Easy Asian Salad (with Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing)

Name: Easy Asian Salad (with Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups purple cabbage (shredded); 3 cups green cabbage (shredded); 2 cups Napa cabbage (thinly sliced); 1 ½ cups carrots (shredded); 4 Persian cucumbers (halved then sliced); 6 green onions (finely chopped); ½ cup cilantro (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; ¼ cup peanuts (chopped (roasted and unsalted)); 2 tablespoons white miso; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 large lime (juiced); ¼ cup light soy sauce; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup toasted sesame oil; ¼ cup kewpie mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ginger paste

This Asian Salad comes together in 15 minutes and requires no cooking! It features a vibrant medley of crisp, colorful veggies and a creamy miso ginger dressing. With the addition of crunchy peanuts, it’s perfect as a refreshing side or a light main course.

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Why this recipe works

This Asian salad recipe is just the thing to make when you’re looking for a twist on your usual greens. With three types of cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumbers, green onions, and cilantro, it’s ultra-crispy, hydrating, and fresh.

I always add a generous handful of sesame seeds and peanuts for rich flavors and extra crunch. Once tossed with a quick and easy homemade miso ginger dressing, it turns out creamy, zesty, and savory.

No special equipment is needed either, just a bowl for mixing and a jar for the dressing! This recipe is ideal for health-conscious eaters or anyone looking for a refreshing, nutritious meal. It’s great for a quick lunch or as a light main with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or shrimp.

Ingredients

Purple Cabbage: Offers a slightly peppery flavor and adds a pop of color.
Green Cabbage: Has a more subtle taste, contributing a crunchy texture and freshness.
Napa Cabbage: Known for its sweet and mild flavor, it adds a delicate texture.
Carrots: Bring a hint of sweetness, color, and a satisfying crunch.
Persian Cucumbers: Known for their crisp texture and mild flavor, they add freshness without overwhelming the salad.
Green Onions: Offer a delicate onion flavor, adding depth without too much sharpness.
Cilantro: Provides a bright, citrusy note that pairs well with the ginger dressing.
Sesame Seeds: Add a subtle nutty flavor and a slight crunch. White or black sesame seeds both work well here.
Peanuts: Contribute a rich, nutty taste and an additional crunch. I recommend using roasted but unsalted peanuts to prevent an overly salty taste.

Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing

White Miso: Brings a salty, umami flavor that’s not overpowering.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild acidity, balancing the richness of the oils and miso.
Lime: Offers a bright, citrusy zing to the dressing.
Light Soy Sauce: Provides a savory depth, enhancing the overall umami flavor without making the sauce too salty.
Olive Oil & Sesame Oil: Both oils give the dressing a smooth base, with the sesame oil adding a distinctively toasty flavor. Look for toasted sesame oil in the international aisle of grocery stores or at your local Asian food market.
Kewpie Mayonnaise: Contributes a creamier texture and sweeter flavor than regular mayo. You should be able to find it at your local Asian food market.
Ginger Paste: Adds a spicy, warm kick that complements the other dressing ingredients.

Instructions

Prep the Veggies: Begin by shredding the purple and green cabbage, thinly slicing the napa cabbage, and shredding the carrots. Then, halve and slice the Persian cucumbers, and finely chop the green onions and cilantro.
Combine the Dressing: In a mason jar, add the white miso, rice vinegar, lime juice, light soy sauce, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, kewpie mayonnaise, and ginger paste. Secure the lid and shake well until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, layer the shredded vegetables, cucumber slices, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Sprinkle sesame seeds and roasted peanuts on top for an added crunch.
Dress and Toss: When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the creamy miso ginger dressing over the salad. Toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is coated with the dressing.

Substitutions & Variations

Cabbage: Bok choy can be used as an alternative in this Asian salad, offering a similar texture and a slightly different flavor.
Carrot: Jicama can replace carrots, providing crunch and a mild, sweet taste.
Cucumber: English cucumbers can be used instead of Persian cucumbers.
Green Onion: Chives can be used for a similar onion flavor with a more delicate texture.
Cilantro: If you don’t enjoy cilantro, parsley or basil are other great options.
Nuts & Seeds: Sunflower seeds can provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor. For a nut-free option, roasted chickpeas offer a crunchy texture and a boost of protein.
Soy-Free: For a soy-free option, chickpea miso can replace white miso, providing a similar umami flavor without soy.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo will also work. Or, Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter, tangier version of the dressing.

Storing

Keep your Asian salad fresh and crunchy with these simple storage tips:

Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing the salad as the fresh veggies will become soggy when thawed. Similarly, the dressing will likely separate, so it’s best to keep it in the fridge.

Expert Tips

Dry the Veggies: Make sure your veggies are dry before tossing them in the salad to prevent a watery dressing.
Herb Handling: Add delicate herbs like cilantro just before serving to maintain their freshness and color.
Toasted Nuts: Make sure the peanuts are roasted, or toast them yourself for the best flavor.
Dress Before Serving: Add the dressing right before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Chill the Salad: Serve your Asian salad chilled to enhance the flavors and freshness.

FAQs

Is this Asian salad gluten-free?

This Asian salad is not gluten-free as written because the dressing contains soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos.

Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Of course! Some of my favorite veggies to add to this salad include edamame, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and bean sprouts.

Can I make this Asian salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the veggies ahead and store them in the fridge. However, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the veggies.

If you loved this Asian salad recipe, you have to try some popular salad recipes like these:

If you try this Asian Salad, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please rate and review the recipe in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!

Easy Asian Salad (with Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing)

4.6 from 5 votes

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Author: Lena Gladstone

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This Asian Salad comes together in 15 minutes and requires no cooking! It features a vibrant medley of crisp, colorful veggies and a creamy miso ginger dressing. With the addition of crunchy peanuts, it’s perfect as a refreshing side or a light main course.

Equipment