Chinese Cabbage Salad Recipe

Chinese cabbage salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of cabbage with a variety of other fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing. It’s a versatile salad that can be customized to your liking with different vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Here are a few variations of this tasty salad.

Ingredients

The ingredients may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe you choose, but here are some common components found in Chinese cabbage salads:

Cabbage: The base of the salad typically includes shredded green and red cabbage379. Some recipes call for Chinese cabbage or Napa cabbage711.
Carrots: Julienned or shredded carrots add sweetness and color1711.
Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers, thinly sliced, provide a crisp texture and mild flavor159.
Mandarin Oranges: These citrus fruits bring a juicy and sweet element to the salad135.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild, oniony flavor137.
Nuts: Chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews contribute a satisfying crunch1311.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves offer a bright, herbaceous note379.

Dressing

The dressing is a crucial part of any salad, as it ties all the flavors together. Here are a few variations.

Sesame Dressing: Made with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger3.
Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette: Combines lemon juice, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, salt, pepper, and olive oil11.
Miso Dressing: A simple dressing with miso paste10.
Rice Vinegar Dressing: Includes rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, peanut butter, and ginger9.

Step-by-Step Instructions

While specific steps may vary based on the recipe, here’s a general guide to making Chinese cabbage salad:

Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop all the vegetables. Shred the cabbages and carrots. Slice the bell peppers and green onions510.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, mandarin oranges, green onions, and cilantro510.
Make the Dressing: In a separate jar or bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined5.
Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat59. Garnish with chopped nuts and sesame seeds511.

Pro Tips

Make-Ahead: If you’re preparing the salad in advance, keep the lettuce, red peppers, and cilantro separate and mix them in right before serving to prevent wilting5.
Dressing: Add the dressing gradually to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Serve extra dressing on the side59.
Toast the Nuts: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch9.
Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients like edamame, chow mein noodles, or cooked chicken to customize the salad to your liking3911.