China Coast Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks features fresh mixed greens, crisp cabbage, julienned carrots, crunchy chow mein noodles, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy Asian sesame dressing, delivering a vibrant and refreshing combination of textures and flavors.
Equipments
- Salad spinner
- Large mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (for toasting almonds)
- Oven or toaster oven (for almonds)
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh mixed greens and crunchy chow mein noodles are essential for the authentic texture of the China Coast Salad. Toasting the sliced almonds enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch, so make sure to use an oven or toaster oven for this step. The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey creates a tangy and slightly sweet Asian sesame dressing that ties all the ingredients together. Using fresh minced ginger and garlic provides a vibrant, aromatic boost to the dressing, elevating the overall taste. Your best option to recreate this salad at home is by following the China Coast Salad recipe from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks' copycat menu.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet.
- Toast almonds in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden, stirring once. Let cool.
- Rinse and dry mixed greens and cabbages using a salad spinner.
- Place mixed salad greens, shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and julienned carrots into a large mixing bowl.
- Add chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds to the salad mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, honey, sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss salad gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
China Coast Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks is a vibrant mix of fresh greens, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, crunchy chow mein noodles, and toasted almonds tossed in an Asian sesame dressing. If you don't have chow mein noodles, substitute with crispy fried wonton strips or crushed ramen noodles for similar texture. Toasting almonds in the oven enhances their flavor, but you can also use pre-toasted nuts to save time. When mixing the dressing, whisk ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl to emulsify and achieve the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Your salad will remain crisp and flavorful when you toss all ingredients gently using tongs just before serving.
Tips
Make sure to toast the sliced almonds evenly by stirring them halfway through the 5-7 minute baking time to prevent burning. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry mixed greens and cabbages; excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. When whisking the dressing, blend your soy sauce, honey, and oils thoroughly to achieve a balanced tangy and sweet flavor profile. Toss your salad gently with tongs to evenly coat each ingredient without crushing the crunchy chow mein noodles.
Nutritions
The China Coast Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks provides a nutrient-rich blend of fresh vegetables like mixed greens, green and red cabbage, and carrots, which are high in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The toasted almonds and sesame seeds add healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium. The salad's dressing incorporates sesame oil and soy sauce, contributing heart-healthy fats and a modest amount of sodium. Your meal offers a balanced combination of crunch, flavor, and nutrition, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
Storage
Store any leftover China Coast Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the fresh mixed greens, cabbages, and carrots crisp. Keep the chow mein noodles and toasted almonds separate in a dry container to maintain their crunch before adding them just before serving. Your tangy Asian sesame dressing can be stored in a small sealed jar for up to 3 days and should be mixed into the salad only right before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute toasted walnuts or cashews for the sliced almonds to add a different nutty flavor and texture. Use toasted sesame seeds on the salad for added crunch or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a spicy kick. For the dressing, swap out rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lime juice for a slightly different tang. Your salad can also benefit from adding thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro to enhance the fresh, vibrant taste.
Allergies
The China Coast Salad contains common allergens such as almonds and sesame seeds, which may pose a risk for those with nut or seed allergies. Soy sauce used in the dressing contains soy, another prevalent allergen to watch for. If you have food allergies, carefully review the ingredient list before enjoying this salad to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The China Coast Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks is celebrated for its vibrant mix of fresh, crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy wonton strips, delivering a delightful texture contrast in every bite. Its signature dressing combines Asian-inspired flavors like sesame and soy, which create a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes that excite the palate. You can recreate this unique blend of ingredients at home, making it a rewarding and delicious copycat recipe that adds a refreshing twist to your salad repertoire. Its appeal lies in both its healthful components and the exotic flavor profile that stands out among traditional salad options.