Looking for a salad that’s bursting with vibrant color, fresh crunch, and unforgettable flavors? This Salad With Asian Dressing absolutely delivers. Imagine a crisp medley of greens, cabbage, sweet peppers, and carrots, all tossed in a tangy-sweet sesame dressing that clings perfectly to every morsel. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a go-to staple for busy weeknights, breezy lunches, or when you’re craving something both healthy and utterly delicious. Simple to prepare and completely adaptable, this dish brings an irresistible Asian-inspired flair to your table that everyone will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create such a bold and colorful Salad With Asian Dressing. Each one has been carefully chosen to add unique taste, texture, or a pop of color for a salad that truly stands out.
- Mixed salad greens: The refreshing base, offering a tender crunch and vibrant green hues.
- Shredded red cabbage: Provides a gorgeous purple color and hearty texture.
- Julienned carrots: Bring sweetness and a snappy bite to every forkful.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a splash of color.
- Sliced cucumber: Keeps things crisp, cool, and hydrating.
- Chopped green onions: Offers a subtle sharpness to balance all the sweet and savory notes.
- Sliced almonds or chopped peanuts: Infuses the salad with toasty crunch and nuttiness.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Delicate and nutty, they’re the finishing touch for extra flavor.
- Rice vinegar: The zippy base of the dressing, giving it that signature Asian-inspired tang.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Adds savory depth and a beautiful salty finish.
- Honey or maple syrup: Offers a hint of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
- Sesame oil: Brings alluring, toasty notes to the Salad With Asian Dressing.
- Olive oil: Rounds out the dressing with a smooth, rich body.
- Grated fresh ginger: Refreshes the whole salad with its zingy, aromatic kick.
- Minced garlic: Packs in even more flavor with a subtle, pungent depth.
How to Make Salad With Asian Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Gather all your fresh veggies and give them a good wash. Slice the red bell pepper thin, shred your carrots and cabbage if needed, and cut those crisp cucumbers into half-moons or thin slices. This small investment up front guarantees loads of texture and visual appeal in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Greens Together
Grab your largest salad bowl and add in the salad greens, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Toss everything gently with your clean hands or salad tongs, so the colors and flavors mingle before the dressing even hits the bowl.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Asian Dressing
In a small bowl or a handy little mason jar, pour in the rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, olive oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake until everything is beautifully combined and silky. The aroma at this point is incredible and will get your appetite ready!
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Just before serving, pour the stunning Asian dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every leaf and shard gets coated in that zingy, savory-sweet flavor. This quick step brings all the elements together into perfect harmony.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Toppings
Sprinkle the sliced almonds or peanuts and sesame seeds (if using) right over the top. The nuts bring glorious crunch and a roasted aroma that makes this Salad With Asian Dressing totally irresistible.
How to Serve Salad With Asian Dressing
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle extra sesame seeds, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, or even a few thinly sliced chilis on top. These simple garnishes not only enhance the look but also lift the fresh, savory flavors of the salad.
Side Dishes
This Salad With Asian Dressing shines alongside grilled chicken, juicy shrimp, or crispy tofu—transforming it from a side to a complete meal. For a truly satisfying spread, pair it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a light miso soup. You’ll be amazed at how well these dishes complement each other!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the salad into lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer, or serve in individual glass jars for a picnic-perfect treat. For parties, spread the salad onto a big rustic platter and let everyone dig in family-style. No matter how you serve it, the flavors always pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some Salad With Asian Dressing leftover? Simply store any undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the fresh veggies will lose their delightful crunch and vibrant texture. However, you can easily freeze the dressing in a small jar or container for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.
Reheating
Since Salad With Asian Dressing is meant to be enjoyed cold, there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored your dressing in the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before mixing with your greens.
FAQs
Can I make the Salad With Asian Dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the greens and veggies up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to toss everything together.
What can I use instead of honey or maple syrup?
Feel free to use agave nectar or a touch of brown sugar. The goal is to add just enough sweetness to balance the savory and tangy elements of the Dressing.
Are there protein options for a heartier version?
Definitely! Top your Salad With Asian Dressing with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even edamame for a satisfying protein boost.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari in place of traditional soy sauce, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Salad With Asian Dressing ready to go.
How can I add a spicy kick?
For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or swirl a dash of sriracha into the dressing before tossing. Your taste buds will thank you!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Salad With Asian Dressing! It’s colorful, fresh, and bursting with flavor—a true crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again. Gather your favorite veggies and give it a whirl; your next meal just got a whole lot brighter!
Print
Salad With Asian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Salad with Asian Dressing is a refreshing blend of mixed greens, crunchy veggies, and a flavorful dressing with a hint of sesame and ginger. It’s a perfect light and nutritious dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Mixed Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
Asian Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Toss and Serve: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently to combine. Top with almonds or peanuts and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- You can make the dressing ahead and store it for up to 5 days.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
