Asian Cabbage & Cucumber Salad 

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What Is Asian Cabbage & Cucumber Salad?

This salad is inspired by East-Asian flavors and techniques. Instead of creamy mayonnaise, it uses a light sesame-soy dressing that enhances the vegetables without weighing them down. The result is a salad that is:

  • Crisp and refreshing
  • Slightly sweet, tangy, and savory
  • Aromatic with sesame
  • Naturally vegan (with easy protein add-ins)

It’s perfect as a side dish, light meal, or meal-prep salad.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

✔ No cooking required

✔ Ready in 20 minutes

✔ Very budget-friendly

✔ Keeps its crunch

✔ Naturally healthy

✔ Pairs with almost any main dish

This salad works beautifully with grilled meats, fish, rice dishes, noodles, or as part of a buffet.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Vegetables

  • 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
  • 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
  • 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced

Optional Crunch Add-Ins

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or almonds (optional)

Asian Sesame Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Equipment Needed

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Sharp knife or mandoline
  • Grater or julienne peeler
  • Whisk or fork

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Shredding the Cabbage

Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Slice it in half, remove the core, then slice very thinly.

Tip:

The thinner the cabbage, the better the texture and absorption of dressing.

Preparing the Cucumber

Slice the cucumber thinly. For extra crunch:

  • Use English or Persian cucumbers
  • Leave the skin on
  • Remove excess seeds if watery

Carrot & Green Onion

Julienne the carrot into thin matchsticks or grate it coarsely. Slice green onions finely.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large bowl, add:

  • Green cabbage
  • Purple cabbage
  • Cucumber
  • Carrot
  • Green onion

Toss gently with clean hands to distribute colors evenly.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine:

  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Vegetable oil
  • Honey (or sugar)
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Chili flakes (optional)

Whisk well until fully emulsified.

Flavor Balance Explained

  • Soy sauce: salt & umami
  • Vinegar: brightness
  • Sesame oil: aroma
  • Honey: balance
  • Ginger & garlic: depth

Taste and adjust:

  • More vinegar → tangier
  • More honey → sweeter
  • More soy → saltier

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour dressing over the vegetables gradually.

Toss well using tongs or hands.

Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend while keeping crunch.

Step 5: Final Touches

Sprinkle with:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional nuts for crunch

Toss once more just before serving.

Texture & Flavor Profile

  • Texture: Ultra-crunchy, juicy cucumber slices
  • Flavor: Savory, tangy, slightly sweet
  • Aroma: Toasted sesame & fresh ginger
  • Color: Bright, fresh, appetizing

This salad stays light and refreshing even after dressing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

✔ Slice vegetables very thin

✔ Use fresh ginger (not powder)

✔ Don’t overdress — add gradually

✔ Let rest briefly before serving

✔ Toss again just before eating

Delicious Variations

Protein Add-Ins

  • Grilled chicken strips
  • Shrimp
  • Tofu cubes
  • Edamame

Spicy Version

Add:

  • Sriracha
  • Chili oil
  • Fresh chopped chili

Creamy Asian Slaw

Add 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or tahini to the dressing.

Low-Sodium Option

Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace part with lemon juice.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Keeps in refrigerator up to 2 days
  • Best eaten fresh for maximum crunch
  • Store dressing separately if prepping ahead

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad:

  • With grilled meat or fish
  • Alongside rice or noodles
  • In wraps or sandwiches
  • As a refreshing lunch bowl

Perfect for hot weather and light meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Thick cabbage slices

❌ Too much sesame oil

❌ Skipping resting time

❌ Using watery cucumbers

❌ Over-salting

Why This Salad Is So Popular

✔ Fresh & healthy

✔ Minimal ingredients

✔ Bold flavor

✔ Great texture

✔ Adaptable to any diet

Final Thoughts

This Asian Cabbage & Cucumber Salad is everything a great salad should be: crunchy, colorful, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at the table.

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