Komatsuna Walnut Salad
Komatsuna Walnut Salad (Japanese Mustard Spinach)
If you’re looking for a simple, healthy Japanese side dish, this Komatsuna Walnut Salad is perfect.
Komatsuna, also known as Japanese mustard spinach, is a leafy green that’s tender, mild, and less bitter than spinach — which makes it a more kid-friendly vegetable to eat!
I often find Komatsuna at Japanese grocery stores, but lately, I’ve also spotted it at Whole Foods. It’s great for quick salads, stir-fries, or soups. In this recipe, it’s tossed with a savory-sweet walnut dressing that adds rich nuttiness and umami flavor from miso and soy sauce.
This dish is called Komatsuna no Kurumi-ae (小松菜のくるみ和え) in Japanese — “Komatsuna dressed with walnuts.” It’s a classic home-style side dish you’ll often see in Japanese bento boxes or on the dinner table.
RECIPE
Servings: 2-3
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1 bunch komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach)
3 tbsp walnuts
1 tbsp miso
1 tbsp mirin
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
Blanch Komatsuna
Bring a pot or a pan of water to a boil.Add Komatsuna and cook for 30 seconds.
Quickly transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve the bright green color.
Make Walnut Dressing
In a bowl or mortar, grind walnuts until coarse.Add miso, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar, and mix until smooth.
Combine and Serve
Squeeze excess water from the Komatsuna and cut it into bite-sized pieces.Add to the walnut mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
Serve at room temperature or chilled.
My Kitchen Tool:
Motoshige Mortar is my favorite to use when grinding nuts
Tips & Serving Ideas
You can substitute spinach or kale if Komatsuna isn’t available.
Toasting the walnuts beforehand deepens the nutty flavor.
Try adding sesame seeds for extra texture or aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Komatsuna Walnut Salad is the kind of easy, nourishing side dish that brings balance to any meal. The creamy walnut dressing is rich yet light, and the greens stay crisp and refreshing. It pairs beautifully with rice, grilled fish, or miso soup for a simple Japanese-style meal.
What is Komatsuna?
Komatsuna (小松菜), also known as Japanese mustard spinach, is a leafy green vegetable commonly enjoyed in Japanese home cooking. It has a mild flavor with just a hint of mustard spice, making it less bitter and more approachable than regular spinach. Komatsuna is rich in calcium, vitamins A and C, and iron, making it a nutritious addition to everyday meals. The best season for Komatsuna is winter through early spring, when the leaves are sweetest and most tender. In Japan, it’s often used in ohitashi (boiled greens with soy sauce), stir-fries, soups, and simple sesame or walnut dressings. Whether served warm or chilled, Komatsuna adds a fresh, gentle flavor that complements many Japanese dishes.
