Ingredients:
Cabbage: 2 cups, finely shredded (mix of red and green for color)
Carrots: 1 cup, julienned or grated
Cucumber: 1 cup, thinly sliced
Red Bell Pepper: 1 cup, thinly sliced
Green Onions: ¼ cup, chopped
Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup (such as cilantro or parsley, chopped)
Roasted Peanuts: ½ cup, crushed (for garnish and crunch)
Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons, toasted (optional for extra texture and flavor)
For the Dressing:
Peanut Butter: 3 tablespoons (creamy or crunchy)
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
Honey: 1 tablespoon (or substitute with maple syrup)
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated
Chili Flakes: ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
PREPARATION:
Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Finely shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, slice the cucumber and bell peppers, and chop the green onions and herbs.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables.
Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of warm water to achieve the desired consistency.
Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over the top for added crunch.
Conclusion
The Crispy Cabbage Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The fresh crunch of the vegetables paired with the creamy, zesty dressing makes this salad a standout dish that can be served at picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy weekday dinner side. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a favorite among both cooking novices and seasoned chefs. This salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a burst of fresh flavors.
Additional Notes
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or snap peas for extra color and texture.
Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refriger