There’s something utterly magical about the crunch of fresh veggies mingling with the tangy, zesty goodness of an Asian dressing. The other day, I found myself daydreaming about that vibrant mix while stuck in traffic, and it hit me—this salad is like a culinary symphony. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be singing its praises too.
Steps
- Begin by roasting cashews in a preheated skillet until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool, then chop them into small pieces.
- Clean and prepare all the vegetables, slicing the cabbages and bell pepper thinly, julienning the carrot, and chopping the sugar snap peas and green onions. Place all the prepared veggies in a large bowl.
- Top the salad with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, crispy noodles, and the roasted cashews to add extra crunch and flavor.
- For the dressing, combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a jar. Secure the lid and shake the jar until the ingredients are well mixed.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad, and toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Ingredients
- 3 cups thinly sliced white cabbage
- 3 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup chopped sugar snap peas
- 3 chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup toasted and chopped cashews
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wontons
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons peeled and grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1446 kcal | Carbs: 132 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 96 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Sodium: 2700 mg | Potassium: 2178 mg | Fiber: 24 g | Sugar: 66 g | Vitamin A: 18528 IU | Vitamin C: 462 mg | Calcium: 408 mg | Iron: 12 mg
FAQ
- Can I make Asian Chopped Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the Asian Chopped Salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crunchiness. If you’re meal-prepping, store the vegetables and dressing separately.
- What are some protein options to add to the salad?
- You can enhance the salad by adding proteins such as grilled chicken, pan-seared steak, pulled pork, shrimp, or even boiled eggs, depending on your preference.
- How long will the salad stay fresh after adding the dressing?
- Once the dressing is mixed in, the salad will stay fresh for a few hours. It’s ideal for serving at gatherings where it can be consumed shortly after being dressed.
- What are alternative ingredients that can be added to the salad?
- You can customize the salad with additional ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers, cauliflower, or zucchini. For extra crunch, try adding peanuts, almonds, or different kinds of nuts.
- What makes the Asian salad dressing unique?
- The homemade Asian salad dressing is a standout due to its blend of sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, and fresh ginger. This combination creates a flavorful and irresistible dressing that ties the salad together.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients Fresh: Ensure that all vegetables are fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. Washing and prepping them ahead of time can streamline the salad-making process.
- Roast Cashews for Extra Flavor: Toasting cashews on a preheated skillet adds a delightful depth of flavor to the salad. Make sure to let them cool before chopping and adding to the salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add variety by incorporating different proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp, and experiment with extra vegetables like cucumbers or zucchini for additional texture.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your salad crisp, mix in the dressing only right before serving. If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s freshness.
Equipment
- Mason Jar – For mixing and storing the salad dressing.
- Julienne Peeler or Vegetable Spiralizer – For julienne cutting the carrot.
- Skillet – If you don’t already have one for roasting the cashews.
- Large Salad Bowl – For mixing and serving the salad.
- Sesame Oil – Though technically an ingredient, it’s a less common pantry staple for some households.
