Name: Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce; ½ cup edamame (shelled); ½ cup sliced almonds; ½ cup mandarin oranges (optional); 2 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

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If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and crunchy salad that bursts with flavor in every bite, this Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Combining crisp cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, and nutty almonds with a luscious sesame dressing, this salad is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and the kind of dish that brings a bright, zesty energy to any meal or gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with a different chopped ingredient. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise: a bowl of shredded light green lettuce, a bowl of finely chopped white and light green cabbage with some red bits, a bowl of chopped dark green leaves, a bowl of bright green peas, a bowl of pale yellow shredded vegetable (possibly cabbage), a bowl of small green beans or edamame, a bowl of chopped bright red tomatoes, and a bowl of a dark brown liquid sauce in the center. The colors are fresh and vibrant, and the glass bowls allow a clear view of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether by adding crunch, sweetness, or that essential hint of savory umami that’s hard to resist. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this colorful salad to life:

3 cups shredded cabbage: The crunchy base that brings great texture and a mild, fresh flavor.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
1 cup chopped romaine: Refreshes the salad with its tender, crisp bite.
½ cup edamame: Packs a protein punch and a satisfying, slightly nutty flavor.
½ cup sliced almonds: Provides crunch and a toasty depth when garnished on top.
½ cup mandarin oranges (optional): For a juicy, citrusy sweetness that elevates the salad’s complexity.
2 green onions, sliced: Adds mild pungency and a fresh, oniony zest.
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, umami base that pulls all the flavors together.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A gentle acidity that cuts through and brightens every bite.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dressing with a warm, nutty aroma—absolutely essential.
1 tablespoon honey: Balances the dressing with just the right touch of natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick that livens up the dressing.
Optional: sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables

Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots finely—they create the crunchy foundation that gives this salad its characteristic texture. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces to add leafy freshness, then slice the green onions thinly for that sharp, fresh pop.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped romaine, edamame, and mandarin oranges if you’re using them. Every element should be evenly distributed so that every forkful delivers a delightful medley of flavors.

Step 3: Whisk the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger until the honey dissolves completely and the dressing feels smooth and aromatic. This dressing is where the magic happens—it’s tangy, sweet, and nutty all at once.

Step 4: Toss Salad and Finish with Garnishes

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat every piece beautifully. Finally, sprinkle sliced almonds and optional sesame seeds on top to add a delightful crunch and to boost both flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

A colorful salad displayed on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The base layer is bright green chopped leafy greens covering the entire plate. On top, there are scattered small cubes of yellow mango or squash, orange carrot ribbons, light beige chickpeas, finely diced red onion, and tiny pieces of bright green herbs spread evenly. The mix of colors creates a fresh, vibrant look with varied textures from soft cubes to crunchy ribbons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Extra sliced almonds and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only add crunch but also a lovely nutty aroma that complements the salad perfectly. Thinly sliced fresh chili or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also add some exciting flavor layers.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want to add protein, making for a satisfying main course. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or light dumplings for a full Asian-inspired meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups or stack it in individual clear glasses layered with extra mandarins and almonds for pretty, portable servings at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep the greens fresh and prevent the almonds from getting soggy. When combined right before serving, the salad stays crisp and lively.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The raw vegetables and dressing do not freeze well and can become watery and limp upon thawing.

Reheating

As a refreshing cold salad, reheating is not necessary and may compromise its vibrant texture. Just give it a good toss with fresh ingredients to revive the flavors before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! The Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as long as you use honey alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar for the dressing.

What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?

If mandarin oranges are not available, canned pineapple chunks or fresh orange segments work beautifully to provide a citrusy sweetness that brightens the salad.

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Definitely! Cashews or chopped peanuts also add great crunch and flavor, just make sure to adjust quantities and toast them lightly for best results.

Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?

Yes, you can easily swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this salad gluten-free and full of savory goodness.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

When stored properly, the salad ingredients last up to two days in the refrigerator, but for optimal crunch, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe is such a delight, combining bright colors, irresistible textures, and flavors that sing harmoniously together. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad is a fantastic choice—easy to make, satisfying, and honestly so fun to eat. Go ahead and try it—you might find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again!

Chef MARTHA

Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need