Crunchy Asian Vegetable Salad with Honey Garlic Dressing
This Crunchy Asian Vegetable Salad with Honey Garlic Dressing is a delightful appetizer that offers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors while being light and nutritious. Packed with colorful vegetables like cucumber, carrots, purple cabbage, zucchini, and spring onions, this salad is perfectly complemented by a honey garlic dressing that brings a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. It’s ideal for those who appreciate fresh, healthy dishes with a touch of Asian flair. It can be served as a standalone dish or alongside other Asian-inspired meals like an Asian Shrimp and Veggie Bowl.
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber | 2 (washed and peeled) |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2 (washed and peeled) |
| Purple cabbage | 1 cup (shredded) |
| Green zucchini | 1 |
| Spring onion greens | 1/2 cup (cut into 1-inch pieces) |
| Brown sugar (Demerara sugar) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Chilli vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (finely chopped) |
| Red chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by preparing the vegetables for the salad. Wash the cucumber, carrots, zucchini, and spring onions thoroughly. Peel only the carrots and cucumber, and leave the other vegetables whole. Use a vegetable peeler to slice each vegetable into long ribbons. Continue peeling from top to bottom until you’ve created ribbons from the entire vegetable. -
Assemble the Salad:
After you’ve finished making the ribbons, place all of the prepared vegetables—cucumbers, carrots, purple cabbage, zucchini, and spring onion greens—into a large mixing bowl. Give the bowl a gentle toss to combine the vegetables, then cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors and keep the salad refreshing. -
Prepare the Honey Garlic Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, chilli vinegar, and soy sauce. Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger to the bowl along with the red chilli flakes and a pinch of salt. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, muddle the ingredients together. This will help release the aromatic flavors of the garlic and ginger. Finally, stir in the sesame seeds to add an extra layer of crunch and flavor. -
Combine and Serve:
Once the vegetables have chilled in the refrigerator, remove them and pour the honey garlic dressing over them. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds for an extra crunch. -
Serve Immediately:
Serve the Crunchy Asian Vegetable Salad immediately for the best freshness and crunch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of other meals, such as an Asian Shrimp and Veggie Bowl, followed by a sweet dessert like Homemade Apple Pie.
Additional Tips
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or even thinly sliced snap peas to add more color and texture to your salad.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red chilli flakes or omit the chilli vinegar. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Option: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance and keep them separate in the refrigerator for a few hours. Combine just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
This Crunchy Asian Vegetable Salad with Honey Garlic Dressing is an excellent choice for a light appetizer or a refreshing side dish to complement a variety of Asian-inspired meals. The balance of fresh vegetables with the sweet and tangy dressing makes it a hit at any gathering, from casual meals to special occasions. Enjoy the crunch, flavor, and nutrition all in one bowl!
