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Refreshing Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing: A Healthy Side Dish

Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe 

A fresh and vibrant Chinese cabbage salad served in a large bowl, topped with sesame seeds and a light sesame dressing. Include thinly sliced vegetables like carrots and green onions for color and texture. The dressing should be shown in a small glass jar on the side, with chopsticks resting next to the bowl on a wooden table for an inviting, homemade feel.

Fresh, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious, Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing is a dish you’ll love preparing and eating. Its simple yet bold flavors, paired with incredible nutritional benefits, make it perfect for home cooks, healthy eaters, vegans, and food enthusiasts. Whether you’re preparing a dinner for friends or seeking to spice up your weekday meals, this recipe is sure to impress! 

We’ll walk you through everything—from its nutritional benefits to step-by-step instructions for making the salad and sesame dressing. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in tips to make this dish picture-perfect for sharing on Instagram (because we know you’ll want to). 

The Charm of Chinese Cabbage Salad 

Chinese cabbage (or Napa cabbage) has a long history in East Asian cuisine and has been cherished for its subtle flavor and versatility. This salad brings it to life with an irresistible sesame dressing, creating a dish that’s as healthy as it is mouthwatering. 

What makes it so popular? It’s endlessly customizable, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. You don’t need to be a pro chef to pull off restaurant-quality results. Just grab a few fresh ingredients, and you’ll be ready to impress! 

Why Healthy Eaters Love Chinese Cabbage 

Did you know Chinese cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse? Here’s why it deserves a spot on your plate: 

  • Low in Calories, High in Fiber – Perfect for keeping you full and satisfied without overloading calories. 
  • Loaded with Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and promotes radiant skin. 
  • Rich in Antioxidants – Helps protect your cells from damage and supports overall health. 
  • Great for Vegans and Vegetarians – A plant-based superstar that provides essential nutrients for diverse diets. 

Plus, it pairs beautifully with sesame seeds, which are packed with healthy oils, protein, and calcium. When combined, this salad isn’t just delicious—it’s a wellness win! 

How to Make Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing 

Now, onto the best part—the recipe! Follow these simple steps for a foolproof salad. 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Salad:

  • 1 medium Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage), shredded 
  • 1 large carrot, julienned 
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 
  • 3 scallions, finely chopped 
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (I like using toasted ones!) Buy organic sesame seeds here. 
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves (optional) 

For the Sesame Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil Purchase high-quality sesame oil here. 
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari 
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey 
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated 
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1. Prep the Ingredients 

Wash, peel, and slice all the vegetables as needed. The goal is to keep everything thinly sliced or shredded for maximum crunch and flavor distribution. 

Step 2. Make the Dressing 

Whisk together all the sesame dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust—want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup. Need more tang? Go wild with rice vinegar. 

Step 3. Toss It Together 

Place all your salad ingredients into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. 

Step 4. Garnish and Serve 

Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two days—this salad actually gets better as the flavors meld together! 

Pro Tip:

Use a mandoline slicer for uniform and beautifully thin slices of your veggies. It creates that “professional chef” look we all aspire to! 

Ingredients Spotlight 

Want to know more about the key stars in this dish? 

  • Chinese Cabbage: This veggie is the hero of the recipe. Its mild flavor and soft-yet-crunchy texture make it ideal for salads and stir-fries alike. Get high-quality Chinese cabbage here. 
  • Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way with this nutty oil. It’s what gives the dressing its character. Buy premium sesame oil. 
  • Maple Syrup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the dressing. Shop pure maple syrup here. 

These premium ingredients significantly enhance the flavor and quality. 

Read more: Spicy Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage Recipe: A Quick & Healthy Flavor Boost

Make It Your Own 

Here’s where the fun really begins—customizing your Chinese Cabbage Salad to fit your preferences! 

Serving Suggestions: 

  • Main Dish: Add some protein like crispy tofu or grilled tempeh for a hearty, plant-based meal. 
  • Side Dish: Serve alongside stir-fried noodles, dumplings, or sushi for a complete meal. 

Variations to Try: 

  • Swap carrots for julienned daikon radish for a zingy twist. 
  • Add toasted peanuts for an extra dose of crunch. 
  • Go fusion with a peanut and lime dressing instead of sesame (but keep the sesame seeds!). 

What else could you add? Share your creative upgrades in the comment section below! 

Picture-Perfect Presentation 

A pretty salad tastes even better, doesn’t it? Here’s how to take your plating (and Insta game) to the next level. 

  • Use Colors to Your Advantage: Lay carrots and peppers on a bed of cabbage to show off their vibrant hues. 
  • Texture is Key: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top or layer scallions for height. 
  • Perfect Lighting: Take your shots near a window with natural light to capture those fresh, crisp vibes. 

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ChineseCabbageSalad and tag us @YourBrand—we can’t wait to see your creations! 

Are You Craving Crunch Yet? 

This recipe is equally enjoyable to prepare as it is to consume! This Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing is the perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and nutrition. 

Try this recipe today, and share your thoughts in the comments. If you’re looking for more recipes and exclusive cooking tips, sign up for our newsletter (trust us, your inbox deserves it). Happy chopping! 

Create an overhead shot of a vibrant Chinese cabbage salad in a large ceramic bowl. The salad should feature shredded Napa cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell peppers, chopped scallions, and cilantro leaves, with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top. Arrange small bowls around the main dish to showcase the sesame dressing ingredients: sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, grated garlic, and ginger. Include a mandoline slicer and fresh vegetables (cabbage, carrots, red bell peppers, and scallions) slightly off to the side for a "prep-in-progress" vibe. Use natural lighting to enhance the freshness and vibrant colors of the salad.

 

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