Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Dressing is a fresh and crunchy blend of vibrant vegetables tossed in a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. It’s perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish that comes together quickly.

Ingredients
- 1 medium head romaine lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups purple cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrot
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 3 green onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 2/3 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 batch Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing, either fresh or ahead of time and chilled until ready.
- Step 2: Chop the romaine lettuce and purple cabbage into small pieces for easy serving, then place them in a large bowl with the julienned carrots.
- Step 3: Slice the sugar snap peas and green onions, dice the red bell pepper, and roughly chop the cilantro. Add all to the bowl with the other vegetables.
- Step 4: Stir in the roasted peanuts and pour the dressing over top. Toss thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra sesame seeds, additional peanuts, or fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Substitute roasted cashews for peanuts for a different crunch.
- Use Napa cabbage instead of purple cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Make the dressing spicier by adding a dash of sriracha or chili flakes.
Storage
Store the salad separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp. Leftovers can be gently reheated if added protein is included but are best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but keep them separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crispness.
What can I use if I don’t have roasted peanuts?
Roasted cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds are good alternatives that still add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
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Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Chopped Salad featuring a colorful mix of romaine, purple cabbage, sugar snap peas, and bell pepper, all tossed in a flavorful homemade Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing. Topped with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for an irresistible, refreshing dish perfect as a light meal or side.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium head romaine lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups purple cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup julienned carrot
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2/3 cup roasted peanuts
Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Chop the lettuce and cabbage: Finely chop the romaine lettuce and purple cabbage into small, bite-sized pieces to make the salad easy to scoop and eat. Transfer them to a large salad bowl along with the julienned carrots.
- Slice and dice additional vegetables: Slice the sugar snap peas and green onions thinly. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Add all these vegetables to the bowl with the lettuce and cabbage.
- Add the peanuts and dressing: Sprinkle the roasted peanuts over the salad. Pour the prepared Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing evenly on top.
- Toss and serve: Toss the salad thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients in the dressing. Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds, more chopped peanuts, or additional cilantro as desired before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- You can prepare the dressing ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days for convenience.
- Toast peanuts yourself for fresher flavor by heating in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- If sugar snap peas are unavailable, substitute with snow peas or thinly sliced green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Asian chopped salad, sesame dressing salad, crunchy salad recipe, healthy Asian salad, no-cook salad

