Salad With Asian Dressing Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a crisp, refreshing, and flavor-packed meal, this Salad With Asian Dressing is exactly what you need. A riot of fresh mixed greens, crunchy veggies, and zesty herbs are tossed with a stunningly balanced homemade Asian-style dressing, making this salad a true standout. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends, every forkful offers a delicious harmony of taste and texture. Trust me, your salad game is about to reach legendary heights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salad With Asian Dressing comes together easily with a handful of everyday ingredients that are anything but ordinary. Each component brings its own character, whether it’s crunch, color, or an unmistakable burst of flavor.
- Mixed Salad Greens: This blend is the backbone of the salad, providing volume, freshness, and loads of nutrition.
- Shredded Carrots: For a sweet, earthy crunch that stands out beautifully against the greens.
- Thinly Sliced Cucumber: Adds cooling crispness, helping balance the richer flavors from the dressing.
- Red Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced: Choose the brightest one for juicy texture and a pop of vibrant color.
- Green Onions, Chopped: A touch of mild sharpness elevates the salad to the next level.
- Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Delivers a rush of aroma and zest—a must for this Asian-inspired dish.
- Sliced Almonds, Toasted: Toasting brings out a deeper nuttiness and a satisfying crunch.
- Soy Sauce: The essential umami-rich base for the Asian dressing.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings the perfect zippy tang that perks up the whole salad.
- Sesame Oil: Infuses rich, toasty notes that are addictive in salad dressings.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness rounds out the savory flavors beautifully.
- Grated Fresh Ginger: For zingy freshness and an unmistakable aromatic kick.
- Minced Garlic: Enhances complexity with bold, savory undertones.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Add a gentle crunch and delicious sesame flavor in every bite.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (optional): Turns up the heat for anyone who loves a little spice.
How to Make Salad With Asian Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
First, gather all your salad components: the mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and sliced toasted almonds. Give your veggies a good rinse and dry, then slice and chop them as needed. This bit of prep makes assembling your Salad With Asian Dressing a breeze, and ensures every bite is as vibrant as the last.
Step 2: Mix the Asian Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and a dab of sriracha or chili garlic sauce if you like things spicy. Keep whisking until the dressing is well combined, glistening, and deeply fragrant—you’ll be amazed how these simple pantry staples turn into something truly crave-worthy.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Transfer all the prepped vegetables and greens into your largest salad bowl, scatter the toasted almonds over everything, and pour the dressing evenly on top. Gently toss the salad so every leaf and veggie strand is lightly coated. Feel free to use your hands for this—think of it as giving your Salad With Asian Dressing a little extra love!
Step 4: Serve Immediately
The salad is now ready to enjoy! Serving it right away ensures every texture—from crisp greens to tender veggies and crunchy nuts—shines in harmony with the bold, savory dressing. If you’re serving a crowd, set it out family-style so everyone can help themselves.
How to Serve Salad With Asian Dressing
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance and extra flavor, sprinkle a few more toasted sesame seeds or a generous handful of fresh cilantro over the top right before serving. A wedge of lime on the side adds color and lets your guests squeeze on even more tang if they wish.
Side Dishes
This Salad With Asian Dressing easily finds its place on the table alongside tender grilled chicken, marinated tofu, or juicy grilled shrimp for a more complete meal. Pair it with a warm bowl of jasmine rice or some crispy spring rolls if you want an unforgettable feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a portable picnic lunch or carefully arrange the ingredients in rainbow stripes on a large platter for a striking visual impact. Making Salad With Asian Dressing the centerpiece of your table is a surefire conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate from the greens and veggies until you’re ready to eat, as mixing them too far ahead can make everything a little too wilted for comfort.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Salad With Asian Dressing. The fresh greens and veggies don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—they tend to become soggy and lose their appealing crunch.
Reheating
Since this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s really no need to reheat it. If you’ve stowed your leftovers in the fridge, simply give your Salad With Asian Dressing a gentle toss before serving and let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the Asian dressing up to three days ahead and keep it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop more depth as they sit, and you’ll have it ready for quick salads throughout the week.
What proteins work well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all fantastic additions to boost the protein content and turn your Salad With Asian Dressing into a more filling meal. You can also try adding edamame, steak, or even crispy baked tempeh.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes—just use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The rest of the salad is naturally vegan, and it’s already gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How can I make the dressing creamier?
For a creamy Asian dressing, simply whisk in 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt with the rest of your dressing ingredients. This delicious tweak gives the Salad With Asian Dressing a rich, luscious finish.
Can I use other nuts or seeds?
Definitely! Toasted cashews, peanuts, or even pumpkin seeds are great substitutes if you don’t have almonds on hand. Each brings its own unique texture and flavor, so feel free to play around and find your favorite combination.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a vibrant, crowd-pleasing Salad With Asian Dressing that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a show-stopping side, or a healthy addition to any feast, I promise this salad will win you over. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to recipe for every occasion!
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Salad With Asian Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh and vibrant Salad with Asian Dressing is a delightful mix of mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and shredded cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
Asian Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and toasted almonds.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sriracha if using until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein.
- For a creamier dressing, mix in 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
