Crispy Noodle & Lychee Asian Christmas Salad with Soy–Sesame Dressing
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Christmas Salad
Cuisine
Fusion
Author:
Big Asia
Servings
6-8
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
This vibrant Asian Christmas salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy and festive. Crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs and sweet bursts of lychee are tossed in a silky soy–sesame dressing with a hint of five spice for a subtle holiday warmth. Finished with roasted nuts and a generous handful of crispy fried noodles, it’s light, refreshing and ideal for a hot Aussie Christmas. A beautiful side dish that pairs effortlessly with seafood, ham or BBQ meats.
Ingredients
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1 packet Chang’s or similar crispy fried noodles
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1 can tinned lychees, drained
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1 large continental cucumber, thinly sliced
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1–2 carrots, julienned
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1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
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1 bunch mint leaves
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1 bunch Thai basil
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1 bunch coriander
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1 cup snow peas, sliced
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1 small handful roasted peanuts or cashews
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2 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce
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1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Yeo’s)
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon Pandaroo Five Spice (optional festive twist)
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1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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Juice of half a lime
Directions
Prep the base: Place the cucumber, carrot, red cabbage, snow peas, fresh herbs, and peanuts into a large serving bowl.
Add fruit: Scatter the drained lychees throughout the salad for sweetness and tropical freshness.
Make the dressing: Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, sweet chilli, ginger, lime juice, and a pinch of five spice. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
Dress the salad: Pour dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat. Leave for 5 minutes to lightly soften the cabbage.
Finish with crunch: Just before serving, top with crispy fried noodles so they stay light and crunchy.
Recipe Note
Why it's perfect for Christmas
• Perfect for hot Australian weather
• Lychees, herbs, and sesame give it a fresh Asian twist
• Five spice adds subtle festive warmth
• Pairs beautifully with prawns, ham, pork belly, or BBQ meats