Crunchy Chinese Cabbage Salad 🥗🥒

This vibrant Chinese Cabbage Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal. With its delightful crunch and zesty dressing, it's a fantastic way to enjoy summer vegetables any time of year! Feel free to get creative with the toppings and add your favorite protein for a heartier version.

Ingredients

For the salad

• 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced (English cucumber works best)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup edamame (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews (optional)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and edamame. Toss everything together gently for an even mix.

   🥬 Make sure to slice the vegetables thinly for a better crunch! It's all about maximizing texture in this salad.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and sriracha until well blended.

   🍯 Feel free to taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the dressing to your liking!

3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.

4. Serve and garnish: Top the salad with chopped peanuts or cashews if desired, and serve immediately. You can also let it marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes for deeper flavors.

   🥜 The crunchy nuts add an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor that complements the vibrant veggies!

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein and make this salad a complete meal. 🍤
• Spicy twist: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick.
• Herb enhancement: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can instantly elevate the freshness of the salad! 🌿
• Nut-free: Leave out the peanuts/cashews and consider adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for an alternative crunch.

Enjoy your colorful and satisfying Crunchy Chinese Cabbage Salad while impressing your friends and family with minimal effort! 💖🥗