This Ginger Sesame Cabbage is a refreshing, vibrant salad that brings together the crispness of cabbage with the zing of ginger and the nuttiness of sesame. Tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Ginger Sesame Cabbage salad because it’s an easy, fresh, and flavorful dish that packs a punch without being overwhelming. The combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and zesty ginger creates a delightful flavor profile. The addition of sesame seeds and slivered almonds brings texture and a touch of nuttiness. Whether I’m serving it as a side for dinner, adding it to a picnic spread, or simply enjoying it as a light meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to make, with just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
1 large carrot, julienned
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
Dressing:
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, julienned carrot, green onions, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Swap the honey for maple syrup to make the salad vegan.
Add some protein to the salad by tossing in some grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
For a different crunch, you can substitute the slivered almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. If stored, the cabbage may begin to soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious. I recommend adding the toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy. Since there’s no need to heat this salad, it’s a perfect dish for meal prep!
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FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make the salad up to 1 day ahead of time, but I recommend adding the sesame seeds and slivered almonds just before serving for the best texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this Ginger Sesame Cabbage salad is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just substitute the honey with maple syrup, and you’ll have a completely vegan version of this dish.
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes! Feel free to mix up the types of cabbage. Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage can be used as a substitute for the green and purple cabbage.
How can I make this salad more filling?
You can add some grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for added protein. I sometimes throw in some quinoa to make it even more satisfying!
Conclusion
This Ginger Sesame Cabbage salad is an easy and delicious way to add more vegetables and flavor to your meals. Whether you’re looking for a fresh side dish or a light lunch, this vibrant salad is a perfect choice. The crunchy texture, zesty dressing, and optional toppings make every bite exciting and satisfying. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, so I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
📖 Recipe:
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Ginger Sesame Cabbage
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Ginger Sesame Cabbage salad combines the vibrant flavors of shredded cabbage, fresh ginger, and toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy, refreshing dish. Tossed in a tangy sesame dressing, it’s a perfect vegan-friendly side or light meal. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the ideal healthy recipe for busy days, offering an easy and flavorful way to enjoy more vegetables.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
1 large carrot, julienned
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
Dressing:
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, julienned carrot, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes in the dressing.
Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.
Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for added protein.
If you want a different crunch, substitute slivered almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
This salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 120 kcal
