Crispy Asian Chopped Salad
Delight in this vibrant and refreshing Crispy Asian Chopped Salad, perfect for gatherings and potlucks. Packed with an array of textures and flavors, this salad features crunchy vegetables, savory water chestnuts, and a delightful mix of nuts, all topped off with crispy chow mein noodles. The tangy dressing balances the sweetness of sugar with a hint of umami, making every bite a flavor explosion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (torn into bite-sized pieces)
Chopped scallion
1/2-3/4 cup (white and light green parts)
Sliced water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
Shredded carrot
1/2 cup (freshly shredded)
Chow mein noodles
3/4 cup (crisp)
Coarsely chopped cashews
1/2 cup (lightly roasted)
Toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Oil
1/3 cup (any neutral oil)
Cider vinegar
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
Instant minced onion
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (for dressing)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn lettuce, chopped scallions, sliced water chestnuts, shredded carrot, chow mein noodles, and chopped cashews. Toss gently to mix.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the oil, cider vinegar, sugar, instant minced onion, garlic powder, salt, dry mustard, tarragon, and white pepper until the mixture is well blended.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Finish by sprinkling the toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Crispy Asian Chopped Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crunchy vegetables, savory water chestnuts, nuts, and crispy chow mein noodles topped with a tangy dressing.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
This salad includes torn lettuce, chopped scallions, sliced water chestnuts, and freshly shredded carrots.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal by-products.
Is the Crispy Asian Chopped Salad vegan?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are plant-based, making this salad suitable for a vegan diet.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from a combination of fresh vegetables, roasted cashews, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy chow mein noodles.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing in advance, but you should wait to add the noodles and dressing until just before serving to keep everything crispy.
What kind of dressing is used for this salad?
The dressing is a homemade blend of oil, cider vinegar, sugar, and various seasonings like dry mustard and tarragon.
What kind of nuts are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped, lightly roasted cashews.
How do I prepare the sesame seeds?
The sesame seeds should be toasted before being sprinkled on top of the salad as a garnish.
Can I substitute the cashews?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
What are chow mein noodles?
Chow mein noodles in this context are fried, crunchy noodles often found in the Asian food aisle of grocery stores.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients used to make both the salad and the dressing.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Any neutral oil, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, works well for this dressing.
Is this salad good for potlucks?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for gatherings and potlucks because of its crowd-pleasing textures and flavors.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more substantial main course.
How should I prepare the lettuce?
One head of lettuce should be washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
What type of onion is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses one tablespoon of instant minced onion for flavor.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
No, this particular recipe uses garlic powder in the dressing for a more uniform flavor distribution.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is tangy and sweet with savory herbal notes from tarragon and dry mustard.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, standard chow mein noodles contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free noodle alternative.
How do I prepare the water chestnuts?
Use one 8-ounce can of sliced water chestnuts, making sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the salad.
What gives the salad its umami flavor?
The combination of cashews, sesame seeds, and the savory spices in the dressing provides a hint of umami.
Is the dressing sweet?
Yes, the dressing contains 1/3 cup of sugar, which balances the acidity of the cider vinegar.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly shredded carrots.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, while a standard head of lettuce is called for, you can use romaine or a spring mix if you prefer.
Should I serve this salad chilled?
Yes, for the most refreshing experience, serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing.
What is the role of tarragon in this recipe?
Dried tarragon adds a unique, slightly bittersweet herbal note to the dressing.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with honey or agave nectar, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
Is there any spice or heat in this salad?
There is no significant heat, but white pepper and dry mustard provide a very mild zing.
What parts of the scallion should I use?
The recipe recommends using the white and light green parts of the scallion for the best flavor and texture.