For me, summer meals are a parade of crisp, bright, cold, crunchy salads. That first bite of icy cucumber laced with tangy dressing, that pop of romaine as it gives up a burst of water—it's the perfect way to perk up one's senses on a warm June day (and to feel like you're hydrating even when you opt for wine instead of water). This particular salad has been on repeat in our house for the past couple of years. Sushi-grade tuna gets crusted with sesame seeds and barely seared so it's browned on the outside and beautifully raw on the inside, while sweet ripe mango and a spicy sesame-soy dressing play perfect counterpoint.
Ingredients
1 lb sushi-grade tuna
5 oz mixed spring greens
3 Tbsp sesame seeds
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup wonton strips
1 Persian cucumber (or 1/2 large English cucumber), very thinly sliced
1 mango, diced
2 green onions, chopped
1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp canola oil (or other neutral oil)
For the dressing:
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sriracha
2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 canola oil (or other neutral oil)
DIRECTIONS
Pat the tuna dry, then marinate it in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for a few minutes.
Spread 2 tablespoons of the sesame seeds on a plate, then press the tuna down on all sides until it's well crusted with sesame seeds.
Heat 1 tbsp canola oil over hight heat in a nonstick pan. Cook the tuna for 2 minutes, until the sesame seeds are well toasted. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes, until the second side is browned but the inside is still very much raw.
Let cool, then slice into thin slices with a serrated knife.
To make the dressing, whisk together 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, for more spice), 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce and 1/4 cup canola oil.
Plate the salad, starting with the spring mix. Add the avocado, wonton strips, cucumber, mango and green onion. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top.
Add the dressing, then toss well to mix. Top with slices of seared tuna and serve.
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