Best Asian Salad Recipe with Sesame Ginger Dressing
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This easy-to-make Asian salad recipe is packed full of veggies and tossed in a tasty sesame ginger dressing. It’s a fresh, crunchy, and seriously delicious side dish that takes just 15 minutes to make!
Whenever I make this salad for friends, they always ask for the recipe. And one of our readers, Megan, had the same experience. She commented, “I served this salad at a dinner party and received RAVES . . . thank goodness I increased the recipe because every single guest had seconds! Unbelievably delicious and I now make it just for us and plan to do so for dinner tonight. Thank you!!”
I just know that you’re going to love this one too, cause who doesn’t love a salad full of crispy veggies and crunchy roasted peanuts in a sweet sesame dressing? This easy-to-make Asian carrot salad is full of fresh and bright flavors.
This versatile Asian salad with sesame oil, ginger, and cashews is on high rotation in our kitchen. It has a lot going for it, and it’s a crowd-pleaser. We love the delicious mix of crispy veggies, crunchy nuts, fresh herbs, and tangy sesame dressing. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Why you’ll love Asian sesame salad
Here are a few reasons why I know you’ll love this salad recipe:
- It’s full of crunch – the right kind. We grate the carrots so they’re easy enough to chew (unlike chopped carrots.)
- The dressing is simple but delicious. It’s got the perfect sweet-tart combination and pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the carrots.
- The salted peanuts offer the perfect taste and crunch.
- It’s easy to make, and we love easy recipes!
Gather these ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the Asian salad recipe:
- The veggies: carrots, red pepper, celery, red onion, and cilantro
- Plus these flavor enhancers: toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts.
Here’s what you’ll need for the delicious dressing:
- Sesame oil, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic
Make ahead and storage
Make ahead: If you’re prepping for dinner ahead of time, you can chop all the veggies a day in advance and make the dressing several days in advance. But wait until you’re ready to serve it before you mix everything.
Store: While this salad is best eaten shortly after you make it, leftovers can be stored in your fridge and eaten for several days. It’s a great salad to make for meal prep!
Best Asian Salad Recipe with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Ingredients
Asian Salad
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- 1 medium red pepper (finely diced)
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- ¼ medium red onion (finely diced)
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts (can sub almonds or cashews)
Sesame Dressing
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 small garlic clove (grated (preferably with a Microplane))
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all the sesame dressing ingredients in a small jar and shake it well.2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 small garlic clove, A pinch of sea salt
- Add the Asian salad ingredients to a medium-sized bowl.2 medium carrots, 1 medium red pepper, 2 stalks celery, ¼ medium red onion, ¼ cup cilantro , 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
How to serve this Asian inspired salad
This versatile carrot salad recipe is perfect for pairing with any Asian-inspired meal. I love serving it alongside some slow-baked Asian salmon or glazed hoisin chicken drumsticks and our favorite coconut rice.
And if you love Asian-inspired salads, also try my easy Asian coleslaw made with mandarin oranges and cashews and Asian noodle salad with crunchy peanuts and sesame dressing!
Asian salad variations
There are lots of ways to customize this beautiful salad. Here are a few ideas to mix up:
- Add in some cooked edamame to make it a little more filling.
- Swap the peanuts for cashews or almonds.
- Use black sesame seeds (or a mix of black and white) for visual pop.
- Add some grated or julienned Asian pear for a more juicy crunch.
- Use orange juice instead of lemon in the dressing for a unique citrus-orange taste.
This was sooo yummy and love that it’s packed with veggies. My husband was eating spoonfuls out of the serving bowl! We made with chow mein. Would make again!
It’s a good sign when a dish gets eaten straight from the serving dish! Love it!
What a deliciously crunchy and refreshing salad with a delicious dressing! I have already made this a few times and it is great with any crunchy veggies. Perfect for clearing out the veggie drawer!
I’m so happy to hear this has become a regular in your house!
Awesome recipe! My 5 year old loved helped making and eating it!
That’s the best that your 5 year old loved eating it! SO great!
Make this a lot to go with Thai fishcakes and rice. Really simple and really delicious.
Made this for a potluck and it was a HUGE success! Subbed maple syrup for the honey in the dressing. Otherwise made it as per recipe. It was a hit!
Made this salad as a side for Lo Mein. It is a colorful, crunchy, fresh salad and a great side that would go well with grilled chicken, too. I used cashews and it was a very tasty substitute for peanuts. Will visit this site and make this salad again. Thank you.
Soooo delicious! My husband and I are big fans of your recipes.
Thank you for your talent and creativity!
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment! You made my day!
Stunning side salad. Love the crunch of the nuts though I often change it to peanuts .
Wow. I could eat this salad every day. I tossed in a handful of chopped snow peas and the cashews and scattered some wontons on top. I can see it served with grilled shrimp or salmon for company.
I really liked this recipe. Next time I make it ill add just a little bit more honey for a slightly sweeter taste. I also added small cubes of sushi grade tuna to it which i thought worked great. Will definitely make it again!
Loved it, great with Chinese spare ribs!
Now it’s my fav sider for gydza, takoyaki and other asian dishes! Thank you! Ps I also like to add a cucumber to it!
Simple, tasty goes with any bbq meat
Simply amazing! Everyone at home loved it. Thanks for sharing it
You’re very welcome!
The taste of the salad was just amazing I really loiked it I wanted to try a new kind of a salad for a change and I landed on this article thanks for sharing it Keep making such amazing recipe Keep up the good work
You’re very welcome!
This salad was great. Super easy to make, flavorful, colorful, and fun.
So happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Joe!