Little Gem Salad With Tamarind Dressing

By Ifrah F. Ahmed

Updated September 29, 2024

  • David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(59)
Comments
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While this sweet-and-sour tamarind-date dressing can be made year-round, it feels meant for the abundant produce of summer and early fall. Developed with tamarind in mind — an ingredient many Somalis add to salads — this recipe balances heirloom tomatoes with the tang of tamarind; it offsets the pungent sharpness of onions and radishes with the caramel-like flavor of dates and maple syrup. This colorful Little Gem salad maintains a glossy coat of dressing, but you can opt for heartier vegetables such as brussels sprouts or kale, depending on the time of year. Pair this salad with a bowl of maraq misir (red lentil soup) for a lovely vegan meal, or eat it alongside a plate of white rice and malaay qumbe (coconut fish curry).

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

FOR THE DRESSING

  • 1 large soft medjool date, pitted

  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate

  • 1 large garlic clove, grated

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

FOR THE SALAD

  • 3 cups Little Gem lettuce leaves

  • ½ cucumber, halved lengthwise then sliced into half-moons

  • ½ white onion, sliced

  • 3 radishes, sliced

  • 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

15 grams carbs; 151 calories; 7 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 10 grams fat; 2 grams fiber; 299 milligrams sodium; 2 grams protein; 11 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the dressing: Using a mortar and pestle (or a fork and a bowl), smash one large date until a thick paste forms, about 30 seconds. (If your date is firm and not sticky, you can heat it up in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds to soften.) Add the vinegar, maple syrup, tamarind, garlic, lemon juice and salt, and mix. Drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to mix. (You’ll have ½ cup dressing.)

  2. Step 2

    Assemble the salad: Arrange lettuce on a plate or in a salad bowl and toss with a little dressing. Top with cucumbers, onion, radishes and heirloom tomatoes. Drizzle more salad dressing over the salad. Eat immediately or pre-arrange your salad and add the dressing right before serving. Salad can last in the fridge for a day or two. The tamarind salad dressing can last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
59 user ratings
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Comments

kdhl

Is this Thai tamarind concentrate or Indian? It is a distinction with a difference.

Ikebana50

@Grubhound I found it at Whole Foods. I am certain Kalustyan’s will also have it.

AL

Excellent recipe overall but I made a few adjustments to suit what I had on hand - substituted lime for the lemon and used rice wine vinegar in place of distilled white vinegar. I also grated in some leftover ginger and palm sugar, and it ultimately came out as a nicely balanced dressing that is worth jarring up to use on just about any other salad throughout the week. I could also see a dash of sesame oil making this dish shine!

Rie

I live internationally and realized today I've been making this with carob extract instead of tamarind for months -- but it's actually amazing? ha! New favorite. Thank you Ifrah <3

AL

Excellent recipe overall but I made a few adjustments to suit what I had on hand - substituted lime for the lemon and used rice wine vinegar in place of distilled white vinegar. I also grated in some leftover ginger and palm sugar, and it ultimately came out as a nicely balanced dressing that is worth jarring up to use on just about any other salad throughout the week. I could also see a dash of sesame oil making this dish shine!

Jennifer O

The grocery stores in my area, Town & Country, Safeway (Seattle/Kitsap Co) stock Tamicon brand tamarind concentrate.

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