Refreshing Napa Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
This vibrant Napa Cabbage Salad draws inspiration from the beloved Chinese Chicken Salad but offers a refreshing, gluten-free twist. Packed with crunchy vegetables and a deliciously tangy sesame dressing, it's perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side dish. The crisp texture of napa cabbage, julienned carrots, and fresh herbs creates a delightful crunch, while the combination of sesame seeds provides a nutty flavor that elevates the dish. For those looking to turn this salad into a main dish, feel free to add grilled or barbecued chicken. With every bite, enjoy the explosion of flavors while knowing you're nourishing your body with wholesome, fresh ingredients. Explore more healthy recipes at my blog: www.innerharmonynutrition.com.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
napa cabbage
1 (sliced thin)
carrots
3 cups (peeled and julienned)
green onions
1.5 cups (chopped)
cilantro
0.5 cup (chopped (optional))
basil leaves
12 large (julienned (optional))
sunflower seeds
4 tablespoons ((optional))
white sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
black sesame seeds
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
rice vinegar
6 tablespoons
tamari soy sauce
5 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons ((or 1 Tbsp Chinese hot mustard))
nut butter
2 tablespoons ((I used almond butter))
honey
2 tablespoons ((or other liquid sweetener))
hot chili paste
1 tablespoon
sesame oil
3 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
0.5 cup
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced napa cabbage, julienned carrots, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and julienned basil, if using. Additionally, add sunflower seeds and both white and black sesame seeds to the mix.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, tamari soy sauce, Dijon mustard (or Chinese hot mustard), nut butter, honey (or your choice of liquid sweetener), hot chili paste, sesame oil, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with black pepper to taste and mix well until fully combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss gently to ensure even coating. Allow the salad to sit for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the vegetables wilt slightly.
4
Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. Infuse it with love, and enjoy a fresh, nutritious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of the Refreshing Napa Cabbage Salad?
The primary base of the salad is one head of thinly sliced napa cabbage.
Is this napa cabbage salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as it uses tamari soy sauce instead of traditional soy sauce.
How many cups of carrots are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of peeled and julienned carrots.
What ingredients are used in the sesame dressing?
The dressing consists of garlic, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, tamari, mustard, nut butter, honey, hot chili paste, sesame oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the salad sit after dressing?
The salad should sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to wilt slightly.
Can I add protein to this salad to make it a main dish?
Yes, you can add grilled or barbecued chicken to turn this salad into a complete main course.
What kind of mustard is recommended?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard or 1 tablespoon of Chinese hot mustard for more heat.
What type of nut butter works best in the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of almond butter, though other nut butters can be used.
Is the salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is tagged as vegan, though vegans should ensure they use a plant-based liquid sweetener instead of honey.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger.
What kind of seeds are included in the salad?
The salad includes sunflower seeds, toasted white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds.
Are there any optional herbs?
Yes, chopped cilantro and julienned basil leaves are listed as optional additions.
What is the source of the recipe's heat?
The heat comes from one tablespoon of hot chili paste and the choice of mustard.
How many green onions should I use?
You should use 1.5 cups of chopped green onions.
What type of vinegar is required?
The dressing uses 6 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
How much garlic is included in the dressing?
The dressing includes 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is sesame oil used in this recipe?
Yes, the dressing requires 3 tablespoons of sesame oil.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 19 ingredients in total, including the dressing components and optional items.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of honey or any other liquid sweetener of your choice.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and then julienned.
What gives the salad its nutty flavor?
The nutty flavor is provided by the combination of almond butter, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is recommended as a refreshing summer gathering dish or a light side dish.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing includes 0.5 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, black pepper is added to the dressing to taste.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to prepare all vegetables and combine them with the seeds in a large bowl.
Should the white sesame seeds be raw or toasted?
The recipe specifies that the white sesame seeds should be toasted.
How many basil leaves are needed?
If using basil, the recipe suggests 12 large julienned leaves.
What is the suggested website for more recipes?
More healthy recipes can be explored at www.innerharmonynutrition.com.
How much tamari soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of tamari soy sauce.
What is the final step before serving?
Give the salad one last gentle toss, infuse it with love, and enjoy!