Chinese-American salad bar salad

Chinese-American salad bar salad recipe videos

The Chinese-American salad bar salad is a customizable, self-serve dish commonly found in American Chinese buffet restaurants. It typically features a base of iceberg lettuce, shredded cabbage, and crunchy noodles, topped with items like mandarin oranges, crispy wonton strips, and a sweet, tangy dressing. This dish is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, which blends Chinese cooking techniques with American tastes and ingredients.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This salad is generally moderate in calories, ranging from 200-400 per serving depending on toppings and dressing, with a balance of carbohydrates from noodles and fruit, and some fat from the dressing and fried elements. It provides vitamins A and C from the vegetables and fruit, along with some fiber, though it can be high in sodium and sugar from the dressing and crispy toppings.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	450 mg
Potassium	280 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg
Vitamin C	18 mg
Vitamin K	45 mcg
Calcium	60 mg
Iron	1.2 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Folate	40 mcg

Per 1 bowl (300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this salad is a fascinating example of culinary adaptation, created to appeal to American preferences for crunchy textures and sweet flavors while incorporating elements perceived as 'Asian.' Nutritionally, it's often perceived as a healthy choice, but the addition of fried wonton strips and sugary dressing can make it less nutritious than it appears.