Chopped Thai Salad with Sesame Garlic Dressing

A fresh and vibrant salad packed with crunchy vegetables, this Chopped Thai Salad with Sesame Garlic Dressing is a nutritious and flavourful dish. The dressing brings a perfect balance of savoury garlic, nutty sesame, and a hint of sweetness, making it a delicious addition to any meal or a satisfying light lunch on its own.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh coriander, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ½ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup spring onions, sliced
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced (optional)

For the sesame garlic dressing:

• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

Method

1. Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, capsicum, cucumber, coriander, mint, peanuts, spring onions, and red chilli (if using). Toss everything together.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and chilli flakes (if using) until well combined.
3. Assemble the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes for the flavours to develop.

This Thai-inspired salad is perfect as a side dish or can be topped with grilled chicken, tofu, or prawns for a more substantial meal. Enjoy the fresh crunch and bold flavours with every bite.