Bright, crunchy, and delicately tangy, Marinated Daikon and Carrot Salad Namasu is a Japanese-inspired side dish that’s as refreshing as it is simple to prepare. Featuring julienned daikon radish and carrot, this vibrant salad gets its signature flavor from a light rice vinegar dressing sweetened with a touch of sugar and balanced with soy sauce. A quick salting step enhances the vegetables' crispness, while a short marination period allows the vinaigrette’s flavors to fully infuse. Perfect as a palate-cleansing side for sushi, rice dishes, or grilled meats, this versatile salad is also a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights. Garnish with sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch, and enjoy it chilled for the ultimate summer treat!
Peel the daikon radish and carrot, then cut them into 5 cm (2 inch) long matchstick-sized pieces or julienne them using a mandoline slicer.
Place the sliced daikon and carrot in a large bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the vegetables, and toss to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
Rinse the daikon and carrot under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain well and gently squeeze them to remove any remaining water.
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Combine the drained daikon and carrot with the vinaigrette in a large bowl, tossing well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours.
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Calories |
288 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.8 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 3129 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.3 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.8 g | ||
| Protein | 4.2 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 151 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 1065 mg | 23% | |
*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.