Cold Mixed Vegetable Salad with Tangy Dressing

Name: Cold Mixed Vegetable Salad with Tangy Dressing
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Raw peanuts; 4 ounces Dried tofu skin (腐竹); 2 medium Potatoes; 1 large Cucumber; 1 small Green bell pepper; 3 tablespoons White vinegar; 2 teaspoons Sugar; 1 teaspoon Chicken powder; to taste Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder; 2 pieces (optional) Star anise; 1 teaspoon (optional) Sesame oil

A refreshing Chinese cold appetizer featuring crunchy potatoes, cucumber, and peanuts dressed in a tangy, slightly spicy vinaigrette. Perfect for summer or as a palate-cleansing side dish.

35 min

Easy

0 favorites

Cold Mixed Vegetable Salad with Tangy Dressing

Story

This classic Chinese cold dish, known as 拌花菜 (bàn huā cài), is a favorite across northern China. The key is in the texture—crush the cucumber rather than cutting it to release more juices, and keep the potato strips slightly crisp.

Ingredients

Raw peanuts 1 cup

Dried tofu skin (腐竹) 4 ounces

Potatoes 2 medium

Cucumber 1 large

Green bell pepper 1 small

White vinegar 3 tablespoons

Sugar 2 teaspoons

Chicken powder 1 teaspoon

Salt to taste

Chili powder 1/2 teaspoon

Star anise 2 pieces (optional)

Sesame oil 1 teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

Cook the peanuts

Place peanuts in a pot with enough water to cover. Add star anise if using. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool completely.

Prepare the vegetables

Soak dried tofu skin in hot water for 10 minutes until soft, then drain and cut into 1-inch pieces. Cut potatoes into thin matchstick strips and rinse well. Cut green pepper into thin strips. For the cucumber, crush it with the palm of your hand first, then roughly chop.

Blanch potatoes

Bring a pot of water to boil. Add potato strips and cook for just 30 seconds—they should still have some crunch. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, sugar, chicken powder, salt, and chili powder until sugar dissolves.

Combine and serve

Place all vegetables and cooled peanuts in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over top and toss gently to combine. For extra flavor, drizzle with sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.