This Creamy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines the crispness of shredded cabbage with colorful vegetables and a rich, tangy, and nutty peanut dressing. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a perfect side dish for Asian-inspired meals, a light lunch, or a great addition to potlucks and gatherings. The base of the salad is typically made with shredded Napa cabbage, which offers a milder and more tender texture compared to regular green cabbage. Red cabbage is often added for a pop of color and a slightly different crunch. Other vegetables like shredded carrots for sweetness and color, thinly sliced cucumbers for freshness, and bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for a sweet crunch are commonly included. Some variations might also incorporate edamame for protein, thinly sliced red onions for a bit of sharpness, or even crispy wonton strips for added texture. The star of this salad is the creamy peanut dressing, which is a flavorful blend of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on preference), soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), rice vinegar for tanginess, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, sesame oil for its nutty aroma, fresh ginger and garlic for a pungent kick, and often a touch of sriracha or other chili sauce for a bit of heat. Water or vegetable broth is usually added to thin the dressing to the desired consistency. The dressing coats the crisp vegetables beautifully, creating a satisfyingly flavorful and slightly creamy salad. Fresh cilantro and chopped scallions are often sprinkled over the salad as a garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous note. The combination of the crunchy vegetables and the rich, umami-packed, and slightly sweet and spicy peanut dressing makes this Creamy Asian Cabbage Salad a truly irresistible and refreshing dish.
The texture of Creamy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is a delightful combination of crisp and crunchy vegetables, such as the shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, coated in a smooth and creamy dressing. The peanut butter in the dressing adds a slight thickness and richness, while optional additions like crispy wonton strips can provide an extra layer of crunch.
The flavor profile is a vibrant mix of savory, sweet, tangy, and nutty notes. The peanut dressing offers a rich, umami flavor from the peanut butter and soy sauce, balanced by the sweetness of honey or maple syrup and the tanginess of rice vinegar. Sesame oil contributes a distinct nutty aroma, while ginger and garlic add a pungent and aromatic depth. A touch of chili sauce can introduce a pleasant hint of spice. The fresh vegetables provide a clean and refreshing counterpoint to the rich dressing.
Creamy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is a versatile dish that can be served as a side salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or other Asian-inspired main courses. It’s also substantial enough to be a light lunch on its own, especially with the addition of edamame or other protein. It’s a great salad to bring to potlucks and barbecues as it holds up well and is always a crowd-pleaser.
The preparation of Creamy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing involves shredding the vegetables, making the peanut dressing, and then tossing everything together. First, the Napa cabbage and red cabbage (if using) are thinly shredded. Carrots are shredded or julienned, cucumbers are thinly sliced, and bell peppers are thinly sliced or diced. These vegetables are combined in a large bowl. The peanut dressing is made by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, and chili sauce (if using). Water or vegetable broth is added gradually until the dressing reaches the desired creamy consistency. The dressing is then poured over the shredded vegetables, and everything is tossed well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. Fresh cilantro and chopped scallions are sprinkled over the salad as a garnish before serving. The salad can be served immediately or chilled for later.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- ½ cup shelled edamame (optional)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped scallions, for garnish
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
- 2-4 tablespoons water or vegetable broth, to thin
Optional Toppings:
- Crispy wonton strips
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or blender (for dressing)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler or mandoline (for slicing vegetables)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly shred the Napa cabbage and red cabbage (if using). Peel and shred or julienne the carrots. Thinly slice the cucumber and bell peppers. If using, add the shelled edamame and thinly sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Peanut Dressing: In a separate bowl or a blender, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using). Gradually add water or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until the dressing is smooth and reaches your desired creamy consistency. You may need more or less liquid depending on the consistency of your peanut butter.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the shredded vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro and scallions over the salad. If desired, add optional toppings like crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately or chill for later. The salad may become slightly less crunchy as it sits in the dressing.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Creamy Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing!