If you are craving a vibrant, crunchy salad that bursts with fresh flavors and delightful textures, this Cabbage Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the crispness of green and red cabbage with the sweetness of carrots and a savory Asian-inspired dressing, it elevates simple ingredients into a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The toasted almonds and sesame seeds add a satisfying nuttiness and crunch that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether served as a light lunch or a zingy side to your dinner, this salad is a versatile and healthy joy that brings a splash of color and zest to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cabbage Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one has been carefully chosen to build layers of taste, texture, and color that make the salad truly stand out. From the vibrant cabbages for crunch and color to the toasted almonds for nutty depth, every element plays a crucial role.
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a crisp, refreshing base with mild flavor.
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds an eye-catching purple hue and a slightly peppery bite.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweetness and bright orange color brighten the salad.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions: Offers a gentle pungency and fresh aroma.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses a herbaceous, slightly citrusy note.
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds: Delivers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds: Adds small bursts of nuttiness that complement the dressing.
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang and brightness to balance the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth and richness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness to round out the tartness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a warm, toasted aroma unique to Asian dishes.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the overall flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by shredding the green and red cabbages finely, ensuring a delicate crunch with every bite. Shred the carrots to add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color. Thinly slice the green onions to introduce a mild, oniony freshness. Finally, chop the fresh cilantro to sprinkle its aromatic, citrusy fragrance into the mix. Combining these fresh veggies in a large mixing bowl creates a colorful and textured foundation for the salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and olive oil until the dressing is completely blended and smooth. This dressing is what brings the salad to life, combining sweet, tangy, and savory notes that perfectly complement the crunchy vegetables. Take a moment to taste and adjust if necessary, balancing sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
Step 3: Toss Salad with Dressing
Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every shred with flavor. This step ensures that the dressing envelopes the salad evenly, maximizing every bite’s deliciousness. Tossing gently but thoroughly helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Seeds
Finally, toss in the toasted sliced almonds and sesame seeds just before serving. These ingredients add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables. Be sure to mix them in gently, so they don’t lose their texture.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. This final touch enhances the natural flavors and binds the ingredients together in harmony. Serve the salad immediately for peak freshness, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to deepen the flavors.
How to Serve Cabbage Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cabbage Salad Recipe pop even more, consider garnishing it with additional toasted almonds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. Thin strands of fresh bell peppers or extra chopped cilantro make wonderful vibrant toppings that add both flair and flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This salad shines when paired with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian boost. It brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts wonderfully with warm, savory side dishes like steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, try serving the salad in individual glass jars or layered salad bowls to showcase the beautiful hues. You can also create crisp salad wraps by spooning the cabbage mix into large lettuce leaves for a fresh handheld version that’s perfect for picnics or casual lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate the salad in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain maximum crunch and freshness. To avoid sogginess, hold off on adding the toasted almonds and sesame seeds until just before serving.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and delicate dressing, freezing this Cabbage Salad Recipe is not recommended. The texture and flavor will deteriorate once frozen and thawed.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. The fresh crispness is part of the appeal and would be lost with heat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage can be excellent alternatives and bring their own unique texture and flavor to this salad.
Is there a vegan option for this salad?
Yes, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the dressing completely vegan without losing any of the delicious sweetness.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad and dressing separately and toss together about an hour before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and fresh.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, tofu, or edamame all work wonderfully to turn this salad into a more substantial and balanced dish.
What’s the best way to toast almonds at home?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them as they can turn bitter quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Salad Recipe is an absolute kitchen gem. Bright, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, it combines simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand into something delightfully special. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite to bring out again and again, whether for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a classy dinner side. So grab your cabbages and get tossing—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cabbage Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian-inspired cabbage salad featuring a mix of green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing, topped with toasted almonds and sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. This refreshing, no-cook salad is perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro to form the salad base.
- Make the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and olive oil until the dressing is fully blended and smooth.
- Toss the salad. Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add toppings. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and sesame seeds over the salad, then toss gently again just before serving to distribute the nuts and seeds.
- Season and serve. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for maximum freshness or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced bell peppers or a handful of crushed ramen noodles.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey to make the salad vegan.
