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As the New Year approaches, the kitchen fills with excitement and the sound of laughter over shared stories. One dish that never fails to spark joy during our celebrations is the vibrant Prosperity Salad, affectionately known as Yusheng. This colorful medley of shredded vegetables is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a symbol of good fortune and unity, traditionally served to usher in luck and wealth for the year ahead.

Imagine the crisp crunch of fresh carrots and radishes mingling with the sweetness of a homemade plum sauce, creating an explosion of flavors in each bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or gathering family around the table, this unique salad invites everyone to participate in the joyous ritual of tossing the ingredients together with chopsticks, all while sharing well wishes for prosperity. With easy, accessible ingredients and a refreshing taste, the Prosperity Salad is the perfect way to start the New Year with flavors that honor tradition while bringing everyone together.

Why is Prosperity Salad (Yusheng) special?

Celebratory Tradition: This dish embodies the spirit of the Lunar New Year, inviting luck and prosperity into your life.
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant mix of shredded vegetables creates a feast for the eyes, perfect for festive gatherings.
Engaging Ritual: Tossing the salad with family and friends adds a fun, interactive element to your meal.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with seasonal veggies or swap in tofu for a vegan twist, ensuring everyone can enjoy.
Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and sweet plum sauce offers a tantalizing taste that will leave a lasting impression.
Celebrate in style with this traditional dish!

Prosperity Salad (Yusheng) Ingredients

For the Shredded Vegetables
• Carrots – Adds a sweet crunch that brightens the salad; use julienned or grated for best results.
• Radish – Offers a peppery bite that enhances flavor; consider using daikon for a milder taste.
• Cucumber – Provides refreshing juiciness; opt for English cucumbers for less bitterness.
• Bok Choy or Lettuce – Delivers a crispy base layer; choose baby bok choy for a tender option.

For the Assorted Toppings
• Peanuts – Contributes a satisfying crunch and nuttiness; feel free to swap for sunflower seeds for nut-free diets.
• Sesame Seeds – Enhances with a subtle nutty flavor; toast them lightly for added depth.
• Crispy Shallots – Offers a savory crunch that elevates the dish; can be easily made at home or bought.

For the Dressing
• Plum Sauce – A sweet and tangy dressing that ties everything together; you can use store-bought or make your own for special occasions.

For the Protein (optional)
• Raw Fish (e.g., salmon or mackerel) – Adds richness and depth; omit for a vegetarian version or substitute with marinated tofu.

For Serving
• Chopsticks – Essential for the traditional tossing ceremony; encourages participation while sharing good wishes during the celebration.

Enjoy preparing this Prosperity Salad (Yusheng) as you gather friends and family for a flavorful and auspicious start to the New Year!

How to Make Prosperity Salad (Yusheng)

Prepare Vegetables: Start by shredding all your chosen vegetables thinly—this maximizes crunch and flavor. Arrange the vibrant colors neatly on a large platter, ensuring an eye-catching presentation that invites smiles.
Add Toppings: Scatter your assorted toppings evenly over the prepared shredded vegetables. These extras will add delightful textures and nutty flavors to each bite, enticing everyone to dig in.
Incorporate Fish: If you’re using fish, lay down the slices gently atop the salad. This addition enhances both richness and authenticity. For a vegetarian option, feel free to skip this step or substitute with marinated tofu.
Drizzle Sauce: Generously pour your sweet plum sauce over the entire salad. This little drizzle ties all the fresh ingredients together with its tangy sweetness, making it irresistible.
Mix to Toss: Gather friends and family around the table, handing out chopsticks for the traditional tossing ceremony. As you mix, share auspicious greetings and well wishes for a prosperous new year, letting the joy fill the room!

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Prosperity Salad (Yusheng)

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using crisp, seasonal vegetables enhances the salad’s flavor and texture, ensuring a vibrant and refreshing taste in your Prosperity Salad (Yusheng).
Prep Ahead of Time: To avoid a soggy salad, prepare all ingredients and toppings beforehand, mixing them right before serving to maintain their crunch.
Mixing Ceremony: Gather everyone at the table for the tossing ritual, as this not only enhances flavor distribution but also invites joy and togetherness.
Sauce Variations: Feel free to get creative with your plum sauce, experimenting with homemade versions that could incorporate spices like ginger or garlic for an added kick.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps: If you’re catering to allergies, replace peanuts with sunflower seeds and explore nut-free options for toppings that still provide a satisfying crunch.

Prosperity Salad (Yusheng) Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Prosperity Salad, adding personal touches and delightful twists that suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Vegan Option: Replace raw fish with marinated tofu to create a delicious plant-based version. It still holds richness and flavor!
Nuts-Free: Swap peanuts for roasted pumpkin seeds, ensuring everyone can enjoy without allergy concerns while still adding a satisfying crunch.
Herb Boost: Introduce fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing twist that adds bright, aromatic notes to your salad.
Sweet Mango: Add diced ripe mango to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors, making each bite a tropical celebration.
Spice It Up: Include sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet plum sauce.
Crunchy Rice: Incorporate crispy rice noodles as an extra topping for added texture and an exciting crunch in every mouthful.
Dip Option: Serve with a side of spicy sesame dressing for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor that can be drizzled over the salad.
Alternative Dressing: Experiment with a mango or citrus vinaigrette as a fresh change from the traditional plum sauce, bringing new depth to flavors.

Your kitchen creativity can turn this Prosperity Salad into a unique masterpiece that reflects your taste and traditions!

What to Serve with Prosperity Salad (Yusheng)?

As you gather to celebrate the New Year, consider these delightful pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this traditional dish.

Light Broth: A warm, savory broth balances the crispness of the salad, providing a cozy contrast perfect for winter celebrations.
Steamed Dumplings: These soft, flavorful treats are a classic pairing, enhancing the festive experience with their meaty or veggie fillings.
Jasmine Rice: Serve this fragrant, fluffy rice to soak up any leftover plum sauce, adding a comforting base that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Chrysanthemum Tea: This floral tea refreshes the palate and emphasizes the salad’s brightness, making each bite feel even lighter and more satisfying.
Candied Fruits: These sweet bites provide a playful finish to your meal while reinforcing the theme of prosperity and good fortune.
Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with veggies, these popular appetizers complement the freshness of the Prosperity Salad and add a delightful crunch.

With these pairings, you’ll elevate your New Year’s celebration to a feast of good fortune and joy!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Prosperity Salad (Yusheng) ahead of time is a wonderful way to save precious moments during busy celebrations! You can easily shred the vegetables and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours to maintain their crunch and vibrant colors. Store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, preventing wilting. The toppings can also be prepped in advance; just keep the peanuts and crispy shallots in separate containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the veggies, add the toppings, and drizzle with plum sauce. Toss together using chopsticks for an engaging dining experience that’s just as fresh and delicious as if made on the spot!

How to Store and Freeze Prosperity Salad

Fridge: Keep leftover Prosperity Salad tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days; however, it’s best consumed fresh to maintain its crunch.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the vegetable components in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Combine just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.

Freezer: We do not recommend freezing the entire Prosperity Salad, as freezing can alter the texture of the raw vegetables and toppings.

Reheating: If you’ve added protein like fried tofu, simply allow it to come to room temperature before mixing it into the salad. Enjoy the salad cold, as intended!

Prosperity Salad (Yusheng) Recipe FAQs

What type of vegetables should I use for the Prosperity Salad (Yusheng)?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and crunch, opt for a variety of colorful, fresh vegetables like carrots, radish, cucumber, and bok choy. Feel free to pick seasonal veggies for a unique twist—each adds its own delightful crunch and keeps the salad visually stunning!

How should I store leftover Prosperity Salad?
To maintain the integrity of the fresh ingredients, store any leftover Prosperity Salad tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s truly best enjoyed fresh to keep that satisfying crunch! You can also prepare the components in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, combining them right before serving.

Can I freeze Prosperity Salad?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire salad, as freezing can significantly alter the texture of raw vegetables. If you need to prepare ahead, make the individual components and freeze cooked proteins separately. Simply assemble everything just before serving for the freshest result!

What if I have allergies?
Very much! If you’re accommodating allergies, consider swapping peanuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Always double-check everything, including sauces, to ensure they don’t contain unwanted allergens. You can easily customize this salad so that everyone can partake in the good luck and joy it brings!

How do I ensure the salad stays crunchy?
To keep your Prosperity Salad as crisp as possible, prepare all ingredients and toppings first, but mix them right before serving. This way, you’ll ensure that the fresh vegetables don’t have time to soften, and that perfect crunch is maintained, making for a delightful bite every time!

How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! You can easily make the Prosperity Salad vegan by omitting the raw fish and substituting it with marinated tofu or skipping it entirely. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatile ingredients; feel free to explore various options while still celebrating the flavors of the season.