If you’re looking for something fresh, flavorful, and with an irresistible crunch, this Asian Side Salad with Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant mix of tender leafy greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sharp red onion married with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that’s bursting with Asian flair. The star of the show? Those golden, crispy fried shallots sprinkled generously on top, giving every bite a mouthwatering texture that elevates the whole dish. Whether as a quick lunch or a zesty side to your dinner, this salad is guaranteed to brighten your plate and your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but super important, each bringing a unique dimension to the salad—whether it’s the tang from rice vinegar, the warmth of ginger, or the aromatic nuttiness of sesame oil. Together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that make this salad special.
- Soy sauce: Light or all-purpose soy adds a subtle salty umami that forms the base of the dressing.
- Peanut oil: Or any neutral oil, it helps balance flavors and adds a smooth mouthfeel to the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a pleasant tang; you can use cider vinegar as a substitute if needed.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon for that toasty nutty aroma that screams Asian cuisine.
- Brown sugar: Balances acidity and saltiness with a gentle sweetness.
- Ginger (minced): Provides fresh warmth and a little zing.
- Garlic (minced): Lends a savory depth that complements the ginger beautifully.
- Mixed leafy salad greens: A crisp, fresh base for the salad’s vibrant colors and textures.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity to brighten every bite.
- Red onion (finely sliced): Adds a sharp bite and lovely color contrast.
- Crispy fried shallots: The ultimate crunchy topping that turns this salad into a flavorful sensation.
How to Make Asian Side Salad with Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining soy sauce, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced ginger, and garlic in a jar with a tight lid. Give it a good shake until the brown sugar dissolves and all the ingredients are well-mixed. This dressing is the magic that brings all the fresh salad components together.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, add your mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every leaf and piece of veggie evenly. Make sure each bite carries those bright, tangy notes from the dressing.
Step 3: Add the Crispy Fried Shallots and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of crispy fried shallots over the top. Their golden crunch adds an irresistible texture that takes this salad from fresh to fantastic instantly. Serve immediately to enjoy that wonderful contrast of crispness and crisp freshness.
How to Serve Asian Side Salad with Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe
Garnishes
Besides crispy fried shallots, you can add some extra toasted sesame seeds or a few thin slices of fresh chili for a spicy kick. A wedge of lime on the side can invite guests to add a splash of citrus brightness for even more vibrancy.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, steamed jasmine rice, or even as a refreshing side to spicy noodle dishes. Its crisp and tangy qualities provide a lovely counterpoint to rich, savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try serving the salad in individual glass jars to show off the colorful layers. Or serve it atop a bed of lightly toasted vermicelli noodles for added texture and a playful twist. You can also use edible flowers or fresh herbs like cilantro to elevate the presentation further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad and dressing separate to avoid sogginess; store salad greens and veggies in an airtight container and the dressing in a small jar in the refrigerator. Toss them together just before serving again for the freshest taste.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing because the fresh greens and crunchy shallots would lose their texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh to capture all the delightful contrasts in taste and crunch.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold and features crispy fried shallots, reheating is not recommended. If you want to enjoy leftovers, simply mix the salad and dressing again gently and add fresh fried shallots before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of oil instead of peanut oil?
Absolutely! Peanut oil adds a lovely flavor, but neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work great without overpowering the dressing.
Are crispy fried shallots hard to find?
Not at all! You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own by thinly slicing shallots and frying them until golden and crisp.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a shake before using to recombine the ingredients.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Definitely! All ingredients are plant-based, and if your fried shallots are homemade or store-bought without any animal products, this is a perfect vegan side.
How spicy is this salad?
This Asian Side Salad with Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add fresh chili or chili flakes to the dressing if you want to kick up the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Side Salad with Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, lively flavors and textures to your table with minimal fuss. Its balance of tangy, sweet, and nutty notes combined with that unforgettable crunch will have you coming back for seconds every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to salads for any occasion.
Print
Asian Side Salad with Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Asian Side Salad featuring mixed leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a flavorful homemade dressing made from soy sauce, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, topped with crispy fried shallots for added texture.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light or all purpose, not dark soy)
- 3 tbsp peanut oil (or canola, vegetable, or other neutral oil)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Salad
- 120 g / 4 oz mixed leafy salad greens
- 250 g / 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots (Note 1)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Shake all the dressing ingredients—soy sauce, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic—in a jar until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed leafy greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the crispy fried shallots over the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch and add a delightful texture contrast.
Notes
- Note 1: Crispy fried shallots can be found pre-packaged in many Asian grocery stores or can be homemade by thinly slicing shallots and frying them until golden brown and crisp.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the texture of the greens and crisp shallots.
- You can substitute peanut oil with any neutral vegetable oil if peanut allergies are a concern.
