Spinach Salad with Orange, Feta, Pickled Onion, and Sesame-Shoyu Dressing #recipe by @LeslieKarst

 

This is the salad I prepared when fellow MLKer Leslie Budewitz and “Mr. Right” came to visit us in Hilo, Hawai‘i last year. (I meant to share the recipe back then, but somehow forgot. And as you’ll also see, I forgot to take a photo of the salad after the wonton crisps were added and it was dressed. Blame it on the cocktails we enjoyed before dinner.)

 

When I was a kid, those canned mandarin orange slices in syrup were all the rage, but they seem to have gone out of style. I don’t know why, though, because they’re actually quite tasty, and go great in salads. And along with the tangy picked onions, salty feta, and crunchy wanton crisps, they add the perfect sweetness to this delicious—and colorful—salad.

I haven’t given amounts for the salad ingredients, because that will depend on how many people you’re serving. Just use as little or as much as you like! Feel free to use raw red onions instead of pickled, if you like. But the recipe for pickled onions is here. 

Spinach Salad with Orange, Feta, Pickled Onion, and Sesame-Shoyu Dressing

Dressing Ingredients

(makes about ½ cup)

¼ cup white sesame seeds

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons soy sauce (aka shoyu)

1 teaspoon sugar

about 1 tablespoon mandarin orange syrup

Salad Ingredients

baby spinach

crumbled feta cheese (can use bleu, if you prefer)

pickled red onions (recipe here)

canned mandarin orange slices, drained (save syrup for dressing)

crumbled wonton crisps, pretzels, or similar snack

 

Directions

Coarsely grind the sesame seeds. I used a mortar and pestle, but a coffee grinder would work, as well—just don’t grind them too long, or they’ll turn to mush. (Or, alternatively, you can whir all the dressing ingredients together briefly in a blender or food processor.)

 

Place the mayo, vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar in a medium bowl and stir to combine.

 

Add the ground sesame seeds and mix in. 

 

Drizzle in the mandarin orange syrup, stirring as you go, until the dressing is still thick enough to have some body but thin enough to pour. (Save the rest of the syrup for later use: it goes great in soda water or cocktails.) The dressing can be made in advance and kept refrigerated for several days.

 

 

 

Place the baby spinach in a salad bowl and top with crumbled feta.

 

 

Add the pickled onion and orange slices.

 

Right before service (so they don’t get soggy), add crumbled wontons or pretzels. Toss the salad with dressing and serve immediately.

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

Coming April 7!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #3

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

Available for pre-order here.

 

"The beauties and customs of Hawai‘i provide a striking backdrop for a murder with an unexpected motive."

Kirkus Reviews 

 

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Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

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2026 Lefty and Agatha Award Finalist

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"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

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Also available

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Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

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“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

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This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

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--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

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This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

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“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

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“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

and the IPPY Award!

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Praise for Justice is Served:

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

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