Description
This Chinese Cabbage Salad combines the crispness of Napa cabbage, the crunch of crispy noodles, and the bold flavor of sesame dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is quick to make, endlessly customizable, and bursting with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 4 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage (Chinese cabbage)
- 1 cup crispy noodles (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey for natural sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dry the Napa cabbage. Thinly slice it and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- If making homemade crispy noodles, fry thin wonton wrappers or ramen in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, and optional garlic or chili flakes until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Add the crispy noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and any optional ingredients (like carrots or almonds) to the cabbage in the bowl.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately to retain the crunch of the noodles. If preparing in advance, store the dressing and noodles separately and mix just before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Prep the cabbage and dressing in advance, but keep the noodles separate to maintain their crunch.
- Customizations: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein. Include additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for more color and texture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, noodles may lose their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if frying noodles)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~450 mg (varies based on soy sauce used)
- Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Napa Cabbage Salad Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad Asian Cabbage Salad with Noodles Crispy Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing Tangy Chinese Cabbage Slaw