5cupsof thinly sliced radishpaper-thin is ideal - about 2 bunches
2cupsPersian cucumbersthinly sliced (slightly thicker than paper-thin)
3cupscookedwarm rice
2largeripe avocadoscut into chunks
Flaky saltfor avocado
½cupchopped green onion
½cuptoasted sesame seedsblack or white
Lime slicesto garnish
Dressing
2tablespoonsrice vinegar
2tablespoonstamari or soy sauceor coconut aminos
1tablespoonmirinor sake, agave, or maple syrup
1tablespoontoasted sesame seed oil
1tablespoonfresh gingermicroplaned (or minced)
1large limejuiced (about 2 tablespoons)
¼teaspoonblack pepper
¼teaspoonsea salt
Garlic Chili Butter
3tablespoonsvegan butter
4clovesgarlicthinly sliced
1serrano pepperor any hot pepper, sliced (optional)
Instructions
With a mandolin or super sharp knife, thinly slice the radish and place in a bowl covered with ice-cold water. Let soak for 10-15 minutes until crisp. Make the dressing while they soak. When ready to make the salad, drain and shake out excess water.
In a large bowl, add rice vinegar, tamari, mirin (or desired sweetener), sesame seed oil, ginger, lime juice, pepper, and salt. Whisk together. Then add the sliced radishes, cucumbers and rice. Toss well. In a small skillet, add butter and bring to medium heat. Throw in the sliced garlic and hot pepper slices. Sprinkle with salt, stir, and cook until the garlic is very lightly golden (going too dark will taste bitter so keep an eye out!). This should only take a few minutes. Immediately pour over the radish rice mixture.
Toss in the green onions and sesame seeds. Transfer the mixture into individual serving bowls and add the ripe avocado over top to each bowl (this is only to be fair and to not squoosh the gorgeous avocado!). Sprinkle the avocado chunks with flaky salt and garnish each bowl with toasted sesame seeds. An extra squeeze of fresh lime juice is always welcome. Enjoy!
Notes
For the rice, you could use long-grain white, basmati, short-grain brown, or sushi rice. Whatever you like!You could serve this on a large platter for people to serve themselves. I'd recommend using a platter/plate instead of a bowl so that you can showcase all of the ingredients in the salad (as opposed to being piled high on top of each other) and keep the chunks of avocado looking nice. Garnish with fresh lime slices for a pop of color.Feel free to toss in some additional veggies you have lying around: sliced carrots, red bell pepper, chopped cauliflower all sound like a nice addition. As for fresh herbs, I could see a big bunch of freshly chopped cilantro pairing beautifully here. A little sriracha would also be a nice touch.