Keeping a couple of Asian ingredients in your pantry comes in handy when you want to boost the flavor in otherwise ordinary dishes. Sesame oil and rice vinegar are two of my must-have staples. Add a little garlic and scallions and you definitely have an Asian-inspired taste.
I also keep a can of Chow Mein noodles on hand…just a pinch adds crunch and a fun Asian element (albeit questionably authentic). 
This dressing made from just a few ingredients in the food processor really popped with flavor.
1/2 mango
1 small clove of garlic
a splash of rice vinegar with red chili flakes
a drizzle of wasabi flavored sesame oil
minced basil and scallion
(My selection of oil and vinegar add heat along wth their enticing base flavors and were a perfect pairing with the sweet mango and fresh basil and scallion.)
You could do any combination of ingredients for your salad but if you want to follow my lead, I used:
shrimp
romaine
radicchio
radish
french string beans
quartered grape tomatoes
chopped almonds
chow mein noodles
basil minced
And I have leftover dressing that I’m looking forward to using in a different way. Stay tuned.
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I have the ingredients except my sesame oil is not wasabi flavored. Will definitely try it.
BEAUTIFUL Salad!!! I’m Asian and I can guarantee this is Asian-inspired salad! I like how you combine ingredients in the dressing. It compliments well to one another. Great dish Joan!
So right about having a few Asian ingredients for a twist! Looks refreshing and light, love mangoes, they’re so creamy right now.
Joan, this sounds so refreshing and I have most of the ingredients. I’m not familiar with the wasabi flavored sesame oil, but I’ll be on the lookout for it. Is the base Asian sesame oil or regular sesame oil?
I’m also crazy about mangos. They give everything such a beautiful color. If only they were easier to peel. (Sigh)
Sam
It’s from Robert Rothschild Farms and it’s called “Wasabi Sesame Oil”, a “gourmet oil combination of sesame, canola and mustard oils infused with wasabi powder, wasabi leaf and soy sauce.”
A beautifully Asian inspired dish Joan.
I saw this first on Facebook and was waiting to comment on your blog. This would be a nice addition to our scheduled tapas party….think about it.
Pictures are so beautiful…counting the days…
That salad looks incredible! I’d love to dive in with that pair of chopsticks. How I miss Asian food…
Oooh! Very inspiring Joan! I love mangoes but have never played with them in a dressing! Now I have a few ideas…thanks for the inspiration!
Your dressing sounds very gourmet and delicious.
Again, Joan – I would have never thought of combining those flavours… mango and onion – yes.,,, mango and garlic, yes… but not wasabi and basil with it. WILD! it sounds great, too – and looks lush!
Valerie
Hi there! This recipe sounds delish and I was hoping that you might add it to my Easter and Spring Linking Party to share with my readers. If you are interested, you can go here http://bakedbyjoanna.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-linking-party.html to enter. Thanks!
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