Fit Fare

Thai food is known for its use of fresh herbs and taste balancing of spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter. I enjoy playing with the flavors. For this recipe, think of the ingredients in a summer roll on a crisp and clean salad.

Thai Summer Salad
Serves 8

2 cucumbers, julienned
2 carrots, julienned
2 Thai peppers, finely diced
1 small bunch Thai basil leaves
1 small bunch mint leaves
1 small bunch cilantro, leaves only
1 small bunch scallions, sliced on the diagonal
1 small head of Napa cabbage, shredded

Hot and Sweet Dressing

2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon sea salt
1½ teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
¼ cup rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
¼ cup agave nectar
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoons sesame seeds

Toss the cucumbers, carrots, peppers, basil, mint, cilantro, scallions and cabbage into a large bowl until mixed well.

To make dressing, combine ingredients in a jar. Give a quick shake before pouring the dressing onto the Thai salad just before serving.