Summer is here and we don’t know about you but we are craving the super fresh and healthy ingredients. Most of the summer vegetables are great for salad dishes such as cucumbers, tomatoes and eggplants. These Chinese cold dishes are iconic in the summer such as Chili Oil Cucumber Salad, Chinese Century Egg Salad, Tomato Salad etc. Additionally, these cold dishes are packed with not only flavor, but also vegetables, making them super healthy for the whole family. Let’s get into it!
Cucumber salad is such a classic Chinese summer salad dish! Simply cut chilled cucumber into bite sizes and then add a sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, chili oil etc. This cucumber salad is a summer must-have!
2. Chinese Century Egg Salad 
This is a nutritious and delicious starter dish in a Chinese meal and it only takes 10-15 minutes to prepare since the eggs are ready to eat when you buy from the store. Some eggs have snow flake patterns on the egg white when you open the shell, making this dish also visually pleasing to your guests!
3. Chinese Potato Salad
4. Chinese Three Silver Salad
There are many varieties of Chinese Three Silver Salad. Typically this dish is made with carrots, cucumber, tofu skin and cilantro. You can definitely change the ingredients up with what’s available in the fridge! With fresh ingredients, this salad is super tasty and refreshing to the taste buds.
5. Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
Wood Ear Mushroom is surprisingly high in protein! Simply hydrate the wood ear mushrooms and boil them before combining with the sauce. This is a super popular dish in Chinese home cooking for how simple and tasty it is! It is a perfect Chinese summer salad appetizer dish.
6. Mouthwatering Chicken 
Ok if you are suffering from a lack of appetite due to the hot weather, this dish is a must try! It is super easy to make and the heat from chili oil will wake you up from the dull life. Simply boil some chicken and cut it into pieces before combining with a tasty sauce.
7. Lotus Root Salad
Lotus root salad is one of my favorite Chinese summer salads. The texture is super crunchy and it tastes good in just any dish. This Lotus Root Salad makes a great summer appetizer for your family and guests.
8. Chinese Spinach Salad
Make sure to use Asian Spinach for this dish because it needs the large leaves for texture. This dish combines seasoning perfectly with ginger, vinegar and soy sauce. If you haven’t had this dish, definitely give it a try!
9. Green Onion and Tofu Salad
Green onion and tofu salad is a classic Chinese cold dish that is widely cherished across the nation. It is being cited in books and being used in movies. Tofu is also full of vegetarian protein and is perfect for the summer.
10. Tofu Skin Salad
Adding tofu skin to your cold dish, makes it more substantial and flavorful. It is a commonly used ingredient for Chinese home cooking as well. This tofu skin salad is perfect for any vegetarian in the family.
11. Sichuan Cold Noodles
Sichuan Cold Noodles is a classic Sichuan cold dish. It is also considered a snack (小吃). The spiciness can wake up anyone’s taste buds. This dish is perfect if you are having a house party or a potluck! Everyone will love this simple yet tasty noodle dish.
12. Tiger Salad
Traditionally a Northern recipe from China, this Salad has a “bite”.That’s why it is called “Tiger Salad”! It is full of strong tasting vegetables such as purple onion and cilantro. It also has a crunchy texture. It is a fresh tasting summer treat if you want some fun!
13. Icy Tomato with Sugar
A super easy yet classic Chinese salad. It is simply made with chilled tomato slices and sugar. It tastes sweet like an ice cream but refreshing like a watermelon. If you have lots of tomatoes in the kitchen, try this one out!
14. Steamed Eggplant Salad
Eggplant is such a great summer vegetable with so many ways to cook. This steamed eggplant salad has a little kick but it is super healthy without lots of oil in the cooking process. It is a healthy yet delicious addition to the dinner table.
15. Boiled Edamame
Why spending money at a restaurant on boiled edamame? It is so easy to make at home and costs nothing to make! Both kids and adults love this healthy snack during summer time.
16. Hot and Sour Pickled Radish
This salad dish is a refreshing way to have radish in the summer. Simply use the sauce to pickle the radish and serve. Super simple and tasty!