Natto, the Japanese fermented soybean wonder, might not be everyone’s cup of tea with its strong aroma and unique texture. But trust me, when paired with a vibrant dressing and fresh ingredients in a salad, it transforms into a surprisingly delicious and healthy dish. This recipe for Natto dressing salad is a testament to how versatility and a touch of culinary adventure can lead to a taste bud explosion.
Intrigued? Let’s dive into this simple yet extraordinary salad that will change your perception of natto forever!
Unveiling the Delightful Fusion: Natto Dressing Salad
This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring the creamy, nutty natto blended into a dressing, coating crisp vegetables, and often finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The result? An explosion of umami with a touch of sweetness and tanginess that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Natto Dressing:
- 1 pack (50g) natto
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for an extra kick)
Tools of the Trade:
- Salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
Let’s Get Dressing!
Preparing the Natto Dressing:
- In your small mixing bowl, combine the natto, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and sesame oil.
- Using a fork, mash the natto and mix well until the dressing reaches a creamy consistency. If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can briefly blend it using an immersion blender.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add a pinch of salt if needed, but remember that soy sauce is already salty.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the prepared Natto dressing generously over the salad.
- Toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Tricks from a Salad Enthusiast:
- Natto Variety: While any natto will work, smaller beans tend to blend easier for the dressing.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of liquid in the dressing to your preference. If you like it thicker, add less soy sauce or rice vinegar.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to get creative and add your favorite salad ingredients. Thinly sliced radishes, avocado, or even a sprinkle of seaweed salad can elevate this salad further.
Presenting Your Culinary Masterpiece:
The beauty of salads lies in their versatility, and presenting them is an art in itself. For this Natto dressing salad, I recommend a simple yet elegant approach. Use a shallow bowl to allow the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through, and arrange the salad ingredients aesthetically. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and green onions thoughtfully for the final flourish.
Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure!
This Natto dressing salad is a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy can go hand in hand. It’s an exciting way to explore new flavors, embrace unique ingredients, and impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity.
If you’re looking for other exciting salad dressing adventures, check out our recipes for How to Make Recado Rojo Dressing Salad and How to Make Natto Hummus. Your taste buds will thank you!
So go ahead, whip up this unique salad, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!
Natto Dressing Salad
Mixing Natto Dressing
