Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad that balances crisp cabbage with a savory-sweet sesame dressing and a satisfying crunch from toasted nuts and seeds.
Ingredients
- •1/2 head green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups)
- •1/2 head red cabbage, thinly shredded (about 2 cups)
- •2 medium carrots, julienned or grated
- •3 green onions, thinly sliced
- •1/2 cup slivered almonds
- •1/4 cup sesame seeds
- •1/4 cup neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola)
- •3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- •2 tablespoons soy sauce
- •1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- •1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- •1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds and sesame seeds on a small baking sheet and toast for 5-8 minutes until golden and fragrant, watching closely to prevent burning.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced green onions.
- 3
In a small glass jar or bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and garlic powder until emulsified.
- 4
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
- 5
Just before serving, fold in the toasted almonds and sesame seeds to maintain their crunch.
- 6
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Chef tips
- For a protein-packed meal, add shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-seared tofu to the salad.
- If preparing in advance, keep the dressing and the toasted nut mixture separate from the cabbage until the moment you are ready to serve to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; note that the cabbage will soften the longer it sits in the dressing.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished salad should be bright and colorful with a perfect balance of crunchy textures, a nutty aroma, and a tangy, savory-sweet flavor profile.