Print

Fresh Asian Chopped Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing

fresh asian chopped salad - featured image

A crunchy, tangy Asian chopped salad with a zesty sesame ginger dressing that is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded or julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 23 tablespoons water
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse all produce under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Finely chop green and red cabbage into about 1/4 inch dice.
  3. Shred or julienne the carrots using a box grater or knife.
  4. Slice snap peas thinly on a diagonal.
  5. Dice the red bell pepper into small cubes.
  6. Slice green onions thinly, including green tops.
  7. Chop cilantro roughly and place all veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  8. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently. Toast peanuts or cashews lightly if using. Let cool.
  9. In a small bowl or jar, combine grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
  10. Add 2 tablespoons water and whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and smooth. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
  11. Pour dressing over chopped veggies and toss well until evenly coated.
  12. Add toasted sesame seeds and nuts last, tossing gently.
  13. Optionally, let salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors and soften cabbage slightly before serving.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds and nuts carefully to avoid burning. Dress salad just before serving to keep crunch. Use fresh ginger for best flavor. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup. Store salad and dressing separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian salad, chopped salad, sesame ginger dressing, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad