Ginger Sesame Cabbage Salad Recipe
This refreshing Ginger Sesame Cabbage Salad features a vibrant mix of green and purple cabbage, carrot, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. Crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet, it’s perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salad Base:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the green and purple cabbage, julienne the carrot, slice the green onions, and chop the fresh cilantro carefully using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to ensure even pieces for a well-balanced texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, freshly grated ginger, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Toss Everything Together: Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, green onions, and chopped cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Let the Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. This resting time lets the dressing absorb into the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
- Finish with Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and optional slivered almonds on top to add a delightful crunch and extra layers of flavor to the salad.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Replace honey with maple syrup to make the recipe vegan.
- Feel free to omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder salad.
- Toast the sesame seeds and slivered almonds lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; just add the almonds right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Keywords: ginger cabbage salad, sesame cabbage salad, Asian salad, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option, healthy salad, crunchy salad