Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Asian Crunch Salad with Chow Mein Noodles (Crunchy, Sweet-Savory & Addictive)

Sarah Smith
Jan 25
2 min read

A bowl of Asian salad with crispy noodles, sliced almonds, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions. The background is neutral.

This Asian Crunch Salad with Chow Mein Noodles is crisp, colorful, and packed with sweet-savory sesame flavor. Shredded cabbage, carrots, toasted nuts, and crispy chow mein noodles are tossed in a simple sesame dressing for a cozy, takeout-inspired salad that pairs perfectly with Sesame Chicken, Sweet Chili Shrimp, or a comforting Pork Noodle Bowl.

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible crunch from crispy chow mein noodles
Sweet-savory sesame dressing everyone loves
No cooking required — quick and easy to assemble
Holds up well for gatherings and potlucks
Perfect balance to rich noodle and skillet dinners

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6–8

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~240 per serving
Protein: ~4g
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Fat: ~16g
Fiber: ~3g
Sodium: varies based on soy sauce brand

Ingredients

Salad

6 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 cup shredded carrots
4 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 cups crispy chow mein noodles (store-bought, already cooked)

Sesame Dressing

¼ cup neutral oil (avocado or canola)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to mix.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until smooth and fully emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss until evenly coated.
Just before serving, add the crispy chow mein noodles and gently toss, or sprinkle them over the top for extra crunch.
Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Add shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp to make it a full meal
Swap almonds for peanuts or cashews
Add mandarin oranges for a sweet contrast
Use purple cabbage for extra color
Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds just before serving

Make-Ahead & Storage

The salad base and dressing can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Add the chow mein noodles just before serving to maintain crunch. Once dressed with noodles, leftovers are best enjoyed within 24 hours.

FAQ

Are chow mein noodles already cooked? Yes. Crispy chow mein noodles are fully cooked and ready to use straight from the bag.

Can I substitute ramen noodles? This recipe is designed specifically for crispy chow mein noodles. Ramen noodles would require frying and would change the texture.

Is this salad sweet? It’s lightly sweet and well-balanced. You can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Crunch Salad with Chow Mein Noodles is one of those cozy, nostalgic recipes that disappears fast. Crunchy, savory, and lightly sweet, it’s the perfect side for takeout-style dinners or a standout dish for gatherings. Simple ingredients and bold texture make it a reliable favorite you’ll come back to again and again.