This bright and flavorful Green Cabbage Asian slaw is the perfect side dish for stir-fries or Summer grilling. Naturally mayo-free, it’s healthy, delicious and filling.
Cabbage is not the sexiest vegetable in the world but it remains a regular in our recipe rotation all year round. Not only is it extremely versatile but it is low calorie and packed in fiber so you can eat a giant bowl without an ounce of guilt! My Asian Cabbage Slaw with Mint and Scallions is the perfect balance of salty, sour, sweet and spicy.
Fresh herbs bring it all together and toasted nut and sesame seeds make you want to keep going back for more. And frankly, once you realize how many health benefits a serving of cabbage provides, you’ll be glad you did!
What health benefits does cabbage have?
- Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, B and E.
- Inhibits ulcers and infections.
- Contains indoles, a powerful compound proven to reduce the risk of cancer. Green cabbage, savoy in particular, contain a good amount of sinigrin, a form of glucosinolate which has been shown to fight cancer. Specifically, research shows that they are powerful in preventing colon, prostate and bladder cancer.
- Cabbage is a muscle builder, blood cleanser and eye strengthener.
- Readily available and easy to grow.
- Rich in iron and sulfur, vital digestive cleansers.
- Extremely versatile and works well with various flavors.
- Very low calorie.
- Cabbage contains polyphenols which help regulate our inflammatory system and prevent chronic inflammation.
This slaw is the perfect alternative to the traditional mayo-laden side dish found in deli counters and BBQ’s throughout America.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Red cabbage would be excellent but I would probably do a combo of red + green and maybe even add shredded carrots. Red cabbage is a bit bitter but I love it and it offers even more health benefits than green!
Can the slaw be dressed in advance without wilting?
Yes! Cabbage is sturdy enough that it won’t wilt.
Your fork is waiting.
Green Cabbage Asian Slaw
Ingredients
- 1/2 green cabbage thinly sliced - savoy and napa work well
- 1/2 cup scallions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons black roasted sesame seeds optional garnish
Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger root grated
- 1/2 tablespoon chili paste optional
Instructions
- Add cabbage, scallions, cilantro and mint to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette and drizzle over the slaw. Toss well, check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds on slaw before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Want more healthy Asian recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
This is the second time I’ve made this recipe — love it! I like to make it the day before so the cabbage gets a little wilty. I’ve also printed out and given away the recipe many, many times.
Haha, I had to laugh because you are right, cabbage just isn’t sexy :) But I love it! I have been waiting for you to post this recipe. I’m all over this one, looks delicious!
This looks so good and easy to make. I think I will add some leftover grilled chicken. :)
That’s a great idea Maggie!! Let me know how it turns out!
Cabbage is such an underappreciated veggie, but I am a huge fan. I tend to do more purple cabbage (so yummy in salads), but green is fabulous too! Love everything about this Asian inspired slaw-yum!!!
Mmm, this looks extremely satisfying :) I love Asian style salads!
I love Asian anything!!! :)
I’m late to the cabbage train, but am pumped to be aboard now. Thanks for the tips on just why my body loves cabbage and for a great collection of recipes Liz!
Welcome aboard – choo choo! :)
I have to say, cabbage is one of my favorite veggies and your salad is incredibly appealing! Love all the fresh herbs and the vinaigrette sounds marvelously tasty.
Liz,
My daughter has a cabbage preference–Savoy–which tickles me to no end. We like it lightly sautéed and salted most often, but I’ve been experimenting and this fresh slaw looks pretty tasty too.
Thanks!
oOoo I love savoy too!!! Sometimes I just sauté it with sesame oil. :)
Congratulations Liz! Thanks for the lovely coleslaw recipe. Love all types of coleslaw.
Perfection salad….Could I possibly use red cabbage…or would this throw your exquisite offering off-kilter?!….Loving the black sesame seeds …textures going on here…
Red cabbage would be excellent but I would probably do a combo of red + green and maybe even add shredded carrots. Red cabbage is a bit bitter but I love it and it offers even more health benefits than green!
I love cabbage, despite it’s not so sexy vibe or stinky reputation. This salad looks perfect!
I know – the poor veggie gets such a bad vibe!!
My kind of salad! Filled with delish flavors and texture. So healthy too!
Congratulations on the pregnancy!! I am so happy for you and your family! I bet your son is just thrilled!!!
The salad looks amazing! I love cabbage in my salads, so good!!
Thank you so much Jennifer!!!!! I appreciate it. :) xo
This sounds delicious and I’ve wanted a ginger salad dressing recipe. This one sounds perfect!
Wish I could make it for you! Come home soon. :)
I’ve been adding mint and scallions to everything lately! Love this slaw, Liz.
I love that you use mint and scallions!!!! I love the combo too.
I really really really love cabbage – I always joke that I could eat a whole head in one sitting!
What a beautiful light and refreshing salad!!! Very healthy too!
Thank you so much!!! I love it because you can eat a giant bowl without guilt. ;)
Oooo, I love this one. I love cabbage salads, especially with these flavors!
Thank you friend – me too!! Asian anything and I’m in. ;)
I really don’t cook with cabbage enough. For some reason when I am at the store, I always walk by it. Well, you know I gotta try this recipe!
It’s so cheap and tasty – BUY IT!
FABULOUS slaw recipe, Liz! I can’t wait to try it. Your vinaigrette sounds lovely, too!
Thank you so much Georgia!!
I love cabbage. Cabbage and cauliflower don’t get enough respect IMO ;). This sounds awesome Liz!
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you!
Loving this healthy salad!
Thank you friend!!