The Chopped Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing is more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold, satisfying flavors. With its combination of crisp vegetables, crunchy toppings, and a rich, creamy peanut dressing, this salad is perfect as a healthy lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering
Why Chopped?
Chopped salads have gained popularity for their simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional salads, where large leaves and whole vegetables are tossed together, a chopped salad is all about uniformity. Each ingredient is finely chopped or shredded, ensuring that every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This style of salad is not only easier to eat but also allows the dressing to evenly coat each piece, making every forkful delicious.
In a Chopped Asian Salad, the vegetables are the stars. Think crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and vibrant bell peppers, all chopped into bite-sized pieces. These ingredients provide a satisfying crunch and a refreshing contrast to the creamy peanut dressing. The salad is then topped with a variety of add-ins, such as edamame, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs, making it a textural delight.
Versatile Peanut Dressing
What truly sets this salad apart is the peanut dressing. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, peanut dressing is the perfect companion to the crisp vegetables in this salad. Made from a base of peanut butter, this dressing is infused with the bold flavors of apple cider vinegar, ginger and maple syrup. The result is a dressing that’s rich and savory with just the right amount of zing.
One of the best things about peanut dressing is its versatility. It’s perfect for this Chopped Asian Salad, it can also be used as a dip for spring rolls, a sauce for noodles, or even a marinade for tofu. Making a batch of this dressing can elevate many dishes in your culinary repertoire.
How to Make Asian Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups cabbage, thinly chopped (green, purple or both)
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup edamame, frozen and thawed
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
- ⅓ cup green onion, chopped
- ½ cup slivered almonds
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (this can be omitted but provides unique flavor)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1 – Chop
Begin by chopping all vegetables accordingly. Then set them aside.
Step 2 – Combine Dressing
In a small jar or container, combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk them until they are fully blended.
Step 3 – Mix Salad
Next add the salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl: cabbage, carrots, edamame, red bell pepper, cilantro, green onion and almonds.
Step 4 – Pour Dressing
Finally, pour the dressing evenly over all salad ingredients. Toss the salad and dressing until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5 – Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Storing Asian Salad
To prepare this salad in advance, chop all of the veggies and place them in an airtight container. Make the dressing in a separate container, and store everything in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss the dressing with the salad ingredients. Once the salad is dressed, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Substitutions for Asian Salad
This salad is very versatile and serves as a solid base for adding in some of your favorite ingredients. Try adding fresh cucumbers, avocado, sugar snap peas, roasted broccoli or chickpeas. If you plan to add more ingredients, consider doubling the dressing recipe so that the salad is nicely coated. For the dressing, feel free to use any of your favorite nut or seed butters. And, if you like a little heat you can easily add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to your dressing as well.
More Plant Based Salad Recipes
If you like this recipe, you’ll love these plant based salad ideas too:
- Vegan Potato Salad: Simple and Creamy
- Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- BBQ Chickpea Salad
- Creamy Italian Salad Dressing (Oil-Free)
- Black Bean Corn Salad with Avocado
Asian Salad
Fresh and vibrant, this Chopped Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing combines crisp veggies, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce for a delicious and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cabbage, thinly chopped (green, purple or both)
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup edamame, frozen and thawed
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
- ⅓ cup green onion, chopped
- ½ cup slivered almonds
Dressing
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (can be omitted but provides unique flavor)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables accordingly. Set aside.
- In a small jar or container, combine all of the dressing ingredients. Whisk ingredients until fully blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the salad ingredients: cabbage, carrots, edamame, red bell pepper, cilantro, green onion and almonds.
- Pour dressing evenly over salad ingredients. Toss salad and dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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