Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
This Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful dish that combines shredded green and red cabbage with fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, enhanced by toasted peanuts and a zesty lime finish. Ideal for those seeking an easy, nutritious salad with an Asian flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (substitute with mint or parsley, or omit)
- ¼ cup toasted peanuts or cashews, crushed
Peanut Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (100% natural recommended)
- ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger, chopped (optional)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Place the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, garlic, and optional ginger into a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water gradually and blend again until the dressing is creamy and pourable.
- Prep the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Mix them evenly.
- Toss the salad: Pour about half of the peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Add more dressing as desired for taste and consistency.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the crushed toasted peanuts on top of the salad for added crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture. Optionally, add lime wedges on the side for extra freshness. For a complete meal, consider adding 1 cup of cooked edamame, baked tofu, shredded cooked chicken, or shrimp.
Notes
- Use 100% natural peanut butter for the best flavor and texture in the dressing.
- Ginger is optional but adds a nice zing; omit if preferred.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- The salad is best served immediately to retain its crunch.
- Variations can include adding protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make it a full meal.
- Adjust water amount in dressing for desired thickness.
