Asian Cabbage Salad

Asian Cabbage Salad is a crisp, colorful, and refreshing dish featuring shredded cabbage, vibrant veggies, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing. With its balance of crunchy textures and bold flavors, this salad is perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a healthy addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: A zingy dressing paired with crunchy vegetables creates a bold and refreshing bite.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy: Low in calories, packed with fiber, and full of vitamins.
• Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge, even after dressing.
• Customizable: Add chicken, tofu, or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts or sliced almonds (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, edamame, cilantro, and green onions.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, sriracha (if using), and lime juice.
3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or almonds on top just before serving. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a meal.
• Noodle Version: Mix in cooked rice noodles or ramen for an Asian noodle salad twist.
• Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts or use sunflower seeds for a safe alternative.
• Creamy Style: Add a tablespoon of tahini or peanut butter to the dressing for a creamy version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cabbage and vegetables lose their texture.
• Reheating: Not applicable; this salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make Asian Cabbage Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead. Store them separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey.

What kind of cabbage works best?

A mix of green and red cabbage offers color and texture. Napa cabbage also works well.

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Absolutely, it’s a great time-saver and works just as well in this recipe.

What can I use instead of edamame?

Green peas, chickpeas, or shredded chicken are good alternatives.

How spicy is this salad?

The spice level is mild, but you can adjust it by adding more or less sriracha or omitting it entirely.

Can I make this salad nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the peanuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

What other veggies can I add?

Cucumbers, snap peas, or shredded daikon radish are great additions.

How long will this salad stay crisp?

Dressed salad stays crisp for about a day. Undressed components stay fresh for 2–3 days.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Conclusion

Asian Cabbage Salad is a flavorful, crunchy, and nutritious dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to picnic sides. Give it a try for a refreshing take on salad that everyone will love.

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