Go Back
A vibrant bowl of Miso Crunch Salad featuring kale, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, peanuts, and sesame seeds in a creamy dressing.
Layla

Miso Crunch Salad

Crisp vegetables and nutty brown rice tossed in a savory-sweet miso dressing with toasted almonds for the ultimate satisfying lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion, Japanese-Inspired
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 1 cup short-grain brown rice rinsed
  • 2 cups water
For the Salad
  • 4 cups napa cabbage thinly sliced, about 1/2 medium head
  • 3 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced into half moons
  • 1 cup edamame shelled, thawed if frozen
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds roughly chopped
For the Miso Dressing
  • 3 tbsp white miso paste
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar unseasoned
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 clove garlic finely grated

Equipment

  • Rice cooker or medium saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Rimmed Baking Sheet

Method
 

Cook the Rice
  1. Combine rinsed rice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature, spreading on a plate to speed cooling.
Toast the Almonds
  1. While rice cooks, spread almonds on a dry baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic until smooth. The miso will resist at first - keep whisking until fully incorporated. Thin with 1-2 teaspoons water if needed for pourable consistency.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooled rice, cabbage, cucumbers, edamame, and white parts of scallions. Pour dressing over and toss thoroughly, using your hands or tongs to coat every grain and leaf.
  2. Top with toasted almonds and sliced green scallions. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate up to 2 hours if you prefer the cabbage slightly wilted and more absorbent.

Notes

White miso (shiro miso) is milder and sweeter than darker varieties - don't substitute red or barley miso or the dressing will overpower the vegetables. For a heartier meal, add a jammy soft-boiled egg or shredded rotisserie chicken on top. The dressed salad keeps surprisingly well for 2 days; the cabbage softens but the flavors deepen and improve.