Description
A crisp and flavorful Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad, featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions tossed in a balanced sesame-ginger dressing. It’s a refreshing, customizable, and healthy salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
- ½ cup roasted sesame seeds
- ½ cup toasted slivered almonds (optional)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or thinly sliced grilled beef (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently until combined.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes if using until smooth.
- Toast Sesame Seeds and Almonds: Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden. Remove and cool. Repeat with almonds if using.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all vegetables evenly.
- Add Protein (Optional): Add cooked shredded chicken or grilled beef to the salad. Toss lightly.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best results, use a sharp knife or mandoline for thin, even vegetable slices.
- Toast sesame seeds and almonds in a dry skillet over low heat until golden brown for enhanced flavor.
- Combine vegetables and dressing just before serving if preparing ahead to maintain maximum crunch.
- Consider adding grilled shrimp, tofu, or salmon as protein alternatives.
- For a nut-free option, substitute almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Add crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles for extra crunch just before serving.
- Include sliced fresh chili or sriracha in the dressing for added spice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed salad
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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