Asian Cabbage Salad with Toasted Almonds and Ginger Dressing Recipe
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad featuring a colorful mix of green and red cabbage, bell pepper, shredded carrots, edamame, and fresh cilantro. Tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet peanut-ginger dressing and topped with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a refreshing side or light meal.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Salad:
- ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- ½ small head green cabbage, finely sliced (about 3 cups)
- ½ small head red cabbage, finely sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, very thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- Toast the almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced or slivered almonds in a single layer on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Toast for 4 to 6 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they become fragrant and crisp. Be attentive during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Remove immediately to a small bowl or plate.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the finely sliced green and red cabbage, very thinly sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, thawed edamame, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss these ingredients together gently.
- Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, low sodium soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, and minced fresh ginger until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour enough of the dressing over the salad mixture to lightly moisten it. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
- Add toasted almonds and marinate: Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top of the dressed salad and give it a final light toss. For best flavor, let the salad marinate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
- If you prefer, raw almonds can be used, but toasting is highly recommended.
- The salad can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated to develop more flavor.
- If you want a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preferred taste and consistency.
- Marinating the salad allows flavors to meld, but it can be served immediately if short on time.
Keywords: Asian cabbage salad, crunchy cabbage salad, peanut dressing salad, healthy Asian salad, easy cabbage salad, toasted almonds salad