By Chef Hiroshi Tanaka
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
Introduction: Greetings from The Quad Kitchen! Today, Chef Hiroshi Tanaka shares his recipe for a refreshing and elegant starter: Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sesame Dressing. This dish combines the crispness of cucumbers with the creamy texture of avocados, all brought together by a delightful sesame dressing. It’s the perfect light and healthy way to begin any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small bunch of cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and dice the avocados. Place them in a large mixing bowl. “The key to this salad is the freshness of the ingredients,” Hiroshi advises. “Choose firm cucumbers and perfectly ripe avocados.”
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and minced garlic. “This dressing brings a balance of savory and sweet flavors,” Hiroshi explains. “It’s a family favorite that I often use in my dishes.”
- Toss the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and avocado mixture. Gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly. “Be gentle when mixing to keep the avocado chunks intact,” Hiroshi suggests with a smile. “You want each bite to be a perfect blend of textures.”
- Toast the Sesame Seeds:
- In a small dry skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. “Toasted sesame seeds add a wonderful nutty flavor and a bit of crunch,” Hiroshi notes. “It’s a small step that makes a big difference.”
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the salad. Serve immediately. “This salad is best enjoyed fresh,” Hiroshi says. “It’s a simple yet sophisticated start to any meal.”
Serving Suggestions:
This cucumber and avocado salad pairs beautifully with light appetizers or can be served as a refreshing side dish to a main course. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled tofu or seared fish.
Chef’s Note: “This salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. Fresh ingredients, a balanced dressing, and a touch of creativity can turn a simple dish into something extraordinary. Enjoy the process and the flavors!”
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 7g
This light and refreshing starter dish showcases Chef Hiroshi Tanaka’s flair for combining simple ingredients to create something truly delightful. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful salad as a start to your meal!
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