Asian Salad Recipe are celebrated across cuisines for their vibrant colors, diverse textures, and harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Unlike traditional leafy green salads, an Asian chopped salad offers a crunchier, more dynamic bite—thanks to ingredients like shredded cabbage, crisp vegetables, and toasted nuts.
This healthy Asian salad recipe is light yet satisfying. It combines fresh, finely sliced vegetables with a bold, savory-sweet dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Optional add-ins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu provide protein, making it suitable for a quick lunch, hearty dinner, or potluck favorite.
What makes this salad even more appealing is its versatility. You can swap ingredients to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s already in your fridge. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet, aiming for a low-carb lunch, or just craving a colorful side dish, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Inspired by both East Asian and Southeast Asian flavor profiles, this dish serves as a delicious base for fusion meals. If you enjoy experimenting with flavor-packed meals, you’ll also love our lunch salad variations and quick dinner bowls that complement this recipe beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Salad Recipe
This Asian salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. The combination of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing makes it a perfect side dish or a light main course. For those interested in exploring variations, YummyIt’s guide to lunch salad recipes offers insightful tips on enhancing salads with hearty ingredients.
Additionally, if you’re a fan of incorporating grains into your meals, YummyIt’s collection of dinners with rice recipes provides inspiration for creating Asian-inspired dishes at home.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cups shredded Napa cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup shelled edamame (cooked and cooled)
1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
1 cup crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles
For the Dressing: Asian Salad Recipe
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
Instructions For Asian Salad Recipe
Prepare the Vegetables
To begin, prep your Asian salad vegetables for maximum crunch and freshness. In a large salad bowl, combine:
2 cups shredded Napa cabbage – known for its mild flavor and tender texture
1 cup shredded red cabbage – adds vibrant color and heartiness
1 cup julienned carrots – for natural sweetness and crunch
1/2 cup sliced green onions – gives sharpness and a savory punch
1/2 cup chopped cilantro – delivers herbaceous, zesty flavor
1 cup cooked, shelled edamame – offers plant-based protein and satisfying texture
For the best results, use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to create thin, uniform cuts. This not only improves presentation but also ensures the salad is evenly coated once dressed. If preparing in advance, store vegetables in the fridge wrapped in paper towels to prevent moisture buildup.
Make the Dressing: Asian Salad Recipe
The heart of this Asian chopped salad recipe is its homemade sesame ginger dressing, which balances acidity, sweetness, and heat. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
1/4 cup rice vinegar – brings light tanginess
2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds savory umami depth
1 tablespoon sesame oil – imparts nutty aroma
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – for balanced sweetness
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger – energizes the flavor with warm spice
1 minced garlic clove – sharpens the flavor profile
1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce – optional, for heat lovers
Whisk vigorously for 30–60 seconds until the dressing emulsifies. You can also make this dressing in a mason jar and shake it vigorously to save cleanup time.
Looking for more homemade dressing ideas? Try this garlic vinaigrette from this salad collection.
Assemble the Salad
Once your veggies and dressing are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables, starting with about three-quarters of it. Toss gently using salad tongs or clean hands to ensure even coating. Taste and add the remaining dressing if needed.
Let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak slightly into the vegetables—this enhances the flavor without sacrificing texture.
Add Crunch
Right before serving, add your crunchy toppings. These are essential for texture contrast and flavor depth. Sprinkle:
1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts – roasted for best flavor
1 cup crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles – add irresistible crunch
To elevate the presentation, layer the salad in individual bowls and top each serving with an extra sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds.
If you’re preparing this for a crowd, consider keeping the toppings on the side so guests can customize their portions.
Variations and Additions
This Asian salad recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are flavorful ways to personalize it:
Protein Boost: Asian Salad Recipe
Transform your salad into a full meal by adding high-protein toppings:
Grilled chicken breast – seasoned with a light soy marinade
Pan-seared shrimp – marinated in garlic and lime
Crispy tofu – cubed, seasoned, and air-fried for a vegan alternative
For inspiration, visit our dinner recipes with chicken breast to find pairings that complement this salad perfectly.
Fruit Twist
Add fresh fruit for a burst of sweetness that complements the savory dressing:
Mandarin orange segments – for citrusy brightness
Diced mango – adds tropical sweetness and silky texture
Fresh pineapple chunks – balances spicy notes with acidity
Fruits pair especially well when using a slightly spicier dressing variation.
Nutty Flavor: Asian Salad Recipe
Diversify the salad’s profile with different nut and seed options:
Roasted cashews – buttery and rich
Sunflower seeds – perfect for nut-free diets
Peanut-based dressing – a creamier option made by adding natural peanut butter to the base dressing
These additions offer more crunch and help turn your salad into a power-packed meal.
