Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey through the heart of Asian cuisine? Dive into our Chopped Asian Peanut Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing, a delightful medley of fresh vegetables and crunchy peanuts that will leave you craving more! This quick and easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish for a light lunch or a colorful side at your next gathering. Trust us, once you whip up this salad, it will become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh vegetables: Thoroughly rinse romaine lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro under cold running water.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Ensure pieces are roughly uniform in size for consistent texture.
- Shred carrots using a box grater or food processor, creating thin, uniform strips. Add to the bowl with lettuce.
- Slice red cabbage into thin strips and dice bell peppers into small, even cubes. Add to the vegetable mixture.
- Finely slice green onions and chop cilantro, adding them to the salad bowl.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, prepare the peanut dressing by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the salad for added crunch and texture.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use the freshest vegetables you can find. Crisp romaine, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh herbs will elevate your salad.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to mix in other crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or snap peas for added texture. You can also swap out the peanuts for cashews or almonds if you prefer.
- Make It Ahead: If you want to prepare this salad in advance, chop the vegetables and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste the dressing as you whisk it together. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey; for a tangier flavor, increase the rice vinegar.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes after mixing. This will help the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.
- Serve with Protein: To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
