Cold salad ideas

jonesin_am

In planning next weeks menu I was trying to come up with some cold salads as I am tired of the romaine lettuce/tomato/cucumber/avocado salad that I usually have. In doing so I came across my favorite sushi salad recipe and was hoping maybe some of you could share your favorite go to salads.

1 1/2 cups cold cooked brown rice (short grain if you have it)
1 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp canola oil
1 Tbs minced fresh or jarred ginger
1 Tbs minced fresh or jarred garlic
1 seeded, diced fresh jalapeno or jarred jalapeno ( I usually use 2-3 fresh peppers...but adjust depending on your desired heat level)
3 scallions ( i never have these and never use them)
1/8 cup soy sauce
1 tsp wasabi paste or prepared horseradish (i've always used the wasabi powder that you can make into a paste)
1 ripe avocado
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced

Heat the canola and sesame oils over medium-high heat. Saute shrimp, 2 tsp of ginger, garlic, jalapeno, and scallions until shrimp are cooked through. Set aside to cool

In a small dish combine the soy sauce, remaining ginger, wasabi, and additional chopped jalapenos, if desired.

Combine the rice, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper in a large bowl. Toss well to combine. Drizzle the sauce over the salad and toss well again.

Serves 4 as a main dish - 6 as a side salad