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Crunchy Asian Salad

Crunchy Asian Salad Recipe

Crunchy Asian salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish featuring shredded cabbage, colorful vegetables, and crispy toppings like toasted almonds or noodles, all tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing for a perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and freshness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
0 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 141
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients:
  • 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 6 oz 175g bean sprouts
  • 6 scallions thinly sliced on a diagonal
  • 1 green bell pepper halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Dressing Ingredients:
  • 3 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove crushed
  • ½ in 1cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • ½ tsp granulated sugar or to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing your vegetables, starting with 1 head of iceberg or romaine lettuce. Tear the lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
  2. Add 6 oz (175g) of bean sprouts, 6 scallions that have been thinly sliced on a diagonal, and 1 green bell pepper that has been halved, seeded, and thinly sliced. Toss all these ingredients together to combine and create an even distribution of vegetables throughout the bowl.
  3. While the vegetables are being prepared, make the dressing to guarantee all flavors meld together properly.
  4. In a separate bowl or jar, combine 3 tbsp of sunflower or olive oil with 1 tsp of sesame oil, 1 tbsp of white wine vinegar, 1 crushed garlic clove, and ½ in (1cm) of fresh ginger that has been peeled and grated.
  5. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly, then season to taste with ½ tsp of granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the sugar, salt, and pepper as needed to achieve your preferred balance of flavors.
  6. To finish the salad, pour the dressing over the lettuce and vegetable mixture and toss everything together until the greens and vegetables are evenly coated.
  7. Transfer to serving plates or bowls, then sprinkle 2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor. Serve immediately while the vegetables are still crisp and the sesame seeds maintain their texture.

Notes

Korean-Inspired Crunchy Asian Salad

Take your crunchy Asian salad to the next level with bold Korean flavors that transform this simple dish into something extraordinary. This variation features the classic crisp cabbage and fresh vegetables, but the magic happens in the dressing. Instead of traditional sesame-ginger, you'll use gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a gentle heat, combined with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for balance. Add kimchi for authentic fermented tang and extra crunch, then top with toasted sesame seeds and crispy seaweed strips. The result is a vibrant salad that captures the essence of Korean cuisine with its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. Serve it alongside Korean barbecue, grilled meats, or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing, flavor-packed meal.