In Japanese cuisine, salad has always played an important role. While Japanese-style salads may differ from Western-style salads, I have put together a list of ten Japanese-style salads for you to discover!
1. Japanese Sesame Spinach Salad (Horenso no Goma-ae)
Goma-ae is a Japanese salad made with vegetables mixed with ground sesame seeds, sugar, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Spinach is the most popular ingredient, but you can use other vegetables too.
This recipe is inspired by the rich, nutty flavors of sesame blended with the savory depth of soy sauce and dashi. It’s a versatile addition to any meal that can complement a variety of main courses!
2. Japanese Potato Salad (Izakaya Style)
Japanese-style Potato Salad is a popular side dish in Japan often served with fried dishes like karaage. The standard version is often sweet and has a strong onion flavor, but this recipe adds crunchy bacon, parmesan cheese, and a hint of pepper to create a savory depth and delightful texture.
It’s a perfect match for a relaxing night or casual get-together with friends!
3. Addictive Izakaya Style Salted Cabbage (Yamitsuki Shio Cabbage)
Yamitsuki cabbage is a popular and addictive side dish made with raw cabbage, salt, and seasonings. It’s often served in Japanese pubs and yakiniku restaurants, and some places even offer a free refill service.
To recreate this dish at home, try my 5-minute recipe for izakaya-style salty cabbage! It’s a simple and flavorful side dish that’s extremely easy to make!
4. Tako to Kyuri no Sunomono (Octopus and Cucumber Salad)
Sunomono is a classic Japanese dish made by mixing fish, shellfish, and vegetables with vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Octopus and cucumber sunomono is a tasty variety from Sanuki, Japan, known for its fresh and slightly sweet octopus.
It’s perfect for summer, and complements richer dishes perfectly. Give it a try and savor the unique, sour flavor that makes it a beloved staple in Japanese homes!
5. Japanese Chicken Salad (with Homemade Dressing)
Looking for a salad with a unique twist? Try a Japanese-style chicken salad! It’s a simple dish with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and uniquely Japanese flavors.
My homemade recipe features “salad chicken” and a perfectly balanced dressing. Try it today for a tasty and filling salad!
6. Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad) with Cucumber
Wakame Salad is a popular salad variation made with seaweed, cucumber, and tofu. It has a sour taste and is served cold as a small side dish, making it ideal for summer days.
The recipe includes a soy sauce-based dressing that enhances the Japanese flavor. This refreshing and traditional salad is definitely worth trying!
7. Japanese Hijiki Seaweed Salad (Hijiki no Nimono)
Hijiki salad is a Japanese dish that includes a type of seaweed known as hijiki. It’s typically stir-fried with root vegetables, deep-fried tofu, soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, and chicken.
In my version, I’ve added boiled soybeans, carrots, chikuwa (a Japanese fish cake), snow peas, and a pinch of red pepper for a little heat. It’s a versatile dish that differs across households, but my version’s flavor is exceptional. Enjoy!
8. Japanese Style Avocado Egg Salad with Wasabi Mayo
There is no known dish called “Japanese avocado salad” in Japan, but this is my original salad made with fresh avocado and Japanese condiments.
My recipe for Japanese avocado salad is inspired by potato salad, with a Japanese twist of wasabi and bonito flakes. It was difficult to perfect this recipe, but I found that wasabi and avocado make a great combination, and adding salmon sashimi makes it even more satisfying. Enjoy a completely unique salad!
9. Sashimi Salad (with Homemade Japanese Wafu Dressing)
Love sashimi? Try this simple sashimi salad recipe with lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and your favorite sashimi. The secret to its success is the Japanese-style “wafu” dressing made with soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, and grated garlic.
It’s quick to make and perfectly complements the delicate flavors of sashimi and fresh salad. Give it a go and discover a beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of sesame oil!
10. Spinach Ohitashi (Japanese Spinach Salad in Dashi)
Ohitashi is a Japanese side dish made with blanched veggies soaked in a dashi-based sauce. It’s a cooking method, not just a dish name!
Try making Spinach Ohitashi for a light and refreshing side dish that complements a more substantial meal. It might taste a bit mild, but that’s by design. Give it a go and add a touch of Japanese cuisine to your Teishoku-style meal!
11. Crispy Rice Salad with Japanese Twist
I’ve reimagined the viral crispy rice salad with a Japanese flair. Senbei-inspired crispy rice adds crunch to a bed of fresh vegetables and succulent salmon, while a tangy yuzu dressing ties it all together.
This tasty dish brings together typical Japanese flavors with a modern twist. It’s ideal for those who enjoy exploring fusion cuisine!
12. Daikon Salad
I’ve given the classic daikon salad a tasty, umami-rich makeover. The crunchy daikon radish goes perfectly with the tender tuna, making for a light but satisfying dish that’s hard to resist.
This easy-to-make dish captures the essence of izakaya-style dining at home!
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