Spice Level
Tailor the heat to your audience:
Use sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes for extra kick
Swap sriracha with gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a fermented edge
For a milder salad, omit chili altogether and focus on ginger and garlic
Serving Suggestions For Asian Salad Recipe
This refreshing Asian salad can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or preparing a quick lunch, it pairs beautifully with multiple cuisines and meals.
Balanced Plate Options
Pair with grilled miso salmon or teriyaki chicken skewers
Serve as a starter for Korean BBQ or Thai noodles
Layer over a bowl of jasmine or brown rice for a heartier bowl meal
For easy pairing, explore our dinners with rice recipe roundup to complete your menu.
Portable and Light Ideas
Serve chilled in a bento box for an on-the-go lunch
Wrap in rice paper with shrimp and herbs for quick Asian-style spring rolls
Top with crispy tofu and sesame seeds for a vegan entrée
Soup Pairings
Want a warm side? This salad pairs perfectly with:
Miso soup
Tom yum (Thai hot and sour soup)
Chicken wonton soup
The cool crunch of the salad contrasts beautifully with steamy, savory broths.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing an Asian salad in advance is not only possible—it’s a smart strategy for saving time and preserving freshness, especially for meal prep or hosting events. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Prep Ahead
You can prepare most of the salad ingredients ahead of time. Chop and slice the vegetables—like Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions—and store them in an airtight container. For best results:
Wrap the vegetables in dry paper towels before sealing to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
Keep the chopped herbs (like cilantro) in a separate container to maintain their brightness.
This prep method keeps your salad base fresh and crunchy for up to 48 hours.
Dressing Storage: Asian Salad Recipe
The Asian sesame ginger dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated in a sealed jar or container.
Shake or stir well before using, as ingredients may separate slightly over time.
Stored properly, your homemade Asian salad dressing will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
For easy access, keep the jar in the fridge door and label it with the date.
Making dressing ahead also allows flavors like ginger, soy sauce, and garlic to meld, enhancing the taste.
Assemble Just Before Serving
To avoid a soggy salad, always combine the dressing and vegetables just before serving. This ensures the cabbage remains crisp and the textures contrast beautifully.
Add crunchy toppings like wonton strips or nuts at the very end to maintain maximum crunch.
If you’re packing the salad for lunch, keep the dressing and toppings in separate containers.
FAQs
What ingredients are in Asian salad?
A: A typical Asian salad features a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and crunchy toppings. Common Asian salad ingredients include:
Shredded Napa cabbage and red cabbage
Julienned carrots
Green onions, cilantro, and edamame
Almonds, peanuts, or cashews
Crunchy additions like wonton strips or chow mein noodles
The salad is usually tossed in a sesame ginger dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. Optional proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for a more filling meal.
What are the 5 basic types of salads?
A: Understanding the different types of salads can help you diversify your meals and create balanced nutrition. The five basic categories include:
Green Salads – made with leafy greens like romaine, arugula, or spinach
Vegetable Salads – composed mostly of chopped raw or cooked vegetables
Bound Salads – typically made with a starchy binder like mayo (e.g., potato or chicken salad)
Fruit Salads – mixtures of various fresh fruits, often with a citrus dressing
Combination Salads – combine elements of the above (like an Asian salad with protein, greens, and veggies)
Asian chopped salads often fall into the combination salad category due to their mix of greens, protein, nuts, and complex dressings.
What’s in a Japanese salad?
A: A Japanese salad generally includes a mix of:
Shredded cabbage
Cucumbers, radishes, and sometimes seaweed
Light carrot matchsticks
Toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crispy onions
The dressing is often a classic wafu dressing, made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. It’s lighter than other Asian-style dressings and pairs well with seafood or tofu.
What salad dressing is in the Asian salad kit?
A: Most Asian salad kits sold in grocery stores include a pre-made sesame ginger dressing or soy sesame vinaigrette. These dressings often contain:
Soy sauce
Vinegar (usually rice or apple cider)
Sesame oil
Brown sugar or honey
Ginger and garlic
Sometimes miso, mustard, or chili paste for extra flavor
Conclusion
This Asian salad recipe stands out not just for its bold flavors, but also for its incredible versatility. With its crisp vegetables, protein-packed options, and that signature sesame ginger dressing, it’s a dish that can adapt to any dietary preference or occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a healthy lunch, a vibrant side for your next dinner party, or a light but satisfying main dish, this salad delivers both nutrition and satisfaction. Its customizable nature makes it ideal for families, meal prep routines, and even festive gatherings.
To make the most of this dish, try rotating seasonal vegetables, experimenting with different nuts or seeds, and pairing it with dishes like Asian-style grilled chicken or rice-based meals from our growing recipe collection.
Delicious, quick to assemble, and bursting with texture and taste—this is more than a salad. It’s a staple you’ll return to again and again.
