Cold Oriental Salad
A crunchy, flavorful cold salad combining tuna, vegetables, and noodles with a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or light, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 can drained tuna ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 package frozen peas ⓘ
- 3 chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 can drained water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 large can chow mein noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, soy sauce, lemon juice, curry powder, and garlic salt; stir well.
- Add drained tuna, chopped celery, frozen peas, chopped green onions, and chopped water chestnuts; mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 8 hours to set flavors.
- Just before serving, fold in chow mein noodles and slivered almonds.
- Serve cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. If you're looking for a protein boost, try adding cooked shrimp or shredded chicken to the mix. This salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or picnics. For a unique twist, serve it in lettuce cups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cold Oriental Salad as a refreshing main dish or a side at your next barbecue or picnic. It pairs beautifully with grilled seafood recipes or as a light lunch option. For a complete meal, consider adding a fruit salad or a platter of assorted crackers and cheeses on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the chow mein noodles may become soggy over time. If you want to retain their crunch, consider serving the noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Oriental Salad contains roughly 613 calories, with 8g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas if you prefer! Just blanch them briefly in boiling water for a minute before adding them to the salad. This will retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the tuna and replace it with chickpeas or diced tofu for a protein source. You could also consider adding more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a dash of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dressing. You can also top the salad with sliced jalapeños or serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).