Name: Asian Cabbage Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (about 8 cups chopped); 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1/3 cup cilantro (chopped); 6 green onions (sliced); 1/2 cup crushed peanuts; 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced (optional)); 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 Tablespoons sesame oil; 4 Tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 Tablespoon lime juice; 2 Tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

This Asian Cabbage Salad is packed with crisp veggies and fresh, vibrant flavors. Topped with crushed peanuts and homemade Sesame Ginger Dressing, it makes a deliciously healthy side dish that’s sure to get you out of your meal planning rut!

I have to admit – I’m a sucker for a good slaw. From Broccoli Slaw to Cilantro Lime Slaw to Taco Slaw and everything in between, it’s always a welcome part of any meal. And this Asian Slaw is no exception!

There’s something about the crunchy cabbage combined with Asian flavors that just works… and it doesn’t just work… it’s completely addictive! As in I could eat this daily for lunch. It’s THAT good.

I kept the recipe pretty simple, with just cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and onions. But one of the things I LOVE about this Asian Salad is how easy it is to add to! It’s the perfect base for extra veggies, proteins, or garnishes… and I love switching up the dressing, too!

what you’ll love about this recipe

Fresh: This cabbage salad is packed with fresh ingredients like cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and onions. It’s a deliciously flavorful dish that’s good for you, too!

Flavorful: Between the dressing and the garnishes, this recipe has so many delicious flavors (and textures)!

Easy to make: It’s SO easy to make and ready in 20 minutes or less! Not to mention… it makes enough to last you all week long!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Cabbage – 1 head of cabbage forms the base of this salad. I used 1/2 red and 1/2 green cabbage, but you can use all of one or the other if you prefer. You can also substitute pre-shredded cabbage, which can be found in the produce department. You’ll need about 8 cups of shredded cabbage.

Carrots – I added 1 cup of matchstick carrots for color, flavor, and crunch. I like the matchstick cut because it blends in perfectly with the cabbage, just like a traditional slaw.

Green onions – I chose green onions for their mild flavor and bright color. I used 6 sliced green onions in this recipe.

Cilantro – I added 1/3 cup of fresh, chopped cilantro for delicious flavor and an herby quality.

Peanuts – I also added 1/2 cup of crushed dry roasted peanuts. Feel free to substitute sliced almonds or cashews OR omit the nuts, altogether.

Sesame ginger dressing – I dressed this salad with Homemade Sesame Ginger Dressing, which is a delicious combination of olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger. To save time, use your favorite store bought Asian-style dressing.

how to make asian cabbage salad

Prep the veggies. Prep the veggies by chopping the cabbage and cilantro and slicing the onions.

Make the dressing. Make the dressing by adding all the ingredients to a small container with a lid. Shake well to combine.

Combine the ingredients. In a large salad or mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and onions. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, then toss it all to combine.

Garnish. Add the grilled chicken and garnish with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds as desired!

Recipe Variations

Use pre-shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix)
Add additional veggies, such as bell pepper, sugar snap peas, or edamame
Top with chow mein noodles or wonton strips for extra crunch
Top with grilled shrimp or beef instead of chicken
Omit the meat for a delicious vegetarian side dish
Use peanut dressing or any Asian-inspired dressing in place of honey ginger dressing

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