Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cabbage salad, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Cabbage Salad:
Coleslaw Mix – Using fresh pre-made coleslaw mix is my time-saving shortcut for all kinds of cabbage salad recipes! (I also use it when I make coleslaw for tacos and egg roll in a bowl.) If you prefer, though, you can combine your own shredded green cabbage with shredded carrots. You can also use red cabbage, savoy cabbage, or Napa cabbage which is more traditional for an Asian cabbage salad. Bell Pepper – For crunch and natural sweetness. You can also try carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, or cucumbers as well. Green Onions – Scallions add a delicious, mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Sunflower Seeds – You could also use nuts here instead, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
Asian Salad Dressing:
Coconut Aminos – This is a soy sauce alternative. Feel free to use conventional low-sodium soy sauce instead. Olive Oil – You could also use avocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil you prefer. White Wine Vinegar – You could also use rice vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a more mellow flavor. Lemon juice (either bottled or squeezed from fresh lemons) would also work. Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty taste and aroma. I prefer toasted sesame oil, but regular also works. Seasoning – I seasoned the dressing simply with garlic powder, sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. A sprinkle of ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger) or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard would also make nice additions.
How To Make Cabbage Salad
This section shows how to make an Asian cabbage salad recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Sweet – Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey (or sugar-free honey). Creamy – Add 1/4 cup of mayo (store-bought or homemade mayonnaise). Change it up – Swap in my Asian salad dressing instead.
Storage Instructions
Store: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended. Meal prep: This recipe for cabbage salad is great for meal prep, because it stores very well and the flavors actually develop more over time. Make this dish at least a few hours in advance if you can, but it’s not required.
What To Serve With Cabbage Salad Recipes
Cabbage salad recipes are so versatile that they can go with just about any main course, but here are a few of my favorite recipes to serve with this as a side salad:
Asian Mains – Serve this side salad with tender Mongolian beef, healthy sweet and sour chicken, sweet teriyaki chicken, or for a spicy kick black pepper chicken. Grilled Mains – Cabbage salad is perfect for cookouts! Serve it with the best burgers for a quick and easy side, but it is also works with flaky grilled salmon or a tender grilled steak. Air Fryer Mains – For a complete quick and easy meal that won’t heat up the kitchen, pair this easy salad with air fryer pork chops or crispy air fryer chicken thighs. Chicken – For sweet and savory flavors, pair this salad with honey garlic chicken or sriracha chicken.
More Make Ahead Salad Recipes
Bring a new twist to your table with these healthy, hearty salads. These quick dishes pair with so many meals: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. For a sweeter dressing, add honey (regular or sugar-free honey) or powdered sweetener of choice to the dressing, to taste. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle!
