Green Apple Kerabu Salad with Maple Vinegar and Maple Syrup Dressing

For the salad:

• 2 green apples, julienned
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 handful of beansprouts
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 bunch Thai basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

For the dressing:

• 2 tbsp maple vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp dried shrimps (soaked in hot water) or 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Julienne the green apples and carrot using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Peel the cucumber and remove the seeds, slice diagonally
2. Add the thinly sliced or julienned red onion and red chili to the bowl.
3. Toss in the chopped mint, thai basil and coriander leaves.
4. Pound the dried shrimps in a pestle and mortar. Now whisk together the maple vinegar, maple syrup, lime juice, add the dried shrimp fish sauce (or soy sauce), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
7. Toss everything together gently until the salad is well coated with the dressing.