Asian Cabbage Salad

This easy Asian Cabbage Salad is full of vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and zesty ginger sesame dressing. Whip it up in minutes!

Seeking a salad that's more than just lettuce and dressing? Look no further than this Asian Cabbage Salad.

Bursting with freshness and character, it's a delightful twist on traditional salads. We love the crunchy texture, vibrant colors and the bold dressing.

It's also super easy to make. Just slice up your red cabbage, kale, bell pepper and scallions and add them to a bowl. Then whisk together the simple ingredients for the Asian ginger sesame dressing. Combine and you're ready to go!

We love serving this salad as veg-packed side dish or appetizer for Teriyaki Chicken, Honey Sesame Chicken, or Korean Gochujang Chicken!

Jump to:

• Why You Should Make This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• Storage
• Recipe Tips
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple prep and minimal cooking time, it's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with wholesome ingredients like cabbage, kale, and carrots, it's a nutritious choice that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or protein sources for a meal that suits your preferences.
• Flavorful Dressing: The Ginger Sesame Dressing adds a delightful kick to the salad, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients

• Red Cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a crisp texture to the salad. (Substitution: Green cabbage or Napa cabbage)
• Kale: Adds a hearty, nutrient-rich base to the salad. (Substitution: Spinach or mixed greens)
• Carrots: Provides sweetness and crunch. (Substitution: Shredded beetroot or jicama)
• Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color. (Substitution: Chives or red onion)
• Red Bell Pepper: Offers a sweet, tangy flavor and additional crunch. (Substitution: Yellow bell pepper or cucumber)
  For the dressing
• Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the dressing, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if watching your salt intake.
• Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar provides a tangy acidity to the dressing, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally, harmonizing with the other ingredients to create a well-balanced flavor. For a vegan option, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and distinctive aroma to the dressing. Look for toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor, but be mindful as a little goes a long way.
• Freshly Grated Ginger: Infuses the dressing with a warm, spicy kick and brightens up the overall taste. Use a microplane or fine grater to finely grate the ginger for optimal flavor distribution.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dressing. Freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.

See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.

Instructions

If you're wondering how to make this Asian Cabbage Salad recipe, don't worry, it's easy!

Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

Add the shredded cabbage and sliced kale to a large bowl.

Peel and shred the carrots, thinly slice the scallions, and deseed and slice the bell pepper - add them to the bowl of vegetables.

Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.

Add the dressing to the bowl of vegetables and toss to coat.

Store in the refrigerator and serve sprinkled with sesame seeds (optional)

Serving Suggestions

Here's a list of dishes that pair well with Asian Cabbage Salad:

1. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken complement the tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables in the salad.
2. Sushi Rolls: Whether you're enjoying homemade sushi or ordering from your favorite restaurant, sushi rolls make a perfect accompaniment to the salad. The fresh, clean flavors of sushi contrast beautifully with the bold flavors of the salad.
3. Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, serve the salad alongside stir-fried tofu and vegetables. The crispy tofu and colorful veggies provide a satisfying contrast to the salad's textures and flavors.
4. Sesame Ginger Salmon: Baked or grilled salmon with a sesame ginger glaze pairs wonderfully with the Asian-inspired flavors of the salad. The richness of the salmon complements the freshness of the salad, creating a well-balanced meal.
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy vegetable spring rolls make a delicious starter or side dish alongside the salad. Their delicate flavors and textures are a perfect match for the crunchy cabbage and kale.
6. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce make a hearty and flavorful main course to enjoy alongside the salad.
7. Ramen Noodle Soup: A bowl of hot and comforting ramen noodle soup pairs well with the refreshing crunch of the salad. Enjoy them together for a satisfying and balanced meal.
8. Shrimp Fried Rice: Fragrant shrimp fried rice makes a flavorful and satisfying side dish to serve alongside the salad. The combination of savory rice and succulent shrimp complements the salad's bold flavors.

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
• Crunchy Additions: Incorporate sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, or toasted peanuts for extra crunch.
• Asian-Inspired Flavors: Toss in sliced water chestnuts, edamame, or mandarin orange segments for a taste of Asia.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Note that the salad may become slightly wilted over time, but it will still be delicious!

FAQ

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