Tiger Salad
If you’re looking for a super quick and easy veggie dish, make this Tiger Salad for a tasty and refreshing addition to your meal! This authentic Chinese salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors will impress your guests while being simple enough for anyone to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with crisp vegetables like cucumber and cilantro, this salad brings a refreshing crunch to your plate.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues, potlucks, or as part of an Asian-themed dinner party.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the number of anaheim chilis to match your taste preference.
- Healthy Choice: With only 42 calories per serving, this salad is light yet satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients without mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing vegetables quick and easy.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping veggies safely.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup cilantro, thick stems removed and chopped into 1”(2.5 cm) pieces
- 1 english cucumber, sliced into thin strips
- 1 to 2 anaheim chilis, thinly sliced (or other long green chilis, depending on desired spice level)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced in a diagonal
For the Dressing
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make Tiger Salad
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the chopped cilantro, cucumber strips, sliced chilis, and green onions.
- Mix gently to combine all the fresh ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and salt until well blended.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss everything together until all vegetables are coated with the dressing.
Enjoy your refreshing Tiger Salad as a colorful side dish or light main course!
How to Serve Tiger Salad
Tiger Salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Side Dish
- A light and crunchy accompaniment to grilled meats or fish.
- Pairs well with fried rice or noodle dishes for a balanced meal.
In a Wrap
- Use Tiger Salad as a filling in lettuce wraps for a fresh and healthy lunch option.
- Combine with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.
On Top of Rice Bowls
- Add Tiger Salad on top of rice bowls for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- This makes an excellent base for adding proteins like shrimp or beef.
As Part of a Platter
- Include Tiger Salad in a vegetable platter alongside hummus and other dips.
- It adds a vibrant color and fresh crunch to the mix.
How to Perfect Tiger Salad
To make the perfect Tiger Salad, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce will elevate the taste of your salad, making it more vibrant and delicious.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the number of chilis based on your personal spice preference.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Dressings: Try adding lime juice or different vinegar types for a unique twist on the classic dressing.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Best Side Dishes for Tiger Salad
Pairing sides with Tiger Salad can create an even more delightful meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs complement the freshness of Tiger Salad perfectly.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice dish pairs well, bringing warmth and texture to your meal.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies provide a delightful contrast to the salad’s crunchiness.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles add a nutty flavor that works harmoniously with the salad’s ingredients.
- Teriyaki Salmon: Sweet and savory teriyaki salmon will enhance the overall flavor profile of your dining experience.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or meat offer comfort alongside this refreshing salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making tiger salad can be a breeze, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Overcomplicating the Ingredients: Using too many ingredients can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Stick to the simple ingredient list for an authentic taste.
- Ignoring Freshness: Using wilted or old vegetables can ruin the dish. Always choose fresh and vibrant produce for the best results.
- Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is crucial for flavor. Don’t skip it; make sure to mix it well with the salad for a delightful taste.
- Cutting Vegetables Incorrectly: Uniformity in vegetable cutting ensures even flavor distribution. Slice your veggies into similar sizes for a balanced bite.
- Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste before serving might lead to an unbalanced flavor profile. Adjust seasoning as needed before you enjoy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover tiger salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Tiger Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh vegetables after thawing.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe bag, but it’s best consumed fresh.
Reheating Tiger Salad
- Oven: Not recommended as this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will wilt the vegetables.
- Stovetop: Reheating isn’t ideal; instead, enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making tiger salad.
What is Tiger Salad?
Tiger salad is a refreshing Chinese vegetable dish that combines crisp veggies with a simple dressing. It’s quick and easy to make!
Can I customize my Tiger Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots based on your preference.
How spicy is Tiger Salad?
The spice level depends on how many chilis you use. Adjust according to your taste!
Is Tiger Salad healthy?
Absolutely! This dish is low in calories and packed with vitamins due to its fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Tiger salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings freshness and crunch to any meal. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy days, while its customizable nature allows you to cater to various tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its vibrant flavors!
Tiger Salad
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Tiger Salad, a delightful and refreshing Chinese vegetable dish that’s perfect for any meal. This easy-to-make salad combines crisp cucumbers, aromatic cilantro, and spicy anaheim chilis, all tossed in a light dressing of rice vinegar and sesame oil. With its colorful presentation and fresh ingredients, Tiger Salad not only enhances your dining table but is also a breeze to prepare in just 5 minutes. Whether served as a side at summer barbecues, part of an Asian-themed dinner, or enjoyed on its own as a nutritious snack, this salad is sure to impress guests and family alike while being low in calories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 English cucumber (sliced)
- 1–2 anaheim chilis (sliced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cilantro, cucumber slices, sliced chilis, and green onions; mix gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and salt until blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture; toss until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 42
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
