Traditional Chinese Salads That You Can Make at Home

Traditional Chinese salads are a delightful combination of fresh flavors, textures, and health benefits. With a wide variety of ingredients and dressing options, these salads can be easily prepared at home. Below are some popular Chinese salad recipes that capture the essence of this vibrant cuisine.

1. Chinese Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is a staple in Chinese cuisine, offering a balance of crunch and flavor.

  • Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, chili oil to taste, sesame seeds for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or matchsticks.
  2. In a bowl, combine garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil.
  3. Add cucumbers to the dressing and mix well.
  4. Let it marinate for 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

2. Thai-style Beef Salad

This salad combines tender beef with fresh vegetables for a hearty meal.

  • Ingredients: 200g beef (sliced), 1 cup mixed greens, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cucumber (sliced), 1 carrot (julienned), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, fresh herbs (like cilantro and mint).

Instructions:

  1. Grill or pan-fry the beef until cooked to your liking. Allow it to rest before slicing.
  2. In a large bowl, mix lime juice and fish sauce.
  3. Add mixed greens, bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot to the bowl.
  4. Toss with the dressing and top with sliced beef and fresh herbs.

3. Seaweed Salad

This nutritious salad, often found in Asian restaurants, is packed with vitamins and minerals.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup dried seaweed (wakame), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. Soak dried seaweed in warm water for 10 minutes until rehydrated. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
  2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  3. Add the rehydrated seaweed and mix well.
  4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.

4. Spicy Szechuan Noodle Salad

This salad offers a unique twist with the addition of noodles and a spicy kick.

  • Ingredients: 200g noodles, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, 1 carrot (julienned), 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 3 tablespoons Szechuan sauce, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter.

Instructions:

  1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and let them cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix Szechuan sauce and peanut butter until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled noodles to the vegetable mix and toss with the dressing before serving.

5. Chinese Chicken Salad

This salad is packed with protein and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup shredded cooked chicken, 2 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, and a dressing made from 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to make the dressing.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, salad greens, shredded carrots, and chopped peanuts.