Recipe: How to Build Best Ever Cranberry Sesame Seed Summer Salad | Asian Salad

I have served these salads very successfully over and over and I am never disappointed with the raving reviews from everyone who eats them. The variations in both of the following recipes give them each a uniqueness you will enjoy serving your guests. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed serving and eating too.

I don't know about you... but I love Sesame seeds. You could put sesame seeds on anything and I will likely eat it. Sesame seeds add a taste like none other. I understand that there is evidence in history of sesame seeds being one of the oldest condiments used as far back 1600 BC. Sesame seeds are very high in micronutrients like copper, manganese and trytophan. They are also high in calcium, magnesium, iron, B1, zinc and phosphorus too. Because the sesame seed contains unique substances called sesamin and sesamolin , they have a cholesterol lowering effect and these substances have also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage. Just a quarter cup of these beauties supplies 74% daily value for copper. Copper is known to relief inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sesame seeds are a wonderful addition to your daily health.

1. Small skillet over medium heat toast the almonds and sesame seeds until golden, set aside.
2. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, oil, and spices by whisking in small bowl.
3. In large bowl combine chopped lettuce, cole slaw and ramon noodles. Combine the mixture in the small bowl and toss. When ready to serve add the toasted seeds.

I make a meal on this by adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top. ENJOY

Ingredients and preparations:

Mixture #1: volume based on servings needed; toss and cool

3 - 6 cups leaf lettuce (romaine, mesclun greens, spinach you decide, anything but iceberg.

2 - 4 green onions sliced thin

1/2 cup golden raisons

one crown broccoli cut up very small

Optional: shredded carrots, steamed snow peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots

Mixture #2 The 'crunchies' - saute these in pan until golden brown and set aside to cool

2 - 4 tbsp butter (melt in skillet)

1 pack ramon noodles crunched up (do not use spice packet)

1/3 cup slivered almonds or cashews

3 tbsp sesame seeds

Mixture #3 - The Secret Dressing (not a secret anymore)

Makes more than enough for large bowl, use it to taste, do not put all on the mixture unless needed to coat. Save the rest for another salad. Mixing the following into a shaker jar or tupperware shaker; shake well to dissolve sugar.

1/2 cup safflower or canola oil

2 tsp sesame oil

1/4 cup rice or red wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 tsp salt or dash

3 tbsp soy sauce

Combine all the mixtures right before serving. It will not keep so only mix what you will eat. You can save the separated mixtures in the refrigerator for tomorrow as you will get addicted to this taste. I like to add grilled marinated chicken or shrimp to the top for a complete meal.

 Last year my husband built a williamsburg garden for my salad greens and herbs.  Anyone can do it.  Start with a box frame size of 3 X 3 with sides of at lweat 10 inches tall.  It can be larger if you have the space.   Dig the grass up and ruffle the ground where you will place it in a sunny location close to a water supply.  You do not want to have to hand carry water.   The mixture of soil in your garden as follows:  6 bags top soil, 6 bags composted soil amendment for gardens (bumper crop is a good one)  2 cups 10-10-10 and let the soil settle for a couple days after mixing.  Plant your lettuce greens very early spring or late fall as they are cold weather crops.  You can work your summer herbs into the box as well as the season permits.  I like to plant the perennials herbs around the bottom of the box as well as marigolds.  It will usually keep out the critters.  If you still have a critter problem you will need a fencing like displayed in the picture.