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- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved - 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red or yellow) The mixed greens create a great base. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Romaine, spinach, and arugula each bring different tastes. Shredded carrots add sweetness and color. The red cabbage gives a vibrant look and a bite. Snap peas add a fresh crunch, while bell peppers bring a sweet and crisp taste. - 1/3 cup sesame oil - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup) The dressing is key to this salad. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds a salty umami taste. Rice vinegar brings brightness and tang. Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice. Honey or agave syrup balances the flavors with sweetness. This mix creates a dressing that is both rich and refreshing. - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped Toppings make this salad special. Green onions add a fresh bite and color. Toasted sesame seeds give a nutty crunch. Roasted peanuts add a hearty texture. Together, these toppings enhance the salad’s taste and presentation. Sprinkle them on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy this Crunchy Asian Sesame Salad as a great side dish or a light meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 4 cups of mixed greens, 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of finely shredded red cabbage, 1 cup of trimmed and halved snap peas, and 1/2 cup of thinly sliced bell peppers. These veggies add great color and crunch! Toss them gently to mix. This step helps blend the flavors and textures. Next, take a smaller bowl and whisk together the dressing ingredients. You will need 1/3 cup of sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk them well until they blend smoothly. A good tip: make sure to whisk fast enough to help the oil and vinegar mix well. This is called emulsification. Now, pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything together to coat the veggies evenly. You want each bite to be full of flavor! After that, add 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 cup of roughly chopped roasted peanuts. Toss again to mix everything. This adds an extra crunch! Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld, making your salad taste even better. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the flavors blend well. If you want a stronger taste, add a bit more soy sauce or honey. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Serve this salad in a large bowl for family-style meals. For individual servings, use small plates. To make it pretty, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top. You can also add chopped peanuts for extra crunch. Slices of avocado on top make it look fancy and tasty. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Wash and chop the mixed greens and veggies one day before. Store them in the fridge for easy access. When you’re ready to eat, just toss everything together. This way, you can enjoy your salad in no time. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest vegetables for the best flavor and crunch. Visit your local farmers' market for the best selection. Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the salad's crispness, dress the salad just before you’re ready to serve it. This prevents wilting. Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to substitute or add different nuts or seeds like cashews or sunflower seeds for a unique twist on texture. Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing. {{image_2}} You can change the mixed greens to suit your taste. Try kale or spinach. These greens add different flavors and textures. If you want a gluten-free dressing, swap soy sauce with tamari. You can also use coconut aminos. These options taste great and keep your salad safe for gluten-free diets. To make the salad heartier, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu. Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. For toppings, try adding chickpeas or edamame. Both options boost protein and add fun textures. This salad can take on flavors from different cuisines. Try adding some mango for a tropical twist. It brings sweetness and freshness to each bite. You can also add sriracha for a spicy kick. This adds heat and balances the salad's flavors. To keep your Crunchy Asian Sesame Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent wilting and keeps the veggies crisp. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You should not freeze the entire salad. Freezing can ruin the texture of fresh veggies. However, you can freeze some components like shredded carrots and red cabbage. Pack them tightly in freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. For meal prep, you can make the salad a day ahead. Chop and mix the vegetables, then store them in the fridge. Keep the dressing in a separate jar. This way, you can shake it up and pour it on just before serving. It ensures all the flavors stay bright and fresh. For Asian salad dressings, sesame oil is the best choice. It has a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the salad's taste. You can also use rice bran oil or avocado oil for a lighter touch. These oils blend well with the other ingredients. Each oil adds its unique flavor to your dish, giving you options. Yes, you can easily make this salad gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is made without wheat. Check labels on sesame oil and other sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without worry. To turn this salad vegan, swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. Both options work well and keep the sweetness. Make sure your soy sauce is vegan, as some brands may use animal products. This way, you can enjoy a tasty and plant-based version of the salad. This blog post covers how to create a Crunchy Asian Sesame Salad. We discussed main ingredients like mixed greens, snap peas, and bell peppers. I shared how to make a simple dressing with sesame oil and ginger. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and presentation. There are tasty protein options for variation and meal prep advice for storage. Now, you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy salad that's easy to make. Happy salad making!

Crunchy Asian Sesame Salad

A refreshing salad with mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sesame dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, and arugula)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 1 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (red or yellow)
  • 1 4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 4 cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 3 cup sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, red cabbage, snap peas, and bell peppers. Toss gently to combine.
  • In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and honey until well mixed.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly.
  • Add the chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and roasted peanuts; toss again to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavor as needed.
  • Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped peanuts.
Keyword healthy, salad, vegetarian