Vegan Lotus Salad Recipe: Refreshing and Crunchy at Home

Vegan lotus salad is a refreshing, nutritious dish that’s perfect for Buddhist holidays, full moon days, or simply to change up your family meals. The harmonious blend of fresh, crunchy lotus petals with various vegetables and a sweet and sour dressing makes this dish not only delicious but also soothing to enjoy.

1. Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious vegan lotus salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh lotus petals: 300g (choose young lotus petals with large stems and pinkish-white color)
• Carrot: 1
• Cucumber: 1
• Fried tofu: 1 piece
• Crushed roasted peanuts: 50g
• Herbs: Vietnamese coriander, Thai basil, cilantro
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (depending on taste)
• Fresh lime: 2
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Vegan fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Minced garlic: 1 clove

Ingredients for vegan lotus salad

2. Preparing the Ingredients

Proper preparation will ensure the salad is as crunchy and appealing as possible:

• Lotus petals: Separate the lotus petals, rinse under running water. Soak immediately in diluted salt water or lime juice to prevent discoloration. Then cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Carrot and cucumber: Peel, rinse, and julienne into thin, even strips.
• Fried tofu: Cut into small cubes or julienne according to preference.
• Herbs: Rinse, drain, and finely chop.
• Roasted peanuts: Lightly crush to enhance the nutty texture.
• Chili and garlic: Finely mince.

Tip: Blanching the lotus petals in boiling water for about 30 seconds before mixing the salad will make them crunchier.

3. Special Dressing Recipe

The dressing is crucial to the overall flavor of the dish. Prepare it using the following recipe:

1. Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
2. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Add minced garlic and chili, stir again to enhance the flavor.

Note: You can adjust the amounts of sugar, lime, and chili to suit your taste.

Vegan salad dressing

4. Mixing the Salad

1. Place all the prepared ingredients, including lotus petals, carrot, cucumber, and fried tofu, into a large bowl.
2. Pour the dressing evenly over the ingredients.
3. Gently mix with your hands or a utensil to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Before serving, sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts and herbs, and give it a final gentle mix.

5. Garnishing the Vegan Lotus Salad

A beautifully presented dish adds to its appeal. Arrange the salad on a plate, sprinkle with roasted peanuts and herbs on top. For added aesthetic appeal, carve carrots or cucumbers into flower shapes for decoration.

Beautifully garnished vegan lotus salad

Secrets to a Perfect Vegan Lotus Salad

• Choose fresh ingredients: Young lotus petals with large stems and pinkish-white color are ideal.
• Soak lotus petals immediately after washing: Use diluted salt water or lime juice to maintain color and crunch.
• Blanch in boiling water: This tip helps the lotus petals stay crunchier while retaining freshness.
• Mix gently: Avoid crushing the ingredients when mixing.
• Let the salad marinate: Allowing it to rest helps the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

With the detailed and easy-to-follow instructions above, you can easily make vegan lotus salad at home. Not only is it a light and refreshing dish, but it’s also a great way to mix up your family meals. Try it out and share your experience with us!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I prevent lotus petals from discoloring?
  • Soak the lotus petals in diluted salt water or lime juice immediately after rinsing.
• Can I substitute lotus petals with other ingredients?
  • You can use lotus root or cassava if fresh lotus petals are unavailable.
• How should I store vegan lotus salad?
  • The salad is best eaten immediately after mixing. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.