Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Sesame and Lime Dressing

Today we are making a Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Sesame and Lime Dressing! Looking for a refreshing, vibrant salad that’s full of flavor and texture? This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Sesame and Lime Dressing is just the thing! With a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions, it’s packed with crisp veggies that offer the perfect crunch. The bold dressing made with creamy lime, sesame oil, and fresh ginger brings everything together with a tangy, nutty kick.

The combination of roasted peanuts, lime, white sesame seeds, and a drizzle of maple syrup adds layers of flavor that make this salad irresistible. The dressing strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with tamari and rice vinegar adding a delicious umami depth. Freshly grated garlic and ginger elevate the dish, making each bite as refreshing as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light meal, this Crunchy Cabbage Salad is a perfect option for warm days or when you’re craving something fresh yet filling. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling nourished and energized!

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Cabbage Salad

Tangy, Sweet, Salty: You’ll love this salad for its bold, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The sesame and lime dressing is a delightful mix of ginger, fragrant sesame oil and fresh lime juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty. Paired with crunchy cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onions, the crisp vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, flavorful dressing, making each bite a vibrant experience.

Asian-Cuisine Inspired: Another reason to enjoy this salad is its Thai-inspired dressing. With ingredients like tamari, rice vinegar, garlic, and fresh ginger, the dressing draws inspiration from classic Thai flavors, but without the fish sauce. The combination of nutty peanuts, sesame, and bold aromatics creates a flavorful profile reminiscent of a sauce full of Asian flavors, bringing an exotic touch to this simple, wholesome salad.

Substitutions

Cabbage: Choose white or green cabbage that feels dense and heavy for its size, with tightly packed leaves. A loose or light cabbage could mean it’s past its prime. The outer leaves should be bright and vibrant, with no discoloration, brown spots, or signs of wilting. It should feel solid and firm to the touch. Soft or mushy spots may indicate the cabbage is overripe or damaged inside.

Carrot: Substitute fresh cucumber or zucchini instead of carrots. It won’t be crunchy, and note that cucumber will release more water if it’s mixed with the salad and left in the refrigerator for a day or more.

Cilantro: Substitute in chopped fresh parsley or spinach.

Tamari: This is a lower-sodium, gluten-free version of soy sauce. Substitute soy sauce in, but use half a teaspoon to start with. Adjust the other ingredients as needed, since tamari is lower-sodium than soy sauce.

Maple Syrup: Swap in agave nectar, which won’t be refined sugar-free.

White Sesame Seeds: Swap in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or black sesame seeds.

Crunchy Cabbage Salad Recipe Notes

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
If you prefer a thicker dressing, you can add a bit of peanut butter or almond butter. For a lighter dressing, you can thin it out with a splash of extra lime juice.

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If you make this Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Sesame and Lime Dressing, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!