Discover a bold and refreshing twist with this *Easy Bitter Gourd Salad I Love Way Too Much*! Perfect for adventurous palates, this quick, no-cook salad celebrates the unique flavors of bitter gourd balanced with a tangy lime-soy dressing, a touch of sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness. Thinly sliced red onions, juicy tomatoes, and optional green chili add layers of crunch and spice, while fresh cilantro ties everything together with a bright, herby finish. By salting and rinsing the bitter gourd, its natural bitterness is mellowed, creating a surprisingly balanced dish that's both nutritious and flavorful. Ready in just 15 minutes, this vibrant, low-calorie salad easily complements rice dishes, grilled proteins, or can be enjoyed as a light, guilt-free snack. A must-try for fans of bold, healthful ingredients!
Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
Thinly slice the bitter gourds into half-moon shapes and place them in a mixing bowl.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the sliced bitter gourds and massage them gently for a minute. Let them sit for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
Rinse the salted bitter gourd slices under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
In a large salad bowl, combine the bitter gourds, sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and green chili (if using).
In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or snack.
Calories |
248 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.9 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4963 mg | 216% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.5 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.6 g | ||
| Protein | 5.0 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 1166 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.