This Asian Cabbage Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp cabbage with bold flavors from sesame, ginger, and a hint of heat from Sriracha.
What makes this salad truly stand out is its perfect balance of texture and taste — the crunch of fresh cabbage and peanuts paired with a tangy, slightly spicy dressing delivers a satisfying bite every time.
Refreshing Asian Cabbage Salad
Equipment
- 1 Mandoline slicer
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons Set
- 1 Whisk
- Skillet or toaster for toasting sesame seeds
Ingredients
- 1/2 head green cabbage thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons black or regular sesame seeds toasted
- 1/4 cup peanuts roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce gluten-free if needed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons Monk Fruit sweetener or preferred sweetener
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger or ginger puree
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic puree
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing – Flavor Foundation: Begin by making the dressing, which is the heart of this salad’s vibrant flavor. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce if you prefer), and fragrant sesame oil. Next, add the Monk Fruit sweetener or your preferred alternative to balance the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness. Carefully measure out the Sriracha sauce—starting with one teaspoon—and add it to the bowl; you can adjust this later based on your desired level of heat. Finally, stir in the grated ginger or ginger puree, and the minced garlic or garlic puree. Using a whisk, blend all these ingredients together vigorously until the dressing becomes a smooth, harmonious emulsion. This well-balanced mixture will infuse the salad with a deliciously tangy, spicy, and aromatic profile.
- Slice the Cabbage – Achieving Perfect Crunch: For the crisp texture that defines this salad, start with a fresh, firm green cabbage. Remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage in half and then into manageable wedges. Using a sharp chef’s knife or, ideally, a mandoline slicer set to about 3mm thickness, thinly slice the cabbage into long, even strips. If some slices are longer than desired, cut them in half crosswise to create more manageable bite-sized pieces. The goal here is to create thin, uniform strips that will absorb the dressing evenly while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
- Prepare Additional Fresh Ingredients – Layering Flavor and Texture: Slice the green onions into thin rounds, using the entire green and white parts for a mild onion flavor that complements the dressing. Next, roughly chop the peanuts, leaving some slightly larger pieces for added crunch and visual appeal. Measure out the toasted sesame seeds, which should be lightly browned to enhance their nutty aroma. If you haven’t toasted the sesame seeds yet, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 2–3 minutes until they release a fragrant, nutty scent—be careful not to burn them.
- Combine Cabbage and Green Onions – The Fresh Base: Place the sliced cabbage strips in a large mixing bowl, ensuring there is ample space for thorough tossing. Add the sliced green onions to the cabbage and gently toss with your hands or salad tongs. This initial mix helps evenly distribute the sharp, fresh onion flavor throughout the crunchy cabbage, preparing the base of the salad for the dressing.
- Add the Dressing – Flavor Infusion: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and green onions in a slow, steady stream to avoid overwhelming any one part of the salad. Using large salad tongs or clean hands, toss the cabbage thoroughly with the dressing to coat every piece. Make sure to lift from the bottom of the bowl and fold gently but completely so the cabbage absorbs the dressing, enhancing the flavor without wilting the vegetable.
- Incorporate Peanuts and Sesame Seeds – Crunch and Aroma: Once the cabbage is well coated, sprinkle the chopped peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Toss again lightly to distribute these crunchy ingredients evenly throughout the salad, but be gentle to maintain their texture. Reserve a small handful of peanuts and sesame seeds to sprinkle on top as a decorative garnish when serving.
- Final Presentation – Ready to Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates, making sure to fluff the salad slightly to showcase its vibrant colors and textures. Sprinkle the reserved peanuts and sesame seeds on top for an inviting, professional finish. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to retain its crispness and bold flavors, making it perfect for immediate serving as a refreshing side or a light, healthy main course.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm green cabbage for optimal crunch and flavor. Avoid wilted or soft leaves.
- A mandoline slicer helps achieve uniform thin slices but a sharp chef’s knife works fine if used carefully.
