Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its colorful mix of green and purple cabbages, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, this salad is as delicious as it is visually appealing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck contribution, this salad has you covered.
The combination of textures and flavors in this salad is simply irresistible. The crunchy cabbages and carrots provide a satisfying bite, while the peanut dressing adds a rich creaminess that pulls everything together. Plus, with the addition of protein from the chicken and the healthy fats from the avocados, this salad will keep you full and satisfied.
Why It’s My Go-To
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is my go-to recipe for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a light meal on its own or serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. Second, it’s packed with nutrients. The fresh vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, while the chicken and peanut dressing offer protein and healthy fats. Lastly, it’s a breeze to make! With minimal prep and a quick assembly, you’ll have a stunning salad ready in no time.
Gather These Ingredients
To create this delightful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
- ½ to 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped into cubes
- 1 pint blueberries
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, cut into thin slices and halved
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup liquid aminos (coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water (for thinner consistency)
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you dive into the preparation, gather the following tools:
- Large mixing bowl – for combining all your salad ingredients.
- Whisk – essential for mixing the peanut dressing smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop and slice your vegetables and chicken.
- Grater – for grating the carrots.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing Cooking Guide
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on making this Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing and thinly slicing the green and purple cabbages. A sharp knife or mandoline will help you achieve even slices. Next, grate the carrots and cut the red bell pepper into matchsticks. Finely chop the red onion, and if using a cucumber, slice it thinly and then halve each slice.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can do so now. Grill, bake, or sauté your chicken until fully cooked, then chop it into bite-sized cubes. Feel free to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, liquid aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, avocado oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Whisk together until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrots, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped chicken, blueberries, diced avocados, cucumber slices, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or individual bowls. You can garnish it with additional sliced almonds or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing fresh, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Make It Year-Round
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing is not just for summer picnics. Here’s how you can enjoy it year-round:
- Substitute seasonal vegetables: Use whatever fresh produce is available, like roasted sweet potatoes in fall or citrus segments in winter.
- Change up the protein: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with dressings: Try different nut butters or add herbs like cilantro or basil for a twist on the peanut dressing.
- Make it a meal: Add quinoa or brown rice to turn this salad into a hearty bowl.
Troubleshooting Tips
As you prepare this Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing, keep these tips in mind:
- If the salad seems too dry, add more peanut dressing or a splash of rice vinegar for extra moisture.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the dressing to suit your taste.
- To prevent the avocados from browning, add them just before serving.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
To keep your Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing fresh and delicious:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, but it will still be tasty. If the dressing separates, simply give it a good shake or whisk before serving again. Avoid reheating the salad, as the fresh textures are meant to be enjoyed cold.
Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad components and the dressing separately in advance. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness, especially for the avocados and blueberries.
What can I substitute for chicken in this salad?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas, tofu, or edamame. Grilled shrimp or sliced beef also work well if you prefer a different protein.
Is there a nut-free alternative for the dressing?
Yes! You can replace the peanut butter with sun butter or tahini for a nut-free version of the dressing. Adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly for the desired consistency.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad heartier, add grains like cooked quinoa or farro. You can also increase the amount of protein by adding more chicken or a hard-boiled egg.
See You at the Table
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing as much as I do. It’s a recipe that brings together bright flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite among family and friends. Try it out at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!
This salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a celebration of fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors. Dive into the crunch, savor the creaminess of the dressing, and revel in the joy of a deliciously healthy meal. Happy cooking!
Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by washing and thinly slicing the green and purple cabbages. A sharp knife or mandoline will help you achieve even slices. Next, grate the carrots and cut the red bell pepper into matchsticks. Finely chop the red onion, and if using a cucumber, slice it thinly and then halve each slice.
- If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can do so now. Grill, bake, or sauté your chicken until fully cooked, then chop it into bite-sized cubes. Feel free to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, liquid aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, avocado oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Whisk together until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrots, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped chicken, blueberries, diced avocados, cucumber slices, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
- Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or individual bowls. You can garnish it with additional sliced almonds or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing fresh, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the salad seems too dry, add more peanut dressing or a splash of rice vinegar for extra moisture.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the dressing to suit your taste.
