to soften it slightly and remove any astringency.
Step 8
After blanching, immediately transfer the lotus root to cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain them well and set aside. This keeps them crisp.
Step 9
Next, thinly julienne the onion (100g). Thin strips will blend well with the other ingredients and offer a pleasant crunch.
Step 10
To mellow out the onion’s sharp bite, soak the julienned onion in cold water for about 10 minutes. Squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the salad.
Step 11
Let’s add some vibrant color with bell peppers! Julienne the red and yellow bell peppers. Removing the seeds beforehand makes for a cleaner cut.
Step 12
Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. This makes for more manageable pieces in the salad.
Step 13
Gently scrape out the seeds from the cucumber halves using a spoon. This prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Step 14
Slice the deseeded cucumber into thin rounds, about 0.5 cm thick. You want a nice crisp bite, so don’t slice them too thinly.
Step 15
Tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm. Tearing rather than cutting helps preserve the lettuce’s freshness and texture.
Step 16
Remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes (150g) and halve any larger ones. Smaller ones can be left whole. They’ll add a burst of sweetness.
Step 17
Look at all these beautifully prepared vegetables! They’re already looking so fresh and appetizing. Now, let’s make the special tangerine dressing that will elevate this salad.
Step 18
First, we’ll prepare the base for our tangerine dressing: lemon juice. Squeeze about half a lemon, straining out any seeds for a smooth liquid.
Step 19
Peel and deseed the tangerines (200g, about 2-3), then place them in a blender and blend until smooth. The tangerine’s natural sweetness and zest will be the star of the dressing.
Step 20
Add the prepared lemon juice (30ml) to the blended tangerines. The citrus notes from the lemon will beautifully complement the tangerine flavor.
Step 21
Add the salt (3g) to balance the flavors. This is crucial for harmonizing the slight bitterness of the vegetables with the sweetness of the tangerine.
Step 22
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper will add depth to the dressing. Be careful not to add too much.
Step 23
Stir in the honey (30ml, 2 Tbsp) for added sweetness. This will balance the acidity of the tangerine and create a smoother dressing consistency.
Step 24
Finally, add the olive oil (30ml, 2 Tbsp) and whisk to emulsify. This helps the dressing coat the ingredients evenly and adds a rich mouthfeel.
Step 25
Now, combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk them together thoroughly with a whisk or fork until smooth and well-combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
Step 26
Pour the tangerine dressing generously over the prepared salad vegetables. Adjust the amount to your liking. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
Step 27
Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the vegetables mushy.
Step 28
Transfer the beautifully tossed salad to a serving plate. The vibrant colors are incredibly appealing and inviting!
Step 29
Here you have it – a delightful Tangerine Vegetable Salad with a zesty and sweet tangerine dressing! Savor the refreshing harmony of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Step 30
This recipe proves you can create such a healthy and delicious salad with simple ingredients from your fridge. Bring a burst of freshness to your table tonight!
Step 31
The bright tangerine dressing is perfect for stimulating the appetite, making it a great choice even on days when you don’t feel like eating. It’s the perfect salad to help you regain your appetite.
Step 32
This has been another homemade recipe from Xiang Cook’s kitchen: the ‘Dreamy Tangerine Dressing Vegetable Salad’! Enjoy your meal! ♥
