If you’re craving a salad that’s actually exciting to eat, this Chopped Thai Salad with Sesame Garlic Dressing brings everything to the table. It’s crunchy, colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor. Each bite is a combination of crisp veggies, rich toasted sesame, bold garlic, and just the right hit of sweetness and heat. This is not your average salad—this is a craveable, meal-worthy dish you’ll make again and again.
What makes this salad so addictive is the variety of textures and the punchy dressing. We’re talking shredded cabbage, crunchy bell peppers, julienned carrots, cucumbers, and green onions. The magic is in the finely chopped presentation—it means you get all the flavors in every single forkful.
It’s the kind of salad that holds its own as a main dish but works just as well as a side. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it heartier. The salad stays crunchy even after being dressed, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
The sesame garlic dressing? It’s bold and nutty with layers of flavor from toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and fresh garlic. A touch of lime juice lifts it all up, and a pinch of chili flakes brings the heat. Shake it up in a jar and you’re done—no blender needed.
Visually, it’s stunning. A rainbow on a plate. The combination of red cabbage, orange carrots, green cucumbers, and bright bell peppers makes this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
This is the salad for people who say they don’t like salad. It’s not boring or bland. It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and completely refreshing. And because it’s made with sturdy vegetables, it holds up better than leafy greens.
It’s also incredibly easy to make. Just a little chopping and shaking, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality salad in under 30 minutes. It’s adaptable too—swap in what you like or have on hand.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled skewers, using it as a base for a grain bowl, or packing it for lunch, this chopped Thai salad will be a standout every time.
It also stores well. Dress only what you plan to eat, and keep the rest in the fridge for later. Add the dressing right before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, thanks to all the raw veggies and healthy fats from the dressing. It’s energizing, hydrating, and incredibly satisfying.
This salad checks all the boxes: flavor, texture, color, ease, and health. It feels indulgent but is totally good for you.
If you’re tired of boring salads or looking to add a little excitement to your lunch routine, this Chopped Thai Salad is the answer. It delivers bold flavor without being heavy.
Make it once, and it might just become your go-to way to eat your veggies.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned or diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
For the Sesame Garlic Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk or shake together all dressing ingredients until well mixed.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with roasted peanuts and extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Tips:
- Use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time.
- Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a full meal.
- Store salad and dressing separately if making ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crunchy, colorful, and packed with flavor.
- Quick to prep and perfect for meal prep.
- Healthy and satisfying without being heavy.
- Totally customizable to your taste.
This Chopped Thai Salad with Sesame Garlic Dressing is a refreshing, texture-packed salad that’s anything but boring. Bold flavors, easy prep, and stunning colors make it a favorite for any occasion.
