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Crunchy Asian cabbage salad with green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, peanuts, sesame seeds, and cilantro tossed in a peanut sesame dressing.

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
Chill Time (optional) 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine 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
  

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
 

  • Mix the Salad
    In a large bowl combine: green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro
  • Dress the Salad
    Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the salad.
    Toss well until coated.
  • Add Crunch
    Sprinkle in peanuts and sesame seeds.
    Toss lightly again.
  • Serve
    Serve immediately or chill 10–15 minutes for extra flavor.

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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