This Fresh Asian Salad is a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables, refreshing herbs, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s light, healthy, and packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect side dish or a refreshing main course when topped with your favorite protein. Ideal for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a nutritious meal prep option!
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups (150 g) shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup (75 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or spiralized
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- A pinch of red chili flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and mint. Toss everything gently to mix.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, and chili flakes until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the flavorful dressing.
Top the salad with chopped peanuts or cashews and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or as a light side to Asian-inspired dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a heartier meal.
- Make It Spicy: Add thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Crunch Factor: Add crispy wonton strips or fried noodles for additional texture.
This Fresh Asian Salad is a delicious blend of textures and flavors—crunchy, tangy, and refreshing with every bite! Perfect for any occasion.
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Fresh Asian Salad – Crisp, Colorful, and Flavorful
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
This Fresh Asian Salad is a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables, refreshing herbs, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s light, healthy, and packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect side dish or a refreshing main course when topped with your favorite protein. Ideal for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a nutritious meal prep option!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups (150 g) shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup (75 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or spiralized
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- A pinch of red chili flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and mint. Toss everything gently to mix.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, and chili flakes until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the flavorful dressing.
Top the salad with chopped peanuts or cashews and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a heartier meal.
- Make It Spicy: Add thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Crunch Factor: Add crispy wonton strips or fried noodles for additional texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes