Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing

Crunchy Asian cabbage salad with crisp vegetables and a creamy peanut sesame dressing packed with fresh, savoury flavour.

This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing is one of my own creations, inspired by the many delicious Asian slaws I’ve enjoyed over the years. I wanted something fresh, colorful, and packed with bold flavor — but also simple enough to make anytime. After experimenting with different ingredients and tweaking the dressing, this version quickly became a favorite in our kitchen. It’s crunchy, vibrant, and perfectly balanced with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing

This crunchy Asian cabbage salad combines crisp, colourful vegetables with a creamy peanut sesame dressing. Savoury, slightly sweet and full of nutty flavour, it’s a satisfying side or an easy lunch.

Why This Asian Cabbage Salad Works So Well

The crisp vegetables and creamy dressing make a delicious contrast. Cabbage holds its texture longer than softer greens, giving each bite plenty of crunch.

When to Serve It

Serve alongside chicken, tofu or rice bowls, or bring it to a potluck or barbecue. For meal prep, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.

Basic Ingredients for Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad

Tips for the Best Peanut Sesame Dressing

• Grate ginger and garlic finely for fresh flavour and a smooth dressing.

• Taste and adjust. Add honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang and sesame oil sparingly.

• Shake well, then toss. Dress your salad just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.

Easy Variations for Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad

• Add shredded chicken. Cooked chicken turns this Asian cabbage salad into a more filling lunch or light dinner.
• Try tofu. Crispy or baked tofu works really well with the peanut sesame dressing and keeps the salad vegetarian.
• Add edamame. Shelled edamame gives the salad extra protein and a little more bite without changing the fresh flavour.
• Use different cabbage. Green cabbage, red cabbage or Napa cabbage all work. A mix gives the salad more colour and texture.
• Add more crunch. Chopped peanuts, cashews, sesame seeds or crispy wonton strips are great on top.
• Make it spicier. Add sriracha, chili crisp or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Add fresh herbs. Cilantro, mint or Thai basil can give the salad a brighter, fresher flavour.
• Make it more substantial. Toss in cooked noodles or serve the salad over rice for an easy peanut sesame cabbage bowl.

Storage Tips for Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad

• Store the salad and dressing separately. This is the best way to keep the cabbage and vegetables crisp instead of letting them soften overnight.
• Refrigerate in airtight containers. The undressed salad should keep well for about 2–3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep crunchy toppings separate too. Peanuts, sesame seeds or crispy noodles stay much better if you add them just before serving.
• Expect dressed leftovers to soften. The salad will still taste good the next day, but the cabbage won’t have quite the same crunch.
• Give the dressing a stir before using. Peanut sesame dressing can thicken in the fridge, so stir or whisk it again before tossing with the salad.
• Add a splash of water or lime juice if needed. If the dressing becomes too thick after chilling, a small splash usually loosens it right back up.

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing — a fresh, healthy, and vibrant Asian slaw packed with crisp vegetables, bold flavor, and the perfect crunchy texture. 

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chill Time (optional) 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian inspired, Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl (for tossing the crunchy Asian cabbage salad)
• 1 Sharp chef’s knife (for slicing cabbage and vegetables finely)
• 1 Cutting board (for safe and easy prep)
• 1 Small bowl or glass jar with lid (for shaking or whisking the peanut sesame dressing)
• 1 Whisk or fork (to blend the dressing until smooth and glossy)
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate dressing and ingredient measurements)
• 1 Salad tongs or large spoon (for serving and tossing the Asian slaw)

Ingredients

  

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Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups green cabbage thinly shredded
• 2 cups purple cabbage thinly shredded
• 1 ½ cups carrots julienned or shredded
• 3 green onions thinly sliced
• 1 cup cilantro leaves fresh
• ½ cup peanuts roasted
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Optional add-ins

• shredded chicken
• edamame
• sliced red bell pepper

Peanut Sesame Soy Dressing

• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp neutral oil avocado, canola, vegetable
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• 1 tsp ginger fresh & grated
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Optional

• 1 tsp fish sauce

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cabbage Salad

• Place the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onions and cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.

Make the Peanut Sesame Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, neutral oil, lime juice, peanut butter, ginger, garlic and Dijon mustard until smooth.
• Stir in the dressing’s 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and the fish sauce, if using. If the dressing is too thick to pour, add water one teaspoon at a time until it lightly coats a spoon.

Add Optional Extras

• If using, add cooked shredded chicken, cooked and cooled shelled edamame or sliced red bell pepper to the cabbage mixture.

Dress and Toss

• Pour about three-quarters of the peanut sesame dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly with tongs until the vegetables are lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed.

Finish with Crunch

• Sprinkle the roasted peanuts and the salad’s 1 tablespoon sesame seeds over the top. Toss lightly, leaving some of the crunchy toppings on the surface.

Serve or Chill Briefly

• Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavours blend. Toss again before serving.
• If preparing ahead, keep the dressing, peanuts and sesame topping separate until shortly before serving.

Notes

• This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
• The salad can be served with or without dressing, but the peanut sesame dressing enhances the flavor with bold, sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
• For best results, use freshly shredded cabbage and carrots to achieve the ultimate crunchy Asian slaw texture.
• This recipe is highly versatile and works as a healthy side dish, light lunch, or meal prep salad.
• Store dressing separately for longer-lasting freshness and crunch.
• Easily adaptable for dietary needs — make it gluten-free with tamari or add protein for a complete meal.
• Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and quick weeknight dinners.

Nutrition

Serving: 1250 gramsCalories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 969mgPotassium: 654mgFiber: 7gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 8947IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 141mgIron: 3mg

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