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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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!
Gail
May 27, 2013 at 11:00 amThis 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.
Aggie
April 25, 2013 at 12:53 pmHaha, 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!
Maggie Unzueta
April 22, 2013 at 11:34 amThis looks so good and easy to make. I think I will add some leftover grilled chicken. :)
Liz DellaCroce
April 22, 2013 at 1:29 pmThat’s a great idea Maggie!! Let me know how it turns out!
EA-The Spicy RD
April 21, 2013 at 12:56 pmCabbage 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!!!
Nutmeg Nanny
April 19, 2013 at 10:36 amMmm, this looks extremely satisfying :) I love Asian style salads!
Liz DellaCroce
April 19, 2013 at 3:17 pmI love Asian anything!!! :)
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
April 19, 2013 at 9:19 amI’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!
Liz DellaCroce
April 19, 2013 at 3:17 pmWelcome aboard – choo choo! :)
Hannah
April 18, 2013 at 6:39 pmI 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.
[email protected]
April 18, 2013 at 2:45 pmLiz,
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!
Liz DellaCroce
April 18, 2013 at 5:00 pmoOoo I love savoy too!!! Sometimes I just sauté it with sesame oil. :)
Liz
April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pmCongratulations Liz! Thanks for the lovely coleslaw recipe. Love all types of coleslaw.
Donna
April 18, 2013 at 11:04 amPerfection 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…
Liz DellaCroce
April 18, 2013 at 11:12 amRed 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!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
April 18, 2013 at 10:55 amI love cabbage, despite it’s not so sexy vibe or stinky reputation. This salad looks perfect!
Liz DellaCroce
April 18, 2013 at 11:11 amI know – the poor veggie gets such a bad vibe!!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
April 18, 2013 at 10:52 amMy kind of salad! Filled with delish flavors and texture. So healthy too!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
April 18, 2013 at 10:23 amCongratulations 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!!
Liz DellaCroce
April 18, 2013 at 11:12 amThank you so much Jennifer!!!!! I appreciate it. :) xo
MaryD
April 18, 2013 at 9:41 amThis sounds delicious and I’ve wanted a ginger salad dressing recipe. This one sounds perfect!
Liz DellaCroce
April 18, 2013 at 11:13 amWish I could make it for you! Come home soon. :)
ashley - baker by nature
April 17, 2013 at 11:12 pmI’ve been adding mint and scallions to everything lately! Love this slaw, Liz.
Liz DellaCroce
April 18, 2013 at 8:51 amI love that you use mint and scallions!!!! I love the combo too.
Heather || Heather's Dish
April 17, 2013 at 6:58 pmI really really really love cabbage – I always joke that I could eat a whole head in one sitting!
mr. & Mrs. P
April 17, 2013 at 11:52 amWhat a beautiful light and refreshing salad!!! Very healthy too!
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2013 at 12:06 pmThank you so much!!! I love it because you can eat a giant bowl without guilt. ;)
Cassie | Bake Your Day
April 17, 2013 at 11:47 amOooo, I love this one. I love cabbage salads, especially with these flavors!
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2013 at 12:06 pmThank you friend – me too!! Asian anything and I’m in. ;)
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
April 17, 2013 at 11:44 amI 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!
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2013 at 12:07 pmIt’s so cheap and tasty – BUY IT!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
April 17, 2013 at 11:33 amFABULOUS slaw recipe, Liz! I can’t wait to try it. Your vinaigrette sounds lovely, too!
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2013 at 12:06 pmThank you so much Georgia!!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
April 17, 2013 at 11:17 amI love cabbage. Cabbage and cauliflower don’t get enough respect IMO ;). This sounds awesome Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2013 at 11:28 amI couldn’t agree more! Thank you!
Julia
April 17, 2013 at 10:47 amLoving this healthy salad!
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2013 at 11:28 amThank you friend!!