Miso Crunch Salad

Miso Crunch Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that brings together crisp vegetables, crunchy toppings, and a bold, umami-rich miso dressing. With its colorful array of textures and flavors—from sweet and tangy to salty and savory—this salad is anything but boring. It’s perfect as a refreshing side, a light lunch, or even a plant-based main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with crunchy textures and bold, savory flavor
• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cooking
• Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan or gluten-free
• Full of fresh vegetables and satisfying toppings
• Great for meal prep and lunchboxes

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

• Shredded green cabbage
• Shredded purple cabbage
• Carrots, julienned or shredded
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Cucumber, sliced or chopped
• Edamame (shelled and cooked)
• Green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro or mint (optional)

Crunchy toppings (choose one or more):

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Crushed roasted peanuts or cashews
• Crispy wonton strips or tortilla strips
• Crunchy noodles or puffed rice

For the miso dressing:

• White miso paste
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Maple syrup or honey
• Sesame oil
• Olive oil or neutral oil
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Water (to thin, as needed)

directions

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and a splash of water until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency and seasoning to taste.
2. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cabbages, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, edamame, green onions, and herbs. Toss to mix.
3. Dress the salad: Pour the miso dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
4. Add crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain their texture.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for a more refreshing bite.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
No cooking required (except for edamame if not pre-cooked)

Variations

• Add protein: Top with grilled tofu, tempeh, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Make it spicy: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing.
• Switch the greens: Use shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, or spinach for variety.
• Sweeten it up: Add mandarin oranges, apple slices, or shredded mango.
• Change the nuts: Try almonds, sunflower seeds, or crispy chickpeas for crunch.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate and add just before serving for best texture.
Dressed salad is best enjoyed the same day, as it may soften over time.

FAQs

What type of miso should I use?

White (shiro) miso is ideal—it’s mild and slightly sweet, perfect for dressings.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before using.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be—just use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free crunchy toppings.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Absolutely, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly here.

What’s the best protein to add?

Tofu, tempeh, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a soft-boiled egg are great additions.

Can I use a food processor for chopping?

Yes, especially for cabbage and carrots—just don’t overprocess.

How do I keep the crunch?

Add the crunchy toppings last, just before serving, to keep them crisp.

What if I don’t have miso paste?

Try tahini or peanut butter for a different but still creamy and flavorful dressing.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s best served chilled or at room temperature, but it can handle lightly warm additions like tofu or chicken.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes! Just keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Miso Crunch Salad is a flavorful, texture-rich recipe that transforms everyday veggies into something truly crave-worthy. With its savory miso dressing and variety of crunchy, colorful components, it’s a salad that satisfies and refreshes at the same time. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

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