Irresistible Chow Mein Sharing Salad Recipe for Gatherings

When hunger calls, a vibrant chow mein sharing salad brings unexpected delight to your table.

Crisp vegetables dance with tender noodles in this playful dish.

Layers of flavor burst through each colorful forkful, creating a perfect communal experience.

Chinese culinary traditions merge seamlessly with modern salad concepts here.

Noodles tangle with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables, offering a light yet satisfying meal.

Every bite promises a delicious adventure that sparks conversation and connection.

You’ll want to gather around and savor this delightful creation together.

What Makes Chow Mein Salad Great for Sharing

• This recipe transforms traditional chow mein into a refreshing salad that can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Combining crispy chow mein noodles with crunchy fresh vegetables creates an exciting multi-textural experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Packed with colorful vegetables, this salad delivers a variety of nutrients, offering a healthy alternative to heavy, greasy takeout while maintaining delicious Asian-inspired flavors.
• Easily adaptable for vegetarians, can be quickly customized with protein additions like grilled chicken or tofu, and works wonderfully as both a main dish or impressive side for potlucks and family dinners.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cabbage: Fresh, crisp base that adds volume and crunch to the salad.
• Carrots: Bright color and sweet flavor that enhances the texture.
• Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and fresh, sweet crunch.
• Green Onions: Mild onion flavor with a fresh, sharp bite.
• Bean Sprouts: Light, crispy element that provides extra texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, citrusy notes.

• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami base for the dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy, light acidity to balance flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, rich flavor that deepens the dressing's complexity.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that smooths out the sharp notes.
• Ginger: Spicy, warm aromatic that adds depth.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor that provides a strong, savory base.
• Black Pepper: Subtle heat and warm spiciness.
• Chili Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

• Chow Mein Noodles: Crispy topping that adds signature crunch.
• Sesame Seeds, Almonds: Nutty, toasted garnish for extra texture and flavor.

Tips for Keeping It Fresh and Crunchy

• Crunch Control: Add crispy noodles right before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Customize Your Greens: Swap cabbage with kale or spinach for different nutrient profiles and flavor variations.
• Protein Power-Up: Boost the salad's protein by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
• Dial Down the Heat: Reduce or eliminate chili flakes for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in the refrigerator, then combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.

Store and Chill

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the crispy noodles separate to prevent sogginess.
• Keep dressing, vegetables, and noodles in different containers to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Gently warm vegetables in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, then sprinkle fresh crispy noodles on top just before serving.
• Consume chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture, as reheating may reduce the salad's crispness.

Best Proteins and Drinks to Serve With It

• Crisp, light Japanese rice wine perfectly balances the salad's tangy dressing and complements its Asian-inspired flavors, cutting through the noodles' richness.
• Serve alongside teriyaki chicken, seared salmon, or marinated tofu to transform this vibrant salad into a complete, satisfying meal with added protein.
• A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the salad's bright, zesty notes while providing a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's complex seasoning.
• Pair with light spring rolls or vegetable gyoza to add variety and texture, making the meal more interesting and providing delightful complementary Asian-inspired bites.

New Takes on This Classic Tossed Salad

• Gluten-Free Chow Mein Salad: Replace traditional chow mein noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free crispy noodles. Swap soy sauce for tamari to ensure a completely gluten-free version.
• Vegan Power Bowl: Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein. Include edamame and quinoa to boost nutritional value.
• Low-Carb Asian Slaw: Remove noodles entirely. Increase vegetable quantity and add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp. Use cauliflower rice as a base for a lighter option.
• Spicy Thai-Inspired Variation: Increase chili flakes and add sriracha sauce. Include fresh mint leaves and chopped peanuts. Replace sesame oil with lime juice for a tangy kick.

Chow Mein Salad Q&A

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Chow Mein Sharing Salad is completely vegetarian-friendly, using vegetables, noodles, and a plant-based dressing.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to add the crispy noodles just before serving to keep them crunchy. You can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance and store them separately.

• How spicy is this salad?

The chili flakes provide a mild heat. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste preference.

• What makes the dressing unique?

The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey creates a balanced, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the fresh vegetables.

How to Toss It Just Before Serving

Step 1: Slice and Dice Colorful Veggies

Grab your cutting board and knife. Shred cabbage into thin strips. Julienne carrots into delicate matchsticks. Dice bell peppers into small cubes. Chop green onions into fine rounds. Rinse bean sprouts thoroughly. Roughly chop fresh cilantro leaves.

• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Green onions
• Bean sprouts
• Cilantro

Toss all vegetables together in a large salad bowl, creating a vibrant rainbow of colors and textures.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine liquid ingredients with spices. Pour soy sauce as the base. Add splash of rice vinegar for tanginess. Drizzle sesame oil for depth. Squeeze honey for sweetness. Grate fresh ginger. Mince garlic cloves. Sprinkle black pepper. Add chili flakes for heat.

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Black pepper
• Chili flakes

Whisk everything until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Marry Dressing with Vegetables

Pour the dressing over prepared vegetables. Use tongs or salad servers to coat every single piece thoroughly. Ensure each vegetable glistens with the flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

Just before serving, scatter crispy chow mein noodles over the salad. Sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch. Gently fold to distribute toppings evenly.

• Chow mein noodles
• Sesame seeds
• Almonds

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Transfer salad to serving platter. Serve immediately to preserve the crispness of noodles and vegetables. Enjoy as a refreshing side or light main course.

Chow Mein Sharing Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chow mein sharing salad brings Chinese street food magic to your table with crispy noodles and zesty dressing. Fresh ingredients mingle in a delightful dance of flavors you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, julienned or grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped

Crunchy Toppings:

• 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
• ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable foundation by layering shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, diced bell peppers, sliced green onions, crisp bean sprouts, and chopped cilantro in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, aromatic sesame oil, golden honey, minced ginger, crushed garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of fiery chili flakes until the mixture reaches a harmonious consistency.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable medley, using gentle folding techniques to ensure each ingredient is evenly and thoroughly coated with the zesty mixture.
4. Immediately prior to presentation, introduce crunchy chow mein noodles and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds, incorporating them delicately to maintain their textural integrity.
5. Transfer the salad to serving plates, presenting it as a dynamic main course or complementary side dish, emphasizing the importance of immediate consumption to preserve the signature crispness of the noodles.

Notes

• Adapt the salad easily for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce and choosing gluten-free crispy noodles.
• Maximize flavor by letting the vegetables marinate in the dressing for 10-15 minutes before adding noodles to enhance taste absorption.
• Create protein variety by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this salad into a complete meal with extra nutrition.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness, combining just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and wilted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg