Enjoy this crunchy and flavorful easy Asian salad recipe with sesame dressing! Fresh veggies like lettuce, cabbage, and carrots are tossed in a tantalizing sesame vinaigrette for the perfect light lunch or side dish.

I love anything with Asian sesame flavoring! You can do a cursory search in this blog and you will easily find several recipes with Asian sesame in them whether in seed form, oil-based or both. Most of my Korean dishes are sesame-based and that’s why I love to cook Korean food!

While my favorite Korean dishes can be eaten with just plain rice, hubby always prefers to have a simple salad on the side. This is where this quick and easy recipe for chopped Asian salad with an equally easy Asian salad dressing comes in so handy!

With its perfect blend of fresh veggies, crunchy textures, and a tasty sesame dressing, this salad is sure to become your new favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or as a tasty side dish for your next gathering.

Why You Would Love This Recipe

The simplicity, fresh crunch, distinct Asian flavors from the sesame dressing, and versatility as a main or side make this Asian cabbage and carrot salad a standout and craveable recipe.

Ingredients for Easy Asian Salad with Sesame Dressing

Chopped Lettuce: The foundation of any good salad, crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and a canvas for the other flavors to shine.

Shredded Red Cabbage: Not only does red cabbage add a beautiful pop of color, but it also provides a satisfying crunch and a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.

Shredded Carrots: These vibrant orange shreds offer a sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a boost of vitamin A and fiber.

Chopped Green Onions: The mild onion flavor and fresh aroma of green onions add depth and complexity to the salad.

For the Asian Sesame Dressing

While the salad ingredients are undoubtedly delicious on their own, the real star of the show is the sesame dressing. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dressing is made with just a few pantry staples:

Rice Vinegar: Providing a subtle tanginess, rice vinegar is the perfect acidic component to balance the richness of the sesame oil.

Sesame Seeds: Not only do these tiny seeds add a nutty aroma and flavor, but they also contribute a delightful crunch to the dressing.

Sesame Oil: The key ingredient that gives this dressing its distinctive Asian flair, sesame oil imparts a rich, toasted flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch of sweetness helps to round out the flavors and balance the acidity of the vinegar.

Salt and Pepper: These classic seasoning staples enhance and tie all the flavors together. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

How to Assemble the Asian Salad

One of the best things about this easy Asian salad is just how simple it is to prepare. Here’s how you can have this delicious dish on your table in no time:

Start by washing and chopping the lettuce, shredding the red cabbage and carrots, and slicing the green onions. Toss them all together in a large salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the veggies evenly.

That’s it! Your easy Asian salad with sesame dressing is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as a light main course or as a refreshing side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad holds up well, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing, and enjoy!

Can I substitute the sesame oil?
While sesame oil is a key ingredient in this dressing, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil if you don’t have sesame oil on hand. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! This salad would be delicious with the addition of grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra boost of protein.

How long does the dressing last?
The sesame dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using it to recombine the ingredients.

Can I make this Asian salad vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make this salad completely vegan-friendly.

With its fresh and crunchy veggies, delicious sesame dressing, and endless versatility, this easy Asian salad is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So why not give it a try tonight and experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures for yourself? Your taste buds (and your family or guests) will thank you!