🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🥗 Salads > 🇮🇩 Indonesia Salads > 🥗 1.Gado-Gado (Classic Indonesian Mixed Salad) , 2.Karedok (Fresh Raw Vegetable Salad) , 3.Pecel (Comforting Peanut Sauce Salad)
🥗 Fresh & Speedy Indonesian Salads You Can Make in Minutes
🥗 🇮🇩 Introduction: A Quick Taste of Indonesia🏃♂️💨
Indonesian food has been quietly winning hearts all around the world, especially among people who love bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. While many people think of Indonesian cuisine as rich, cooked dishes, salads actually play a huge role in everyday meals across the country.
What makes Indonesian salads special is the balance. You get fresh vegetables, crunchy textures, savory sauces, a little sweetness, and sometimes a gentle kick of spice. Best of all? Many of these salads are designed to be made fast. They were created for busy home cooks, street food vendors, and families who want something satisfying without complicated steps.
In this article, we’re focusing on three super fast and popular Indonesian salads that are loved both locally and internationally:
👑 • Recipe 1: Gado-Gado (Classic Indonesian Mixed Salad) – Indonesia’s most famous mixed vegetable salad
👑 • Recipe 2: Karedok (Fresh Raw Vegetable Salad) – a raw veggie salad with a bold peanut dressing
👑 • Recipe 3: Pecel (Comforting Peanut Sauce Salad) – a comforting, sauce-forward salad from Java
Each recipe is beginner-friendly, flexible, and perfect for satisfying sudden cravings. Let’s get into it.
🥬 Recipe 1: Gado-Gado (Classic Indonesian Mixed Salad)
🥗 About This Recipe
Gado-Gado is often called “Indonesia’s salad icon,” and for good reason. It’s colorful, filling, and incredibly versatile. The name roughly means “mix-mix,” which perfectly describes how this dish comes together.
You’ll usually find lightly cooked vegetables, fresh components, and a rich peanut sauce poured over the top. It’s popular not only in Indonesia but also in many international food markets because it feels familiar yet exciting at the same time.
Despite how impressive it looks, Gado-Gado is surprisingly quick to make once the ingredients are ready.
🧺 Ingredients & Measurements
Vegetables & Add-ins:
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup green beans, cut into short pieces
• 1 medium potato, boiled and sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 firm tofu block, pan-heated and cubed
Peanut Sauce:
• ½ cup roasted peanuts (or peanut butter for speed)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ cup warm water
• Salt to taste
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Lightly blanch the cabbage, bean sprouts, and green beans in boiling water for 1–2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2.Arrange all vegetables and tofu on a serving plate.
3.Blend or mash the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth and pourable.
4.Drizzle the sauce generously over the salad.
5.Toss gently or serve as-is for a more colorful presentation.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
• Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should still have a bit of crunch.
• If the sauce feels too thick, add warm water a little at a time.
• Taste and adjust sweetness and salt before serving.
❓ FAQ
Q1.Can I make Gado-Gado ahead of time?
Yes, but store the sauce separately and combine just before eating.
Q2.Is it okay to change the vegetables?
Absolutely. Gado-Gado is very flexible.
📝 Summary
Gado-Gado is proof that a salad can be hearty, fast, and deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect introduction to Indonesian flavors without feeling overwhelming.
🥕 Recipe 2: Karedok (Fresh Raw Vegetable Salad)
🥗 About This Recipe
Karedok comes from West Java and is loved for its freshness. Unlike many other Indonesian salads, the vegetables here are served completely raw. That means no cooking time at all—just chopping and mixing.
The star of Karedok is its bold peanut dressing, which coats crunchy vegetables and delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.
🧺 Ingredients & Measurements
Vegetables:
• 1 cup long beans, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Peanut Dressing:
• ½ cup roasted peanuts
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ cup water
• Salt to taste
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Wash and slice all vegetables into thin, bite-sized pieces.
2.Blend or grind the dressing ingredients until smooth.
3.Combine vegetables in a large bowl.
4.Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss well.
5.Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
• Slice vegetables thinly so they absorb the sauce better.
• Don’t let Karedok sit too long after mixing—it’s best eaten fresh.
• Adjust water in the sauce carefully to avoid making it runny.
❓ FAQ
Q1.Is Karedok spicy?
It can be, but you control the heat level completely.
Q2.Can I store leftovers?
Not recommended. Karedok is best enjoyed right away.
📝 Summary
Karedok is fresh, fast, and full of texture. It’s ideal when you want something light but still bursting with flavor.
🌿 Recipe 3: Pecel (Comforting Peanut Sauce Salad)
🥗 About This Recipe
Pecel is a comforting Indonesian salad that focuses heavily on the sauce. It’s popular in Central and East Java and often enjoyed as a quick home meal.
The vegetables are lightly cooked, and the peanut sauce is thicker and more savory than the others. Pecel feels warm, familiar, and very satisfying.
🧺 Ingredients & Measurements
Vegetables:
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup long beans
• 1 cup cabbage
• 1 medium potato, boiled and sliced
Pecel Sauce:
• ½ cup roasted peanuts
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ cup warm water
• Salt to taste
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Blanch all vegetables briefly and drain well.
2.Blend the sauce ingredients into a thick, smooth mixture.
3.Arrange vegetables on a plate.
4.Spoon the sauce generously on top.
5.Mix lightly before eating.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
• Drain vegetables thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
• Keep the sauce slightly thick for the best texture.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning.
❓ FAQ
Q1.What makes Pecel different from Gado-Gado?
Pecel focuses more on the sauce and uses simpler vegetables.
Q2.Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully drained after heating.
📝 Summary
Pecel is warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect when you want something filling without a long prep time.
🌟 Final Thoughts
These three Indonesian salads prove that fast food doesn’t have to mean boring food. Each recipe is simple, flexible, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
If you’re new to Indonesian cuisine, try one recipe at a time and see which style you love most. Once you’re comfortable, don’t be afraid to adjust ingredients and make them your own. And if you do try them, sharing your experience is always part of the fun.
Happy cooking—and enjoy every bite! 🥗✨
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