Looking for a refreshing and vibrant salad that packs a punch? Dive into the delightful world of Shishito Pepper and Tomato Salad! This quick and easy recipe combines the mild heat of shishito peppers with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this Asian-inspired dish that’s not only visually appealing but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Ready to impress your guests with a salad that’s bursting with flavor? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup shishito peppers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the shishito peppers and cherry tomatoes under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Trim the stems off the shishito peppers, leaving them whole. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, placing them in a large mixing bowl as you go.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shishito peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are blistered and slightly softened.
- While the peppers are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Once the shishito peppers are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let them cool for a minute. Then, add the sautéed peppers to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the soy sauce dressing over the peppers and tomatoes. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Choosing Peppers: When selecting shishito peppers, look for firm, glossy ones without blemishes. A few of them might be spicy, so be prepared for a surprise!
- Sautéing Technique: Make sure your olive oil is hot before adding the peppers. This helps to achieve that perfect blistered texture that enhances the flavor.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Adding a splash of rice vinegar or a hint of chili oil can elevate the taste even further.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light appetizer. Garnish with additional sesame seeds for an extra crunch!
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to enjoy the salad fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
