Yet Another Copycat

One of the biggest treats for me when experimenting in the kitchen is learning to recreate favorite dishes from favorite restaurants. This is something I have every time we go to our 2nd favorite sushi place here in Fort Wayne, Sakura, and each time I keep saying I'm going to make it at home and then somehow I forget. Why? I have no idea because it's totally worth the time. I guess I just get busy making and eating other things and it slips my mind. And the next time we go back, I'm reminded once again I didn't do what I intended. But not this time. This time I remembered! And I'm so happy I did. I remember the first time I saw it on the menu, and any other avocado lover will appreciate this. When I read the words "Avocado Salad" my mouth began to water and I couldn't believe it was entire salad created one of my favorite veggies. This salad is full of avocado flavor, and even with the ginger dressing we all love at Japanese restaurants, it really shines through. So simple, yet absolutely delicious. If you have never had this dressing, it's one of a kind and usually included in any house salad at a Japanese restaurant; and sometimes you can find a bottled version in the grocery store. The "bite" of the dressing mixed with the buttery avocado is truly one of my favorite culinary combinations; and now I can make it any time I want. But believe me, that won't stop me from ordering it each time we visit also...what can I say? I just can't get enough!

Avocado Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
4 avocados, pits removed and sliced very thin
4 TBS sesame seeds

Dressing: From Epicurious

3 medium carrots, chopped
1/4 c. fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1/4 c. shallots, chopped
1/4 c. seasoned rice vinegar
1 TBS soy sauce
1 TBS sesame oil
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. water

To make dressing~

Pulse carrots in a food processor until almost purred .Add ginger, shallots, vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil; and pulse until ginger and shallots are minced. With motor running, add vegetable oil in a slow stream.

Transfer mixture to a blender. Add 1/4 cup water and blend until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Thin dressing with additional water if desired

To prepare salads~ Equally divide lettuce, avocado and sesame seeds between 4 salad bowls. Fan the avocado slices out over lettuce, overlapping a little. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with dressing on side.

Makes 4 Salads

Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Aug. 28, 2012
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Aug. 29, 2012
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 30, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 31, 2012

Avocado at Very Good Recipes

Pin It