This vibrant and refreshing Chinese cabbage salad is a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables and a tangy, savory dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, it brings together a variety of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Chinese cabbage is a type of napa cabbage that has a milder taste and a more delicate texture than regular cabbage. Gluten-free soy sauce is essential for those avoiding gluten, and it can usually be found in the gluten-free section of your supermarket. Rice vinegar and sesame oil are common in Asian cuisine and can be found in the international foods aisle.

Ingredients For Chinese Cabbage Salad Recipe
Chinese cabbage: A mild and delicate type of cabbage, perfect for salads.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and crunch to the salad.
Green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and a bit of color.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to the salad.
Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
Rice vinegar: A tangy vinegar that is commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Gluten-free soy sauce: A soy sauce alternative that is safe for those avoiding gluten.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy and savory flavors.
Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy flavor to the dressing.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dressing.
Technique Tip for This Salad
To enhance the flavor of the dressing, let it sit for about 10 minutes after whisking together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chinese cabbage - Substitute with napa cabbage: Napa cabbage has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative.
carrots - Substitute with daikon radish: Daikon radish provides a similar crunch and can add a slightly peppery flavor.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and can be used in similar quantities.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery taste and can be used if you prefer a different herb.
peanuts - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, and are a good option for those with peanut allergies.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in the same quantity.
gluten-free soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute, though it will have a different flavor profile.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a mild garlic flavor and can be minced and used in similar quantities.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How To Store / Freeze This Salad
To keep your Chinese cabbage salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain the crispness of the cabbage and carrots.
If you plan to enjoy the salad over a few days, store the dressing separately in a small jar or container. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
When ready to serve, simply pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. This ensures each bite is as fresh and flavorful as the first.
For optimal freshness, consume the salad within 3-4 days. The cilantro and green onions may lose some of their vibrant color and flavor after this period.
If you need to freeze the salad, it's best to freeze the cabbage and carrots separately from the dressing. Place the shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
The dressing can be frozen in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the vegetables and dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Combine just before serving for the freshest taste.
Note that freezing may alter the texture of the cabbage and carrots, making them slightly softer. This is normal and should not affect the overall flavor of the salad.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Microwave Method:
- Place the Chinese cabbage salad in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed. Be cautious not to overheat as it may wilt the vegetables.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of sesame oil to the skillet.
- Add the Chinese cabbage salad to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Stir frequently to prevent the vegetables from sticking or burning.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the Chinese cabbage salad evenly on a baking sheet.
- Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the Chinese cabbage salad in a steamer basket.
- Set the steamer basket over the boiling water and cover with a lid.
- Steam for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Remove from the steamer and serve immediately.
Best Tools for Making This Salad
Large bowl: To combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.
Small bowl: To whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic for the dressing.
Whisk: To thoroughly mix the dressing ingredients until well combined.
Knife: To chop the green onions and cilantro finely.
Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for chopping the green onions and cilantro.
Grater: To grate the carrots and ginger.
Garlic press: To mince the garlic clove efficiently.
Measuring cups: To measure out the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and crushed peanuts accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger precisely.
Tongs or salad tossers: To toss the salad and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Serving bowl: To present the salad attractively if serving immediately.
Refrigerator: To store the salad if you plan to serve it later.
How to Save Time on Making This Salad
Pre-shred the cabbage: Buy pre-shredded chinese cabbage to save time on preparation.
Use a food processor: Grate the carrots quickly using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the green onions and cilantro ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Buy pre-crushed peanuts: Purchase pre-crushed peanuts to avoid the extra step of crushing them yourself.
Make the dressing in advance: Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic ahead of time and store it in a jar.

Chinese Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 medium Chinese cabbage shredded
- 2 carrots Carrots grated
- ¼ cup Green onions chopped
- ¼ cup Cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup Peanuts crushed
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup Rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Ginger grated
- 1 clove Garlic minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Value
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