Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad
This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, delivering a refreshing and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with any main course or as a stand-alone light meal. The combination of crisp cabbage and bright green onions is elevated by the addition of toasted ramen noodles, nutty slivered almonds, and crunchy sesame seeds, all tossed together in a sweet and tangy dressing. Fresh basil optionally adds a fragrant touch. This salad is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it's also budget-friendly and deliciously addictive. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a weekday lunch!
6
Servings
133
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1 head or 16 ounces (shredded or use coleslaw mix)
Green onions
3 (sliced diagonally)
Ramen noodles
1 (3-ounce) package (crumbled)
Slivered almonds
6 ounces (none)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
White vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh basil leaves
6-8 (shredded (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high.
2
If using a whole head of cabbage, shred it finely and place it in a large salad bowl along with the sliced green onions.
3
On a broiler pan, crumble the ramen noodles and mix them with the slivered almonds and sesame seeds. Broil for about 2 minutes, or until lightly toasted, keeping a close eye to avoid burning the sesame seeds.
4
While the noodles and nuts are toasting, prepare the dressing. In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles. Shake well until thoroughly mixed.
5
Once the noodles are toasted, remove them from the broiler and let them cool slightly before adding to the cabbage and onion mixture.
6
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine evenly.
7
Just before serving, add the toasted noodle mixture and fold in the shredded fresh basil leaves if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
12g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad?
It is a refreshing fusion salad featuring crisp cabbage, green onions, and a crunchy topping of toasted ramen noodles, almonds, and sesame seeds in a sweet and tangy dressing.
What kind of cabbage should I use for this recipe?
You can use one whole head of cabbage shredded finely or a 16-ounce package of pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes, a 16-ounce package of coleslaw mix is a convenient substitute for a whole head of cabbage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is this Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is categorized as vegetarian.
How do I toast the ramen noodles?
Crumble the ramen noodles and place them on a broiler pan, then broil on high for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Can I toast the almonds and sesame seeds with the noodles?
Yes, mix the slivered almonds and sesame seeds with the crumbled noodles on the broiler pan before toasting.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of vegetable oil, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles.
Do I need to use the ramen seasoning packet?
Yes, the seasoning packet is a key ingredient in the dressing for this specific flavor profile.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of white vinegar.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, but you can use other neutral oils like canola oil.
How much sugar is in the salad dressing?
The dressing contains 1/4 cup of sugar.
What is a good substitute for slivered almonds?
If you do not have almonds, you can try using sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts for a similar crunch.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions to turn this into a main meal.
Is the fresh basil mandatory?
No, the 6-8 shredded fresh basil leaves are optional but provide an extra burst of fragrance and flavor.
How should I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be sliced diagonally for the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing ahead, but combine the toasted noodle mixture just before serving to keep it crunchy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the noodles will lose their crunch over time.
How long does the salad stay crunchy?
The salad is best served immediately after assembly to ensure maximum crunch from the toasted noodles and nuts.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, and parties.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 10 grams of fat.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including the optional basil.
What temperature should I set the broiler to?
You should preheat your broiler to the high setting.
How long does it take to toast the noodle mixture?
It takes about 2 minutes, but you must watch closely to avoid burning the sesame seeds.
Can I use different types of noodles?
The recipe specifically uses ramen noodles for their unique texture when toasted and for the inclusion of the seasoning packet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, ramen noodles and the seasoning packet typically contain gluten.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The salad is vegetarian, and can be vegan if the specific brand of ramen seasoning packet does not contain animal products.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a salad, cabbage-based, Asian-style, vegetarian, quick, easy, appetizer, snack, picnic, and potluck dish.