Sometimes, our bodies crave a salad, but greens won’t cut it! When that’s the case, swapping the greens with cabbage could satisfy your taste buds. This salad checks all the boxes: it’s filling, satisfying, and flavorful, and there isn’t a piece of lettuce, kale, or spinach in sight! Instead, Thai cabbage salad uses a base of coleslaw combined with bell pepper and green onion. Then, we add additional flavor with a bit of mint and cilantro. The mix of those two herbs adds an earthy tanginess that tastes delish when paired with the rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing!
the ingredients are simple
This salad calls for two mini-ingredient lists. Everything can be found at your local grocery store, and you should be able to spot the rice vinegar and sesame oil with other condiments or on the baking aisle.
Dressing
Rice Vinegar: This adds a potent bite to the mix and makes a great base for the dressing. Sugar and Salt: Add a bit of sweet flavor with some sugar. This is crucial for adding flavor while also offsetting the sourness of the vinegar. We also need salt to enhance all the other flavors. Toasted Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty taste! Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add just a slight amount of heat. You can add more if you prefer things extra spicy. Garlic: The last ingredient for the dressing is minced garlic. If preferred, you can use garlic powder (but fresh is usually best!).
Salad
Coleslaw: 1 14-oz bag of coleslaw will serve as the base of the salad. Be sure to grab a variety with shredded carrots for extra flavor and crunch! Green Onions: These add a subtle onion flavor (without the sharp bite of white onions). Red Bell Pepper: 1 red pepper adds crunch, color, and even a bit of sweetness to the salad. Cilantro and Mint: To add even more flavor, add cilantro and mint.
here’s how to make it
This recipe is great for beginners and experienced cooks alike. You’ll need only 15 minutes of prep time total. Step 1: Create The DressingWhisk together all of the dressing ingredients. They should be well combined, and the sugar should dissolve. Step 2: Prepare The SaladIn a separate bowl, toss together all of the salad ingredients. Step 3: AssembleDrizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
Plays well with…
Whether you’re enjoying this salad as a side or as a main course, here are some delicious pairing ideas!
Kimchi Tempeh Tacos: Spoon this salad on top of the tacos, or serve it alongside! Creamy Cauliflower Soup: Go the classic soup and salad route with this cauliflower option! Easy Chana Dal Recipe: Load up on nutrients with delicious chana dal. Kimchi Fries: Splurge and have French fries for dinner! This salad would be great heaped on top of the fries or served alongside.
