Mizuna and Bacon Salad in Sesame Dressing

Mizuna and Bacon Salad in Sesame Dressing is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs the peppery taste of fresh mizuna greens with the savory crunch of bacon, all brought together by a rich sesame dressing. This salad is light but satisfying, making it a perfect side dish or even a quick lunch option. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, it's a great choice when you're craving something healthy and delicious.

Mizuna is a leafy green vegetable from Japan, known for its serrated leaves and slightly peppery flavor, similar to arugula but milder. In Japanese cuisine, mizuna is often used in salads, hot pots, and soups, adding a fresh and crisp texture to a variety of dishes.

Mizuna is a nutritious leafy green, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and packed with antioxidants that help support your immune system and skin health. Pairing it with bacon adds a bit of indulgence, while the sesame dressing offers healthy fats from sesame oil, which are great for heart health. The dressing also adds a nutty flavor that complements the peppery mizuna.

If you're looking for a fresh and tasty salad that's easy to prepare, this recipe is a must-try. It combines the best of Japanese flavors with the crispiness of bacon, creating a well-balanced dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it's quick to make, perfect for busy days when you need a nutritious meal in no time.

Ingredients Overview

• Mizuna greens: A peppery, slightly bitter green that adds freshness to the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a crunchy, salty contrast to the salad.
• Sesame dressing: Made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar for a balanced, tangy, and nutty flavor.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Adds texture and extra sesame flavor.

How to Make Mizuna and Bacon Salad in Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Mizuna
Rinse the mizuna greens thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and cut them into shorter, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved, then add the toasted sesame seeds for a final mix.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss together the mizuna greens and the crispy bacon. Drizzle the sesame dressing over the top, and gently toss until the greens are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Serve
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.

Ingredient Alternatives

• Greens: If mizuna is hard to find, you can substitute it with arugula or spinach, both of which have a similar flavor and texture.
• Bacon: For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or even tofu as a vegetarian alternative.
• Dressing: If you prefer a less salty dressing, reduce the amount of soy sauce, or swap it for low-sodium soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Mizuna and Bacon Salad pairs well with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside rice dishes or as part of a Japanese-style meal set with miso soup and pickled vegetables. If you prefer a lighter meal, this salad is perfect on its own for a quick and healthy lunch.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While you can make the dressing and cook the bacon ahead of time, it's best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crispy.

2. Can I store leftovers?
This salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens.

3. What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can use olive oil or peanut oil as a substitute, but it may change the flavor slightly. Sesame oil gives the salad its signature nutty taste.

Mizuna and Bacon Salad in Sesame Dressing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 200
Cuisine: Japanese
Category: Salad
Author: Mitsukai
Keywords: Japanese salad, mizuna salad, bacon salad, sesame dressing

Mizuna and Bacon Salad in Sesame Dressing is a fresh, flavorful salad that combines peppery mizuna greens with crispy bacon and a rich sesame dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it offers a delicious balance of textures and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of mizuna greens
• 4 slices of bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Rinse the mizuna greens under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut into shorter lengths.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

3. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds.

4. In a large bowl, combine the mizuna greens and cooked bacon. Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Analysis

Calories: 200, Total Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 600mg, Total Carbohydrates: 6g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 7g, Vitamin A: 35% DV, Vitamin C: 20% DV, Vitamin K: 60% DV, Calcium: 6% DV, Iron: 8% DV

Related Recipes

• Octopus and Cucumber Salad in Miso Dressing
• Creamy Tarako Macaroni Salad
• Kanikami salad in tomato cup