Join Me For Lunch: Versatile Asian Salad

This salad has been a staple in my kitchen for at least two weeks now!  It's so delicious I don't think I will ever be tired of it.

Something I love about salads is their versatility.  If you don't like something about a salad you can skip or replace that component with virtually no risk.   That's why with this salad recipe I have included a list of other ingredients that might be interesting to add or substitute.  Be creative and play with your food!

The salad is made of three types of components, the Salad, the Dressing, and the Protein:

The Salad

• 1/2 Head of Green Cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 Head of Red Cabbage, chopped
• 2 Large Carrots, shredded
• 1 Jar sliced water chestnuts
• 2 Oranges, in segments
• Sesame Seeds, to taste

The Dressing

• 1 tsp of Garlic
• 1/2 tsp Ginger, freshly ground or in a paste
• 1 tsp of Chili Garlic Sauce
• 2 Tbsp of Honey
• 1/4 Cup of Rice Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 Cup Sesame Seed Oil

The Protein

• Extra Firm Tofu (I marinated mine in ginger, honey and soy sauce), grilled, then sliced thinly (The salad I made in the pictures above has chicken breast, boiled then shredded.  Also very delicious!).

Method

1. Mix all the Salad and Protein ingredients together into a large bowl.  
2. In a separate jar, mix all the Dressing ingredients together and shake until everything is throughly mixed together.  You could also do this in a bowl, whisking the ingredients together but I find it easier in a jar.  Plus I can keep some dressing in the jar for later.
3. Pour the mixed Dressing all over the Salad and Protein.  Mix everything together well.  
4. Serve and Enjoy!

Now for the Additional Ingredients! You could try any of these in any combination, and this salad would still be great (maybe even better)!

• If you are more of a carnivore, you could add shredded Chicken Breast, or thinly sliced Pork or Beef.  Try marinating it before cooking for even more intense flavour!
• Almonds, slivered
• Walnuts, Chopped
• Sunflower Seeds
• Edamame Beans, steamed
• Vermicelli Rice Noodles, cooked
• Apple, grated
• Bell Peppers in any colour, sliced thinly
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Mandarin Oranges, canned, then drained

Please try creating this salad yourself!  If you do, let me know what adjustments you made, and how they worked out.  My suggestions are only the beginning!  This salad makes enough for four very hungry people to eat, enjoy!