Chow Mein Sharing Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a light meal. This salad combines crispy chow mein noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. It’s easy to make, visually appealing, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables and bold flavors.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for sharing.
- Versatile—serve as a side dish or a main course.
- Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners.
- Can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- Chow mein noodles (crispy or soft, depending on preference)
- Shredded cabbage (green or red)
- Carrots, julienned or shredded
- Bell peppers, thinly sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Snap peas or snow peas, sliced
- Optional: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
For the Dressing:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Optional: Chili flakes for heat
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed peanuts or cashews
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and slice the vegetables into thin, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the Noodles (if using soft chow mein noodles):
- Cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the noodles to the bowl of vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds, cilantro, and crushed peanuts or cashews. Serve immediately for a fresh and crispy texture.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking noodles)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling salad.
- Spicy Version: Use Sriracha or chili oil in the dressing for extra heat.
- Nut-Free: Omit peanuts or cashews and use sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Low-Carb: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or shredded cabbage.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh mint or Thai basil for an aromatic twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the salad (without noodles and dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add noodles and dressing just before serving.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti can work as alternatives.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance but keep them separate. Toss everything together just before serving for the best texture.
3. What’s the best way to keep chow mein noodles crispy?
Add crispy noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
5. How do I balance the dressing flavors?
Adjust the sweetness with honey, the saltiness with soy sauce, and the tanginess with rice vinegar to suit your taste.
6. Can I add fruits?
Yes, add mandarin oranges or mango slices for a sweet contrast.
7. What vegetables work best for this salad?
Cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and green onions are classic choices, but you can include cucumbers, broccoli, or radishes as well.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers to prevent sogginess.
9. Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes, an Asian-style dressing from the store can be a quick alternative.
10. What pairs well with this salad?
Serve it alongside grilled meats, spring rolls, or as a side to fried rice or dumplings.
Conclusion
Chow Mein Sharing Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to impress your family and guests alike. Customize it to your liking and enjoy the fresh, crunchy goodness of this delightful salad!
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Chow Mein Sharing Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This chow mein sharing salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish combining fresh vegetables, crispy noodles, and a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick family meal, this salad is packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (or a coleslaw mix)
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, bean sprouts, and cilantro. Toss to mix evenly.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Add the Noodles and Garnish:
- Just before serving, add the crispy chow mein noodles and sesame seeds or almonds on top for crunch. Gently toss to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the salad immediately as a main dish or side. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunch of the noodles.
Notes
- Add protein like shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the crispy noodles just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the dressing to taste by modifying the honey or soy sauce.