OAA Plant-Based Recipe of the Month: Chopped Winter Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing
As the colder months settle in, it can be tempting to turn to warm, hearty dishes. But don’t overlook the refreshing power of a crisp, flavorful salad! This month, we’re featuring a Chopped Winter Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing, a vibrant dish packed with nutritious greens, bold flavors, and a delightful crunch.
A Bright & Nourishing Winter Dish
This winter salad is anything but ordinary. Hearty kale and napa cabbage provide a nutrient-rich base, while radicchio adds a slightly bitter note that balances the dish beautifully. The real star, though, is the dressing—a smooth and tangy carrot-ginger blend that brings warmth and brightness to every bite.
For an extra crunch, a sprinkle of puffed rice and togarashi (a Japanese spice blend) adds the perfect finishing touch. Not only does this salad deliver on flavor, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight meal or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped peeled carrot
1/3 cup chopped peeled fresh ginger
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chopped white onion
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or plant-based alternative)
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Salad:
4 cups chopped napa cabbage
4 cups chopped radicchio
1 (8-ounce) bunch curly kale (preferably purple), stemmed and chopped (about 4 cups)
1 watermelon radish, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into half-moons (about 3/4 cup)
1/4 cup puffed rice
1/4 teaspoon togarashi
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a blender, combine all dressing ingredients and process until smooth (about 1 minute). Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the napa cabbage, radicchio, kale, and radish. Pour 1 cup of the carrot-ginger dressing over the greens and use your hands to massage the dressing into the leaves for about 1 to 2 minutes—this helps soften the kale and enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Crunch & Serve
Divide the salad into serving bowls and top with a sprinkle of puffed rice and togarashi. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired, and enjoy immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Nutrient-packed & refreshing – Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from leafy greens and radishes.
✔ Quick & easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for a busy schedule.
✔ Flavorful & unique – The carrot-ginger dressing brings a bold, slightly sweet heat that pairs beautifully with crunchy greens.
This Chopped Winter Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy seasonal ingredients while keeping things light and refreshing.
Source: Food & Wine
