Nappa Cabbage Salad(10 To 12 Servings)
A crunchy, savory napa cabbage salad with toasted noodles, almonds, and sesame seeds, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for gatherings and light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thinly slice the napa cabbage and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add chopped green onions to the cabbage.
- Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
- Break oriental noodles into small pieces and add to the skillet, cooking until golden brown, without using seasoning from the noodle packages.
- When noodles are golden, add sliced almonds and sesame seed, continuing to cook until toasted.
- Remove noodle mixture from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan, combine white wine vinegar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let the dressing cool.
- Stir the dressing well to combine.
- Toss the cooled dressing with the cabbage, green onions, and noodle mixture 15 to 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using toasted sesame oil instead of regular vegetable oil in the dressing. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the soy sauce for tamari. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Nappa Cabbage Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Minute Steak And Onions or can be served alongside a hearty soup. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu for protein, making it suitable for both American recipes and vegan recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soften, so for the best texture, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. To refresh the salad, toss it with a bit of fresh dressing before serving to revive the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nappa Cabbage Salad(10 To 12 Servings) contains roughly 197 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage and dressing ahead of time. However, it's best to combine them just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles and vegetables. If you want to save time, you can also toast the noodles and almonds in advance.
What can I substitute for the sesame seeds?
If you don't have sesame seeds on hand, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute. They will still add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether if needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Nappa Cabbage Salad vegan, simply replace the margarine with a plant-based butter or omit it entirely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this salad a delicious option for those following a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).