Tiger Salad is a hidden gem in the world of fresh, vibrant dishes. Hailing from Northwestern China, this crunchy, aromatic salad is gaining popularity worldwide thanks to its simplicity, bold flavors, and irresistible texture. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing appetizer or a unique side dish, Tiger Salad delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
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What is Tiger Salad?
Tiger Salad (known in Chinese as Laohu Cai) is a traditional Chinese cold salad made with fresh herbs, chilies, and aromatics. Despite the fierce name, there’s no tiger in the dish! The name comes from the visual appearance of the herbs, which resemble tiger stripes when chopped. The classic version features cilantro, scallions, green chili, and a splash of vinegar and sesame oil, all tossed together for a spicy, tangy, and herby crunch.
Why You’ll Love It
There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your rotation:
- Quick and Easy: Takes less than 15 minutes to make.
- Healthy & Low-Calorie: Made with fresh vegetables and minimal oil.
- Bold Flavors: The combo of chili heat, tangy vinegar, and fresh herbs is unbeatable.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to your taste or what you have in your fridge.
- Perfect for Summer: Light, cool, and refreshing.
Variations and Add-ins
Tiger Salad is incredibly flexible. Try adding:
- Shredded cucumber or carrots for crunch.
- Sliced onions for extra sharpness.
- Tofu or bean sprouts for a protein boost.
- Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for texture.
- Szechuan peppercorn oil if you love that tongue-tingling sensation.
You can also adjust the spice level by swapping green chilies with milder peppers or leaving them out altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Tiger Salad pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice.
- Grilled meats like chicken, beef.
- Dumplings or bao buns.
- As a side dish in a multi-course Asian-inspired meal.
- Or serve it solo as a refreshing vegetarian lunch.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 servings :
- ½ English cucumber
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided
- 3 large green onions, white and tender green parts only
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro, leaves and stems
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar, (Optional)
How to Make Tiger Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Cucumber
- Cut cucumber in half lengthwise and gently scrape out seeds with a spoon.
- Cut each half crosswise into 2-inch pieces.
- Cut each piece lengthwise into thin, uniform strips and transfer to a bowl.
- Toss cucumber with 1 teaspoon salt and let stand 15 minutes.
2. Chop the Vegetables
- Meanwhile, cut green onions and bell peppers into thin, uniform strips, about 2 inches long.
3. Mix the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together unseasoned rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sugar and remaining salt.
- Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
4. Combine Everything
- Transfer cucumber to a fine-mesh sieve, rinse, and drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, cucumber, green onions, bell peppers, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Chop all the veggies in advance and store them separately. Mix the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Note: The herbs may wilt slightly over time, but it will still taste great.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 54
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 496mg
- Potassium: 223mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3.5g
Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Final Thoughts
- Tiger Salad is proof that a few humble ingredients can create something incredibly delicious. It’s bold, clean, and versatile — everything you’d want from a healthy side dish or light lunch. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a summer dinner, this spicy, herby salad is guaranteed to impress.
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