Get ready for an explosion of flavor with this vibrant Asian side salad recipe!
This easy-to-make dish features a tantalizing dressing and a symphony of fresh, crunchy textures that will elevate any meal.
Are you ready to discover the secrets to creating this irresistible side?
Why This Recipe Works
This salad nails the balance – that's why it's a total winner. It's not just some random greens thrown together; it's a carefully crafted mix of flavors and textures. The crisp veggies play so well with the tangy-sweet dressing, and frankly, it's a flavor explosion. The crunchy texture elevates this salad beyond the ordinary.
You know when you find a recipe that just works every single time? That's this salad. I'm telling you, your Asian food nights are about to get a major upgrade!
Key Ingredients
Now, let's chat about what really makes this salad tick – the key ingredients you'll need!
For the dressing, I use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, but not the dark stuff – regular or light is fine. Add 3 tablespoons of peanut oil for that authentic Asian vibe! Two tablespoons of rice vinegar brighten it up; apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. A teaspoon each of sesame oil, brown sugar and ginger minced makes it sing—garlic too. The dressing could also be used as a glaze for delicious main dishes like salmon.
The salad itself? I grab 120g of mixed greens. Cherry tomatoes – 250g, halved—give it a juicy pop. Half a red onion, thinly sliced, adds bite. And don't forget 1/4 cup of crispy fried shallots for crunch! If you can't find them, grab roughly chopped nuts like cashews or almonds!
Simple Steps
Let's get started; assembling this Asian side salad is as easy as pie! First, I'm gonna show you how to make the dressing—it's super simple. Grab a jar, and I want you to toss in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of peanut oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you don't have rice vinegar), 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Got it? Now, shake that jar like you mean it until everything's mixed well.
Next, I'm going to grab a bowl. I want you to add in 120g of mixed salad greens and 250g of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 of a finely sliced red onion. Now, I want you to drizzle with the dressing, and toss! Don't forget to sprinkle 1/4 cup of crispy fried shallots, or chopped nuts if you don't have shallots.
Serving Suggestions
We have an awesome salad all set to go, so how should you serve it up? Don't overthink it! This Asian Side Salad is super versatile.
I think it's best served immediately, right after you toss it with the dressing and sprinkle those crispy fried shallots on top – yum! If you let it sit too long, the greens might get a little soggy, and nobody wants that, right?
Consider it a fantastic sidekick for your favorite Asian dishes. Think Chinese BBQ Pork—delish! Or Thai Chicken Satay; it adds a fresh contrast! It also pairs well with Chicken Fried Rice.
I love this salad for its adaptability. It's right at home whether you're indulging in a spicy curry or enjoying some lighter fare. Just remember to serve it fresh!
Nutritional Information
Now, let's talk macros. You've got 8 grams of carbs (just 3%!), 2 grams of protein (power!), and 13 grams of fat (some of which are the healthy kind!).
But wait, there's more! This salad's packing Vitamin A (62%!), Vitamin C (29%!), and even a bit of calcium and iron. Plus, there's some fiber – important for keeping things moving, if you know what I mean! You'll get only 3 grams of sugar. Not too shabby for a tasty side!
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Serving Size: 6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bag (5 oz) Asian salad mix
Instructions:
- Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Toss salad mix with dressing right before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2g