Posted by Description
This crunchy salad with prawns and ginger is a vibrant, high-protein, and refreshing dish. Juicy prawns are lightly cooked and tossed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty ginger dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light starter. The combination of crunchy textures and aromatic ginger makes it a flavorful, satisfying, and healthy option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Raw prawns – 300 grams, peeled and deveined
- Mixed salad greens – 3–4 cups (lettuce, rocket, or baby spinach)
- Red cabbage – 1 cup, thinly shredded
- Carrot – 1 medium, julienned or grated
- Cucumber – 1 medium, julienned
- Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Spring onions – 2, sliced diagonally
- Roasted cashews or peanuts – 2 tablespoons, roughly chopped (optional)
For the Ginger Dressing
- Fresh ginger – 1 tablespoon, grated
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced
- Lime juice – 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Honey or maple syrup – 1 teaspoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Red chili – ½, finely chopped (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- Avocado – ½, diced
- Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh mint leaves – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Rice noodles – ½ cup, cooked for a noodle salad variation
Equipment Needed
- Frying pan or wok
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Knife and chopping board
- Spatula or tongs
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ginger Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, combine grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, and chopped red chili if using.
- Whisk or shake until emulsified.
- Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Prawns
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add prawns and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine salad greens, shredded red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, spring onions, and fresh coriander.
- Toss gently to mix.
Step 4: Combine and Dress
- Add cooked prawns to the salad.
- Pour the ginger dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle roasted cashews or peanuts, sesame seeds, and optional mint leaves on top.
- Serve immediately as a light, refreshing meal.
Tips and Variations
- Marinate prawns in a teaspoon of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 10 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Add avocado or mango for creaminess and sweetness.
- For a more substantial meal, toss in cooked rice noodles or quinoa.
- Use a mix of crunchy vegetables like snow peas, celery, or radish for additional texture.
- Dress just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
Nutritional Highlights
- High in protein from prawns
- Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from vegetables
- Healthy fats from olive oil, sesame oil, and nuts
- Low in calories, light, and perfect for active lifestyles or weight-conscious diets
