Crunchy Chow Mein Sharing Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Noodles dance with vibrant flavors in this irresistible chow mein salad that promises a delightful crunch.

Crispy chow mein noodles weave magic through fresh, colorful vegetables and zesty seasonings.

Tender greens mingle with golden-brown noodle strands, creating a symphony of textures that awakens every taste bud.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispiness and fresh ingredients, making this salad more than just a side dish.

The recipe brings together simple components that transform into an extraordinary meal.

Unexpected combinations spark joy with every forkful, inviting you to savor each delectable moment.

Prepare to be delighted by a salad that breaks all the traditional rules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Chow Mein Sharing Salad Ingredient List

• Cabbage: Provides crisp base and nutritional crunch with light, refreshing texture.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and sweet, earthy flavor with delightful crispness.
• Bell Pepper: Brings bright, sweet notes and beautiful color variation.
• Green Onions: Delivers sharp, mild onion taste with elegant garnish appeal.
• Bean Sprouts: Introduces light, clean crunch and subtle nutty undertones.
• Cilantro: Contributes fresh, zesty herbal aroma and bright green appearance.

• Soy Sauce: Creates umami depth and saltiness to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and balances rich ingredients.
• Sesame Oil: Adds distinctive nutty essence and sophisticated Asian-inspired undertone.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps smooth dressing consistency.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy kick with aromatic complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent flavor foundation.
• Black Pepper: Offers gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
• Chili Flakes: Adds optional fiery excitement and warming sensation.

• Chow Mein Noodles: Delivers satisfying crispness and textural contrast.
• Sesame Seeds, Almonds: Provide extra crunch with nutty, toasted dimensions.

Tools That Help Toss Together Chow Mein Sharing Salad

• Large Salad Bowl: Essential for mixing and tossing all vegetables together smoothly.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing components into a smooth, well-combined sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable preparation and creating thin, even slices.

How to Prepare a Refreshing Chow Mein Sharing Salad

• Gather Veggie Goodness

Chop cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green onions, bean sprouts, and cilantro into a vibrant salad mixture. Make sure everything is fresh and crisp.

• Whip Up Flavor Explosion

In a small container, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir until ingredients dance together smoothly.

• Create Salad Magic

Pour the zesty dressing over chopped vegetables. Toss everything until each piece gleams with delicious coating. Make sure vegetables are evenly dressed.

• Crunch Time

Sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles and sesame seeds or almonds right before serving. Gently mix to distribute crunchy elements without crushing delicate vegetables.

• Serve and Savor

Plate the salad immediately. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures – cool vegetables, spicy dressing, and crispy noodles create a perfect harmony. Perfect as a light meal or exciting side dish.

Fun Mix-ins to Customize Your Chow Mein Sharing Salad

• Quick Chill Trick: Refrigerate the salad ingredients before mixing to keep everything crisp and refreshing, especially on hot days.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep vegetables and dressing separately, combining just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and maintain maximum crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a more substantial meal that suits different dietary needs and boosts protein content.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular chow mein noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free crispy noodles to make the salad suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili flakes to personal heat preference or offer hot sauce on the side for guests who enjoy extra kick.

Serving Suggestions for Big Bowls of Chow Mein Salad

• Protein Power-Up: Top this vibrant salad with grilled chicken, shredded tofu, or seared shrimp to transform it into a complete protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and delivers amazing flavor.
• Asian Feast Companion: Pair the chow mein salad alongside steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or teriyaki skewers to create a delightful Asian-inspired dinner spread that will impress everyone at the table.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack this salad in mason jars with dressing separately to keep noodles crispy, making it an ideal portable lunch for work, outdoor adventures, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Leftover Magic: Refrigerate remaining salad without noodles, then add crispy chow mein noodles just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.

How to Keep Chow Mein Sharing Salad Fresh and Crisp

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep salad components separate in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures. Vegetable mix can be refrigerated for 2-3 days, while noodles and dressing should be stored separately.
• Quick Prep Hack: Chop vegetables in advance and store in sealed containers for fast meal assembly during busy weekdays. This strategy saves time and ensures quick, nutritious meals.
• Chilled Serving Strategy: Refrigerate salad ingredients at 40°F or below to extend shelf life. Crisp vegetables and cool dressing enhance the overall dining experience and food safety.
• Leftover Magic: Remix remaining salad ingredients into stir-fries, wraps, or additional cold salads. Repurposing ingredients reduces waste and creates exciting new meal variations.

Crispy Chow Mein Sharing Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful chow mein sharing salad brings Chinese street food flair to your table. Crisp noodles, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce combine for a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (950 ml) green cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots (medium), julienned or grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (120 ml) cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) crispy chow mein noodles
• ¼ cup (60 ml) toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Composition: Layer shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, diced bell peppers, sliced green onions, crisp bean sprouts, and chopped cilantro in a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful and textural foundation.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced ginger, crushed garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes until the mixture transforms into a smooth, well-integrated sauce with balanced flavor profiles.
3. Salad Assembly: Gently pour the vibrant dressing over the vegetable mix, using folding motions to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating, allowing each ingredient to absorb the zesty marinade.
4. Final Garnish: Sprinkle toasted chow mein noodles and sesame seeds or sliced almonds across the salad’s surface, delicately integrating them to maintain their signature crunch and provide textural contrast.
5. Serving Presentation: Arrange the salad on serving plates immediately before consumption, highlighting the dish’s fresh ingredients and ensuring optimal texture and flavor integrity.

Notes

• Preserve Crispness: Sprinkle chow mein noodles and nuts just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch and prevent soggy texture.
• Balance Flavor Intensity: Adjust dressing ingredients gradually, tasting as you mix to ensure the perfect harmony between salty, sweet, and spicy elements.
• Veggie Preparation Matters: Slice vegetables uniformly and thinly to create consistent texture and allow better dressing absorption.
• Dietary Flexibility: Easily transform this salad into gluten-free or vegan version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and honey with agave nectar, and using gluten-free noodles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg