Description
Crunch Salad is a vibrant, refreshing Asian-inspired cabbage slaw brimming with shredded green and red cabbage, crisp carrots, red bell pepper, snap peas, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a zesty sesame-ginger dressing with a touch of heat, this no-cook salad offers the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Perfect as a light side dish or a base for protein additions, it’s easy to whip up in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts or sliced almonds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine vegetables. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced snap peas, chopped green onions, and cilantro until evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake the rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, sriracha (if using), and salt and pepper together until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the salad. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add toppings. Sprinkle roasted peanuts or sliced almonds and sesame seeds over the tossed salad as a crunchy garnish, if desired.
- Serve or chill. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its crisp freshness, or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for a more developed taste before serving.
Notes
- This salad is versatile; for a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use pre-packaged slaw mix to save time without compromising texture or flavor.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey to make the dressing vegan.
- Adjust sriracha quantity or omit for preferred spice level.
