By 
If you are looking for a healthy, refreshing, and incredibly easy salad, Baby Bok Choy Salad deserves a place on your table. This simple Korean-inspired side dish is packed with fresh vegetables, bold flavors, and impressive nutrition. Best of all, it requires no cooking at all. There is no boiling, steaming, or frying involved. Everything comes together in one bowl in just a few minutes.
Jump to RecipeAfter studying traditional Korean preparation methods, reviewing healthy eating recommendations, and talking with home cooks who regularly prepare vegetable-based side dishes, one thing became clear: simple recipes often deliver the biggest benefits. Baby Bok Choy Salad is a perfect example.
I first tried this salad while searching for lighter side dishes to serve with grilled chicken and rice bowls. What surprised me most was how filling it felt despite being low in calories. The crunchy texture, spicy seasoning, and sesame aroma made it satisfying enough that I kept going back for another serving.
What Is Baby Bok Choy Salad?
Baby Bok Choy Salad is a fresh vegetable dish made with young bok choy plants tossed with seasonings such as garlic, Korean chili powder, fish sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Unlike many vegetable dishes that require cooking, this recipe keeps the bok choy completely raw. This helps preserve its natural crunch and refreshing flavor.
In Korean cooking, vegetable side dishes known as “banchan” are commonly served alongside rice, soups, and meat dishes. Baby Bok Choy Salad fits perfectly into this tradition.
The result is a salad that is crunchy, slightly spicy, mildly tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Why Americans Are Falling in Love with This Salad
Healthy eating professionals often encourage people to eat more vegetables, but many people struggle because vegetables can feel boring.
Baby Bok Choy Salad solves that problem.
The combination of garlic, sesame oil, and Korean chili flakes creates a flavor profile that feels exciting while remaining healthy. It works equally well with steak, grilled chicken, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and rice bowls.
Many busy families also appreciate that the recipe takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Nutritional Benefits of Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy contains several nutrients that support overall health.
Rich in Vitamins
Baby bok choy provides:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Folate
These nutrients help support immunity, skin health, and normal body functions.
Low in Calories
One serving typically contains around 85 calories, making it suitable for people who are watching their calorie intake.
High Water Content
Because bok choy contains a large amount of water, it helps create a feeling of fullness while keeping calories low.
Good Source of Fiber
Fiber supports digestion and may help people stay satisfied between meals.
Baby Bok Choy Salad
Course: Salads, SidesCuisine: Korean, AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes85
kcal15
minutesThis Korean-inspired Baby Bok Choy Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish made with crisp baby bok choy, garlic, Korean chili flakes, fish sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, it’s the perfect healthy accompaniment to grilled meats, rice bowls, soups, and meal-prep lunches.
Ingredients
10 small baby bok choy bundles, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
1/2 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
Directions
- Wash the baby bok choy thoroughly under cold running water and drain well.
- Pat dry with paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the chopped bok choy in a large mixing bowl.
- Add garlic, Korean chili powder, sugar, fish sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, and roasted sesame seeds.
- Toss everything together until the bok choy is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, small baby bok choy for the best texture and flavor.
- High-quality Korean chili powder provides authentic color and mild heat.
- For a vegetarian version, replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Excellent alongside grilled meats, rice bowls, seafood, or Korean soups.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories85
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
7g
9%
- Saturated Fat 1g 5%
- Sodium 320mg 14%
- Total Carbohydrate
5g
2%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Total Sugars 3g
- Protein 2g 4%
- Potassium 280mg 6%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Estimated Cost
Prices vary by region, but a typical batch costs approximately:
- Baby bok choy: $3.50
- Garlic: $0.25
- Korean chili powder: $0.50
- Fish sauce: $0.30
- Vinegar: $0.10
- Sesame oil: $0.40
- Sesame seeds: $0.20
Total Estimated Cost
Approximately $5.25 for four servings.
Cost Per Serving
Approximately $1.31 per serving.
This makes it an affordable addition to healthy meal plans.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any special kitchen equipment.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Salad serving bowl
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baby Bok Choy Salad ahead of time?
Yes. However, it tastes best within 24 hours when the vegetables remain crisp.
Is Baby Bok Choy Salad spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level. You can reduce the chili powder for a milder version.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative.
Can children eat this salad?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the chili powder if serving younger children.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
It generally stays fresh for one to two days when stored in an airtight container.