Ultimate Crunchy Asian Salad

Ingredients

For the salad

• 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

• 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 large carrot, julienned or grated

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 3 green onions, sliced

• ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• ½ cup chopped roasted almonds (optional)

For the Asian dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil or neutral vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the cabbage, cucumber, carrot, and green onions. Shred the cabbage, cut the carrot into thin strips, slice the cucumber, and chop the onions.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and black pepper until combined.

3. Combine the salad: Place the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and green onions in a large bowl.

4. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly so everything is lightly coated.

5. Add the crunchy toppings: Sprinkle in the sesame seeds, crispy noodles or wonton strips, and optional chopped almonds.

6. Finish and serve: Toss gently one last time and serve immediately while the toppings are crunchy.

Quick tips

• Keep it crunchy: Add the dressing and crispy toppings just before serving.

• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame.

• Adjust sweetness: Add more honey for a sweeter dressing or extra rice vinegar for more tang.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free crunchy toppings.

Nutrition information (approximate)

Per serving, based on 6 servings with almonds and crispy toppings:

Nutrition varies according to the dressing, toppings, and portion size.

Nut information

• Contains: Sesame; soy if using soy sauce.

• Optional tree nuts: Almonds.

• Nut-free option: Omit the almonds and use extra crispy noodles or roasted pumpkin seeds, if suitable for your dietary needs.

• Allergy precaution: Check packaged toppings, soy sauce, and crispy noodles for allergen and cross-contact warnings.

Serving suggestion: Serve alongside grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or vegetable spring rolls for a delicious meal.