Are you looking for a refreshing and healthy addition to your meal routine? Look no further than the humble Napa cabbage! With its sweet, slightly crunchy leaves and versatility in salads, it’s no wonder why this leafy green has become a staple in many kitchens. From classic pairings with carrots and apples to bold combinations with spicy chilies and tangy dressings, there are countless ways to enjoy Napa cabbage.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of Napa cabbage salads. Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors or craving something bright and citrusy, we’ve got you covered. From simple slaws to more complex compositions, each recipe has been carefully crafted to highlight the unique qualities of this delicious vegetable.
Asian-Inspired Napa Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the savory flavors of Asia, all tied together with a creamy sesame dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cabbage, chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, grated carrot, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
4. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Napa Cabbage Salad with Chili Lime Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of napa cabbage, the spiciness of Korean chili flakes, and the brightness of lime juice. A perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium head of napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, chili flakes, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Top with cherry tomatoes.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Peanut Butter Dressing
This refreshing slaw combines the crunch of napa cabbage and carrots with a creamy peanut butter dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced napa cabbage and grated carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad with Almonds and Cranberries
A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this crunchy salad combines the sweetness of cranberries with the tanginess of Napa cabbage and the crunch of toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped toasted almonds over the salad and toss again to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage Salad with Ginger Soy Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the crunch of napa cabbage with the zesty kick of ginger soy dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup of chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, chopped scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Thai-Style Napa Cabbage Salad with Fresh Herbs
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the bright flavors of Thai cuisine, featuring a medley of fresh herbs and a tangy dressing. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and revitalizing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, cilantro, mint, and jalapeño.
2. Toss until the cabbage is well coated with the dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage and Apple Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the sweetness of apples, all tied together with a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cabbage and diced apples.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage-apple mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just assemble and serve.
Tangy Napa Cabbage Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this salad combines the crunch of napa cabbage with the brightness of lemon and garlic. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced napa cabbage and minced garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is best served chilled.
Napa Cabbage Salad with Avocado and Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the creaminess of avocado, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and diced avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Napa Cabbage and Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the coolness of cucumber, all tied together with a creamy yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and cucumber slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Napa Cabbage Salad with Grilled Chicken and Sesame Seeds
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the smokiness of grilled chicken, all tied together with a nutty sesame seed dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced Napa cabbage, grilled chicken, and sesame seeds.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar (if using).
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Napa Cabbage and Mango Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage with the sweetness of mango, all tied together by a tangy coconut lime dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and diced mango.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and coconut oil until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage-mango mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Cilantro
Napa Cabbage Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Cilantro: A refreshing twist on traditional cabbage salads, this recipe combines the crunch of roasted peanuts with the tanginess of cilantro for a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and roasted peanuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and toss again to distribute evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (roasting peanuts), 5 minutes (assembling salad)
Napa Cabbage and Radish Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of Napa cabbage and radishes with a zesty lime vinaigrette, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 large radishes, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and radishes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage Salad with Quinoa and Feta Cheese
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the crunch of Napa cabbage, nutty quinoa, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and cooked quinoa.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Napa Cabbage and Bell Pepper Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of Napa cabbage and bell peppers with the tanginess of balsamic glaze, perfect for a light and flavorful side dish or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the Napa cabbage and bell pepper slices.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the vegetables and toss to coat.
3. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage Salad with Shredded Carrots and Sesame Oil
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of shredded carrots and the sweetness of Napa cabbage, all tied together with a nutty sesame oil dressing. Perfect as a light and healthy side dish or as a topping for your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 large carrots, peeled and shredded
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage Salad with Chickpeas and Tahini Dressing
Napa Cabbage Salad with Chickpeas and Tahini Dressing: A refreshing and healthy salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and chickpeas.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Napa Cabbage Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime Zest
Napa Cabbage Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime Zest: A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw!
Ingredients:
– 1 medium Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage and chopped fresh mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
This salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a light side dish for your next BBQ or picnic. The tangy lime juice, sweetness of the honey, and freshness of the mint come together to create a deliciously balanced flavor profile that complements the crunchy Napa cabbage.
Napa Cabbage Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Citrus Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of napa cabbage with the sweetness of grilled shrimp, all tied together with a zesty citrus dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, orange juice, and lemon juice.
4. Add sliced Napa cabbage to the bowl and toss to coat with dressing.
5. Slice grilled shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
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