Crunchy Thai Cabbage Salad Recipe with Tangy Sesame Dressing

When it comes to the bright flavors of Southeast Asia, nothing screams freshness quite like a Crunchy Thai cabbage salad. Imagine diving into a bowl of vibrant colors, where the crisp crunch of cabbage dances with the sweet zest of citrus and the subtle warmth of ginger. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s an exhilarating culinary experience that will leave your taste buds tingling and your spirit soaring.

This delightful Crunchy Thai cabbage salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, prepping a quick meal for the week, or looking to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality dish, this salad is your secret weapon. What’s more, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies while still indulging your inner gourmet.

Ingredients for Crunchy Thai cabbage salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crunchy Thai cabbage salad:

3 cups cabbage – thinly sliced; green or purple cabbage works beautifully for flavor and color.
1 large carrot – about 150 g, grated; adds natural sweetness and a lovely crunch.
4 spring onions – about 40 g, thinly sliced; for a fresh, slightly spicy bite.
½ cup coriander leaves – chopped; brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the salad.
1 red cayenne chili – deseeded and sliced; gives a nice kick without overwhelming the salad.
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds – for added texture and nutty flavor; they’re great toasted.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds – these add an extra crunch and a slight nutty taste; try toasting them for even more flavor.
1 tablespoon pepitas (pumpkin seeds) – packed with nutrients and great for crunch.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – brings a rich, nutty flavor that coats the salad beautifully.
3 tablespoons lemon juice – fresh juice is key here for brightness; a splash of lime juice is an excellent substitute.
2 teaspoons light soy sauce – enhances all the flavors and brings a touch of umami.
1 tablespoon tahini – hulled and runny; adds creaminess and depth to the dressing.
¼ cup orange juice – freshly squeezed for sweetness and a hint of citrus zing.
2 teaspoons coconut sugar – perfect for balancing acidity; honey or maple syrup works too.
1 teaspoon ginger – grated; adds warmth and a lingering spice that’s utterly delectable.
Pinch of salt – enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the dish.

How to Make Crunchy Thai cabbage salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Crunchy Thai cabbage salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, grated carrot, thinly sliced spring onions, chopped coriander leaves, and the sliced red cayenne chili. This colorful mixture will be the base of your salad, so make sure everything is well-distributed.

Step 2: Toast the Seeds
Grab a heavy-bottomed frying pan and heat it over medium-low heat. Add the sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Stir often to ensure they don’t burn, and remove them from the heat when the sesame seeds begin to turn golden and the mixture is aromatic. This step adds an incredible crunch and depth of flavor to your salad.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, lemon juice, light soy sauce, tahini, fresh orange juice, coconut sugar, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Using a metal spoon, mix well until the dressing is creamy and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the creamy dressing over your salad mixture in the large bowl. Give everything a good toss using two large spoons. You want the dressing to coat every morsel, getting into all those nooks and crannies of flavor.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary—maybe a little more salt, or even an extra squeeze of citrus? Once everything is just right, serve immediately or let it sit for about five minutes to allow those flavors to really meld together.

Step 6: Enjoy!
Place your Crunchy Thai cabbage salad into bowls, sprinkle with the toasted seeds for extra crunch, and maybe garnish with a few additional coriander leaves for visual appeal. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a side or a main event!

Whether it’s part of your weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Crunchy Thai cabbage salad bursts with flavor and makes a healthy addition to your meal rotation. So grab your apron, and let’s get crunching!

This showstopping Crunchy Thai cabbage salad delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Crunchy Thai cabbage salad Cooking Process

To craft the perfect Crunchy Thai cabbage salad, start by prepping all your ingredients before you begin. Slice the cabbage, grate the carrot, and toast the seeds while mixing the dressing. This sequence optimizes your efficiency and ensures freshness.

Add Your Touch to Crunchy Thai cabbage salad

Feel free to customize your Crunchy Thai cabbage salad by swapping ingredients. Add grilled chicken for protein, swap lime juice for lemon, or throw in some sliced avocado for a creamy twist.

Storing & Reheating Crunchy Thai cabbage salad

To store your Crunchy Thai cabbage salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Avoid reheating this salad, as it’s best enjoyed cold.

There was a night when I decided to whip up this Crunchy Thai cabbage salad for a casual gathering with friends. The laughter and compliments flowed almost as freely as the wine, and it quickly became a staple for our potlucks.

FAQs About Crunchy Thai cabbage salad

What is Crunchy Thai cabbage salad?

Crunchy Thai cabbage salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines thinly sliced cabbage, grated carrots, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices. It’s topped with a flavorful sesame dressing made from sesame oil, lemon juice, and tahini, among other tasty ingredients. This salad is packed with texture and bursting with flavors that evoke the essence of Thai cuisine. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal, making it a go-to for any occasion.

How can I customize my Crunchy Thai cabbage salad?

Customization is the name of the game with Crunchy Thai cabbage salad. You can easily add grilled chicken or tofu for protein, or even include sliced avocados for an extra creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables—think bell peppers for sweetness or edamame for an added crunch. Changing up the dressing by swapping lemon juice for lime juice can offer a delightful twist as well.

How long can I store Crunchy Thai cabbage salad?

You can store Crunchy Thai cabbage salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers after a gathering. Just keep in mind that the salad is best enjoyed cold, so avoid reheating it to maintain its refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors.

What are the nutritional benefits of Crunchy Thai cabbage salad?

Crunchy Thai cabbage salad provides several nutritional benefits, making it a healthy choice. It’s low in calories while packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and Vitamin C, thanks to the fresh vegetables. The addition of seeds contributes healthy fats and protein. This dish is also high in fiber, which is vital for digestive health. Overall, it’s a weight-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Conclusion for Crunchy Thai cabbage salad

In summary, the Crunchy Thai cabbage salad is a delightful burst of flavors and textures that perfectly balances health and taste. Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to your preferences, making it suitable for various dining occasions. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the freshness and vibrant taste of Crunchy Thai cabbage salad anytime you need a quick, satisfying meal option.

Crunchy Thai Cabbage Salad

This Crunchy Thai cabbage salad is a refreshing blend of textures and flavors, topped with a tangy sesame dressing.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 141

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced approximately 220 g
• 1 large carrot, grated approximately 150 g
• 4 pieces spring onions, thinly sliced approximately 40 g
• ½ cup coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 piece red cayenne chilli, deseeded and sliced
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon pepitas/pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tahini, hulled and runny
• ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• pinch of salt

Equipment

• large bowl
• heavy-bottomed frying pan
• medium bowl
• metal spoon

Method

 

1. Place cabbage, carrot, spring onion, coriander and chilli in a large bowl.
2. Toast sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds on medium-low heat in a heavy-bottomed frying pan. Toss to ensure the seeds don’t burn. Remove from heat when sesame seeds are starting to turn golden and seeds are aromatic.
3. Add toasted seeds to the cabbage in the bowl.
4. Add sesame oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, tahini, orange juice, coconut sugar, ginger and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well with a metal spoon to remove all lumps and create a creamy dressing.
5. Add dressing to the salad and mix well.
6. Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 218mgPotassium: 329mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2996IUVitamin C: 52mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize by adding grilled chicken or tofu for protein, swapping lime juice for lemon, or including sliced avocado for creaminess.

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