Sweet Pumpkin and Fresh Vegetable Salad with Banana Dressing
Healthy and Delicious Pumpkin and Vegetable Salad Recipe
This salad features the delightful combination of tender, sweet pumpkin and crisp, fresh vegetables, elevated by a sweet and flavorful banana dressing. It’s a wonderful choice for those following a low-sodium diet or seeking a satisfying meal replacement for weight management. Enjoy this easy-to-make, wholesome salad that brings a touch of gourmet to your table.
Salad Ingredients- 1/2 medium pumpkin (approx. 300-400g)
- 3 large lettuce leaves
- 3 kale leaves
- A small handful of purslane
- 3 strawberries
Sweet Banana Dressing- 1 Tbsp citron or yuzu tea (yuja-cheong)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 piece of ripe banana, about 3-4 cm long
- 1 Tbsp citron or yuzu tea (yuja-cheong)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 piece of ripe banana, about 3-4 cm long
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the pumpkin, scrubbing the skin with baking soda to remove any impurities. Rinse well under running water. Place the pumpkin in a steamer basket or a microwave-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for about 4 minutes. This step will soften the pumpkin slightly, making it easier to cut and peel.
Step 2
Carefully cut the warmed pumpkin in half. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and fibrous strings from the center. (Note: This recipe uses only half of the pumpkin.) The remaining half can be saved for another use.
Step 3
Steam the prepared pumpkin halves for about 15 minutes over medium-high heat until tender. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium-low. After steaming, turn off the heat and let the pumpkin sit in the steamer, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows it to become extra moist and tender.
Step 4
Prepare the fresh greens for the salad. Wash the purslane thoroughly and pat dry. Wash the kale and lettuce leaves, shaking off excess water. Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces by hand or chop them with a knife to maintain their freshness.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious banana dressing. In a blender, combine 1 tablespoon of citron or yuzu tea, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the ripe banana piece. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of citron tea or lemon juice based on the sweetness of your banana for a balanced flavor.
Step 6
Once the steamed pumpkin has cooled slightly, cut it into quarters or desired bite-sized pieces. Larger pieces offer a more satisfying chew, while smaller pieces are easier to mix with other ingredients. Prepare the strawberries by washing them and removing the stems. Slice them in half for a more appealing presentation.
Step 7
Arrange the prepared kale, lettuce, and purslane on a large salad bowl or serving plate, creating a vibrant bed of greens. Gently place the slightly cooled, cut pumpkin pieces on top of the greens. The contrast between the green vegetables and the orange pumpkin is visually appealing.
Step 8
Finally, add the halved strawberries to the salad, scattering them over the pumpkin and greens for a pop of color. Drizzle the freshly made sweet banana dressing generously over the salad. Your healthy and delicious Sweet Pumpkin and Fresh Vegetable Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
