Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Cabbage Salad featuring colorful vegetables, mandarin oranges, and chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a light side dish or refreshing appetizer, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 14 oz cabbage (red and green, shredded)
- 1 cup carrot (grated)
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 whole green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 11 oz can mandarin oranges (well drained)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/3 cup red onion (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger (finely minced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Place all the salad ingredients—shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped yellow bell pepper, chopped green onions, cilantro, drained mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles, toasted sliced almonds, and chopped red onion—into a large mixing bowl. Set this mixture aside while preparing the dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the finely minced garlic and ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, white vinegar, and canola oil. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Toss and Serve: When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For best texture, add dressing just before serving to keep the salad crunchy.
- To toast almonds, heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add almonds, and stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Chow mein noodles add a delightful crunch but can be replaced with crispy fried wonton strips if preferred.
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce in the dressing to balance sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
- Store leftover salad separately without dressing for up to 1 day to prevent sogginess.