- Toast the sesame seeds just until fragrant to unlock their nutty aroma — don’t over-toast or they’ll turn bitter.
- Adjust the Sriracha amount based on your heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
- Monk Fruit sweetener can be substituted with honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar if preferred.
- This salad is best served fresh; the cabbage can soften and lose crunch if stored too long with dressing.
Beyond flavor, this salad offers excellent nutritional benefits: it’s rich in fiber, supporting digestive health, and provides plant-based protein through peanuts, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
The use of healthy fats from sesame oil adds depth without saturated fat overload, promoting heart health.
Quick to prepare and requiring minimal cooking, this recipe is ideal for busy weekdays or meal prep.
Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish with dinner, it’s a delicious, nutrient-packed option that’s easy to customize and enjoy all year round.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Mandoline Slicer
This precision tool allows for even, thin slices of cabbage, ensuring consistent texture and presentation. Beyond this recipe, a mandoline is invaluable for slicing vegetables quickly and uniformly, perfect for salads, gratins, and stir-fries.
Mixing Bowl
A sturdy, large mixing bowl is essential for tossing the salad ingredients thoroughly with the dressing. It’s a kitchen staple for mixing dough, marinating meats, or preparing large salads.
Measuring Spoons
Accurate measuring spoons help balance the dressing’s flavors perfectly, ensuring consistent results every time. These are indispensable for any recipe requiring precise seasoning or baking ingredients.
Whisk
Ideal for emulsifying the dressing ingredients into a smooth, cohesive sauce. A whisk is a versatile tool for beating eggs, mixing batters, or blending sauces effortlessly.
Toaster or Skillet (for Toasting Sesame Seeds)
Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and aroma. Whether using a skillet or toaster oven, this tool elevates simple ingredients to deepen the salad’s flavor profile.
Chef’s Secrets: Unlocking Maximum Flavor Potential
The key to this salad’s vibrant flavor lies in the perfectly balanced dressing.
Whisking the ingredients thoroughly ensures that the sesame oil and soy sauce meld smoothly with the acidity of rice vinegar and the sweetness of Monk Fruit sweetener.
Using fresh ginger and garlic—whether freshly grated or a good quality puree—adds brightness and depth, creating layers of flavor.
Toasting the sesame seeds separately releases essential oils that bring a warm, nutty aroma.
Lastly, slicing the cabbage thinly but uniformly allows the dressing to coat every bite without overwhelming the crisp texture, delivering a satisfying crunch in every forkful.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways To Enjoy
This Asian Cabbage Salad shines as a standalone light meal or side dish, particularly alongside grilled or roasted proteins such as chicken, tofu, or fish.
It also pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired mains like teriyaki bowls or sesame-crusted salmon.
For a refreshing summer lunch, serve it chilled with a drizzle of extra sesame oil and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or mint for a herbaceous twist.
For meal prep, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
Adding crunchy elements like crispy wonton strips or extra chopped peanuts at serving time can elevate texture variety and presentation.
Storage Tips: Keeping Salad Fresh Longer
Because of the fresh cabbage and dressing, this salad is best enjoyed the same day it’s prepared.
If storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate from the cabbage and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When ready to eat, toss them together for a fresh, crisp bite. Stored this way, the salad can last up to 2 days.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cabbage and peanuts will degrade significantly.
If you prefer to prepare ahead, slice and store the cabbage and green onions dry, then add dressing and toppings just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, Napa cabbage or red cabbage can be used, but note that Napa cabbage is softer and less crunchy, while red cabbage adds color and a slightly different flavor.
2. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
You can substitute with toasted walnut oil or a mild olive oil, but sesame oil’s unique nutty flavor is important for authenticity.
3. Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan, but always check your soy sauce for any hidden animal-derived ingredients if strict veganism is required.
4. How spicy is this salad?
The heat mainly comes from Sriracha, which you can adjust to your taste. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
5. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
For best texture, prepare the vegetables ahead but toss with dressing only before serving to keep the cabbage crisp and fresh.
