Little Gem Salad With Tamarind Dressing

Name: Little Gem Salad With Tamarind Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups Little Gem lettuce leaves; 1/2 cucumber, halved lengthwise then sliced into half-moons; 1/2 white onion, sliced; 3 radishes, sliced; 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced

By Ifrah F. Ahmed

Updated Sept. 30, 2024

Little Gem Salad With Tamarind Dressing — David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Rating: 5(37)
Comments: Read comments

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).

or to save this recipe.
Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
Subscribe
Share
Print Options
Include recipe photo

Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

For the Dressing

1large soft medjool date, pitted
1tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2teaspoons pure maple syrup
1teaspoon tamarind concentrate
1large garlic clove, grated
1tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½teaspoon fine sea salt
3tablespoons olive oil

For the Salad

3cups Little Gem lettuce leaves
½cucumber, halved lengthwise then sliced into half-moons
½white onion, sliced
3radishes, sliced
2heirloom tomatoes, sliced

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Preparation

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.)
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.

Ratings

5 out of 5

37 user ratings

Have you cooked this?

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Comments

kdhl8 months ago

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

Ikebana508 months ago

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

AL7 months ago

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 O8 months ago

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

Carrie Anderson8 months ago

Found tamarind on Amazon, but not sure what main to serve this with.

Private comments are only visible to you.