Easy Asian Salad Recipe

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This Asian salad recipe is a traditional dish made with a homemade sesame vinaigrette recipe. Perfect salad for serving during a summer picnic and BBQs, or as an addition to a regular meal.

A salad in a salad bowl. — Homemade Salad with Asian Dressing

I love making salads that I can make ahead of time. In fact, quite a few of the salads I have shared with you like, carrot, celery, cabbage, and tomato can all be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

Almost every time I have guests over for dinner, I like making this Asian salad. Because it always gets everybody talking and enjoying a salad. This Asian chopped salad does not have droopy veggies like cucumber and tomatoes that need to be used up immediately.

What is Asian salad?

Asian salad is a type of salad that incorporates ingredients and flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine. It typically includes a mix of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers, combined with Asian-inspired dressings and toppings.

Why you’ll love this salad

This quick and easy salad is simple, light, and flavorful and gets ready in minutes. Healthy, crunchy vegetables make a fantastic base for our tangy dressing, which combines Asian flavors of sesame oil, soy, honey, and lemon juice.
There is no much chopping of veggies. In fact, I have used a box grater. But you can use the food processor to make shredded the cabbage and lettuce.
It works perfectly as a side dish to any main course, be it fish, chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, or pork.
The best thing about this salad is that you can make it ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. Making it ahead means the veggies absorb more flavor.
The Asian dressing adds the nice flavor of sesame, which is great over shredded veggies. It can also be used over other salads, such as a garden salad.

A salad bowl with Asian sesame dressing. — Easy Homemade Asian Salad with Asian Dressing

Ingredients and substitutes

Veggies – I like using cabbage, carrots, celery, and lettuce, which can be kept for long. They also add a nice crunch to the salad.
Green onions – Add a slightly pungent flavor, but you can certainly omit it.
Mirin – Is a Japanese sweet sauce. But, you can certainly use honey instead.
Oil – when it comes to Asian salads I like to use cooking oil with some sesame oil for flavor. I find olive oil to be too strong, but, you certainly use extra virgin olive oil as well.
Rice wine vinegar (aka rice vinegar) – Gives a subtle vinegar flavor, and yet you can certainly use lemon or lime juice as well.
Optional ingredients – You can also add your favorite veggies like sliced green or red bell pepper, romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, or purple cabbage. And few toasted nuts like cashews also add a nice crunch to the salad.

Ingredients for making asian salad. — Ingredients Homemade Salad with Asian Dressing

Step-by-step: Easy Asian salad Recipe

Sesame vinaigrette – In a mason jar, combine all the Asian salad dressing ingredients. Give it a good shake and set aside. You can also use a small bowl and whisk to stir.
Pro tip – You can double or triple the dressing as it saves in the fridge for up to a week.

Progress pictures for making sesame dressing. — Dressing Easy Homemade Salad with Asian Dressing

Salad – In a large bowl, combine all the shredded veggies. Sprinkle the nuts. Season with salt and pepper.
Pro tip -You can combine this salad and leave it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to add the dressing just before serving.

Progress pictures making the Asian salad recipe. — Progress pictures Easy Homemade Salad with Asian Dressing

Dressing – Pour the salad dressing over the veggies. Use two forks and toss it all to ensure everything is well combined.
Serve – Transfer to a salad bowl and sprinkle with more toasted sesame seeds.

Tips for making this Asian salad recipe

To toast the sesame seeds toss them on a frying pan over medium heat.
It is best to shred the veggies really thin. It makes for a better presentation and eating experience.
The sesame vinaigrette can be used on a variety of salads so feel free to double and triple the dressing. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This salad is perfect for meal prep because it can stay for longer in the fridge compared to other salads. We serve with a side of roasted cauliflower and edamame.

Variations

Asian chicken salad – add shredded leftover chicken to the salad.
Asian beef salad – perfect when you have leftover beef roast.
or Asian seafood salad – grilled shrimps, scallops or lobster meat make a great addition too.
Make it a meal – if you like salad as a meal, top this with proteins – try some smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, or baked tofu, crispy wontons, or even a chopped steak.
Asian slaw – the same veggies and herbs can be used to make an Asian slaw but drizzle with a creamy mayonnaise dressing instead of vinaigrette.

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Frequently asked questions

What dressings are commonly used in Asian inspired salad?

Common dressings used in Asian salad include soy sauce-based dressings, sesame ginger dressings, peanut dressings, and citrus-based dressings like lime or orange vinaigrette. These dressings often feature a combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Can I make Asian salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of Asian salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

What vegetables are commonly used in this salad?

Asian salads often include a combination of vegetables such as lettuce, Napa cabbage, bok choy, bean sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions. Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference and availability.

Can I add protein to my salad?

Absolutely! Adding protein is a great way to make your Asian salad more satisfying. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, beef, or even cooked edamame are popular choices for protein additions. You can marinate the protein in Asian-inspired flavors to complement the salad.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for Asian salad?

Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for Asian salad. By omitting animal products like meat or dairy and using plant-based dressings and toppings, you can easily create a delicious vegetarian or vegan Asian salad. Additionally, tofu or tempeh can be used as a protein source.

What are some popular toppings for this salad?

Popular toppings for Asian salad include crunchy elements like toasted sesame seeds, slivered almonds, crispy wonton strips, fried noodles, or crushed peanuts. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil can also add a burst of flavor.

Can I customize the flavors in my Asian inspired salad?

Absolutely! Asian salad is highly customizable, and you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. You can experiment with different dressings, add more or less spice, and play around with the ingredients to create a salad that suits your preferences.

Veena Azmanov