Shanghai-style salad

Shanghai potato salad

Peace Hotel at dusk 20180924

Shanghai-style salad is a distinctive dish that originates from Shanghai, a major city in China known for its unique and diverse culinary traditions. This salad is a reflection of the East meets West influence that characterizes much of Shanghai's cuisine, blending traditional Chinese ingredients with elements from various international culinary practices. Unlike the typical green leafy salads found in Western cuisines, Shanghai-style salad often features a mix of cooked and raw ingredients, offering a variety of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

The ingredients in a Shanghai-style salad can vary, but it typically includes:

• Cucumbers, often lightly pickled or marinated
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for dressing
• Noodles, either wheat-based or rice noodles, serving as a base
• A protein source such as shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp
• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for garnish
• Additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and green onions

Preparation

The preparation of Shanghai-style salad involves several steps:

1. The noodles are cooked according to package instructions, then cooled under running water and drained.
2. Vegetables are washed, cut into bite-sized pieces, and, in some cases, lightly pickled.
3. Protein ingredients are cooked and shredded or cut into small pieces.
4. A dressing is made by whisking together soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, adjusted to taste.
5. The ingredients are mixed together in a large bowl, tossed with the dressing, and garnished with sesame seeds or peanuts.

Cultural Significance

Shanghai-style salad is more than just a dish; it's a representation of Shanghai's cosmopolitan culture. The city's history as a trading port and international settlement has influenced its cuisine, making it more diverse than other Chinese culinary traditions. This salad, with its mix of ingredients and flavors, showcases the adaptability and innovation of Shanghai's food scene.

Variations

There are many variations of Shanghai-style salad, reflecting personal tastes and seasonal ingredients. Some might include:

• Adding pickled vegetables for extra tanginess
• Incorporating spicy elements like chili oil or Sichuan pepper
• Using different types of noodles, such as soba or udon, for a Japanese twist

Serving

Shanghai-style salad is typically served cold, making it a popular choice for summer meals or as a refreshing side dish. It can be a light lunch on its own or part of a larger meal, complementing more robust, cooked dishes.