Summer Salad with Amazake Pineapple Citrus Dressing
If I read about a super healthy food or get a taste of it and just want to find a way to incorporate it into a recipe I will soon find a way. Amazake is a Japanese health food and tastes great to boot. There are two kinds of this fermented food. This dressing uses the mild slightly sweet brown rice variety. I ordered it from Amazon. The vegetables I received from my CSA this week included some of my favorite bitter lettuces. Yay! time to test out the amasake. This sweet and citrusy dressing makes the salad so fresh and summery tasting. The kids really liked it too. I did use mostly romaine for the younger ones since raw radicchio gets too bitter if I give them alot. A few toasted nuts and a dash of cayenne adds crunch and heat. Don’t leave out the fresh mint, it really compliments the flavors. **I noted some of the benefits of the foods below if you are interested or simply eat it because it tastes so darned good and fresh !
Recipe is good for about 6 small side salads or 3 Big -ass dinner salads with extra dressing for the next day.
Dressing :
1 C Pineapple- fresh diced
1/2 C Extra virgin olive oil Good quality
1/4 Apple cider vinegar (raw)
3 T Soy Sauce( always choose non- GMO and organic Soy to avoid the junk they put in and on soy for animal feed).
3 T Honey -raw preferably
1 tsp. Fresh and finely grated ginger.
1 Garlic clove- large, minced fresh
1 1/2 T Miso- organic ( any kind).
1 Shallot- small minced
Lime juice -fresh squeezed juice from 4 limes
Lemon juice-fresh squeezed from 2 large
1/2 T Amchur powder ( can omit or add more lime or some lemon juice)
For the salad: preferably all organic.
Half head clean and chopped Napa Cabbage
Half a head Romaine Lettuce
Half a head chopped radicchio
1/2 C very finely diced red onion.
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bit sized pieces.
A couple of large hand fulls torn mint. (Can sub basil) .
Toasted Pecans, walnuts or almonds-almonds-about 1 Cup
Olives and blueberries, as much as you want.
Non -vegans can toss in some fresh shaved romano, goat cheese or feta.
-Blend all of the dressing ingredients in a blender on high until fully blended. Taste and adjust. Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper if you like a little heat.
-Wash and dry all of the salad ingredients. Put the lettuces, onion and carrots in a salad bowl. Either serve undressed or toss with desired amount of dressing. Sprinkle the blueberries, mint, nuts and olives on top. Pass the pepper mill and serve with some fresh baked bread and goat or feta cheese on the side for the non-vegans.
Some extra perks :
*Amazake– Rich in vitamins and minerals.Specifically B1, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, fiber, as well as amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, and cysteine. Vitamin B complex is known to support energy production, boost immune and cell function while amino acids support healthy hair and skin. Since it’s fermented, it ’s.high in natural occurring enzymes and probiotics which means a healthy environment in your digestive system.
**Mint Boost Digestion, reduces excess gas.and strengthens your liver, (which boosts energy levels).Cools your body making it perfect for a summer meal.Can relieve constipation
Elements mucus, inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth and cleans the teeth and tongue.
taking at the time. Basically it makes you feel good and smell good 😉
** Pineapple-Besides having lots of body cleansing fiber and antioxidants it contains the enzyme bromelein which fights inflammation, fights asthma, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
**Miso– is a great source of iron, calcium, potassium, B vitamins and protein. High in complete proteins that contain all essential amino acids. The fermentation aids digestion,and contains the isoflavon Genistein, which has is said to inhibit cancers ability to grow and spread.
** raw honey -antibacterial ( can even put it on cuts to kill bd germs), anti-inflammatory, and is an antioxidant,
Sourdough Rose 