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Easy Asian Cabbage Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

This Easy Asian Cabbage Salad is a fresh, vibrant side dish featuring crisp shredded green cabbage tossed in a tangy and savory dressing made from lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Enhanced with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a hint of spicy fresno chili, it’s a quick and healthy salad perfect for any meal or as a refreshing accompaniment to Asian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (about half a small cabbage head)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • ½ fresno chili pepper, seeded and sliced (optional)

Dressing

  • 1 small lime, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred or tamari)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage: Using a sharp knife, cut the cabbage in half and finely shred it to create thin, even strips that will absorb the dressing well.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: Add the shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, roughly chopped cilantro, and sliced fresno chili pepper (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
  4. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and adjust the salt if necessary. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors, or refrigerate briefly before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, include the fresno chili with seeds or substitute with a hotter chili pepper.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead; flavors deepen when chilled but avoid adding salt until just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Adding toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top can add a nice crunch and extra depth of flavor.

Keywords: Asian cabbage salad, easy salad, no cook salad, sesame oil salad, cilantro salad, lime dressing, healthy side dish