Easy Kimchi Salad
A vibrant, crunchy bowl packed with tender tuna, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy dressing that comes together in just 10 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons gochujang paste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces solid white tuna, drained and broken into chunks
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks or grated
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- ½ cup kimchi, drained well and coarsely chopped
- black sesame seeds, to garnish
Instructions
Whisk the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or a tahini and white miso alternative) with the rice vinegar, soy sauce, gochujang paste, sesame oil, and sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Set it aside while you build the salad.
Build the Salad Bowl
- Add the solid white tuna, sliced cucumber, carrots, mixed greens, celery, and the well-drained, coarsely chopped kimchi to a large bowl. Alternatively, divide these ingredients evenly among 4 individual serving bowls.
- Toss gently with your hands or salad tongs just enough to distribute the tuna and vegetables evenly without bruising the mixed greens.
Dress and Finish
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving, or pass it on the side if you want to keep the greens exceptionally crisp.
- Scatter black sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately while the vegetables still snap and the dressing clings to every bite.
Notes
Preparation Tip: Drain the kimchi thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer before chopping. This prevents excess brine from making the salad watery.
Flavor Upgrade: Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes until fragrant to unlock a deeper, nuttier flavor for your garnish.
Storage Advice: If meal prepping, store the wet ingredients (dressing, drained kimchi) and tuna separately from the dry vegetables and mixed greens. Combine them just before eating to maintain maximum crunch.
Vegan & Vegetarian Note: Check the label on your store-bought kimchi carefully, as many traditional brands contain fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.