This healthy cabbage salad recipe is a colorful mix of shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and toasted nuts tossed in a rich, flavorful homemade sesame ginger dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, weight loss diets, clean eating plans, and plant-based lifestyles.

This salad is gluten-free (if using tamari), dairy-free, low-calorie, high-fiber, and packed with antioxidants—making it ideal for anyone searching for healthy recipes for weight loss, anti-inflammatory foods, or low-carb salad ideas.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

• 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded

• 1 large carrot, julienned or grated

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup toasted almonds or cashews, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, chopped

• Optional: fresh cilantro or parsley

For the Sweet Sesame Ginger Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter (optional for creaminess)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

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🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables. Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Slice cucumbers thinly for optimal crunch. Julienne carrots for texture contrast.

Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts & Seeds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds or cashews for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add sesame seeds for the last minute. Let cool.

Toasting enhances flavor and boosts healthy fat content—great for those searching for heart-healthy recipes and good fats for cholesterol management.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, Dijon mustard, and nut butter. Mix until smooth and emulsified.

This dressing delivers bold umami flavor while containing ingredients known for anti-inflammatory benefits and immune system support.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Pour dressing over the vegetables gradually while tossing. You may not need all the dressing—add according to taste preference.

Top with toasted nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

For best results, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to marinate while maintaining crunch.

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🥑 Nutritional Benefits

This cabbage salad is:

• High in fiber for digestive health

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

• Low in calories (great for calorie deficit diets)

• Contains healthy fats from sesame oil and nuts

• Supports gut health and metabolism

Cabbage is often included in detox diet plans, clean eating meal plans, and weight management programs because it is nutrient-dense yet low in calories.

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🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

• Massage the cabbage slightly before adding dressing to soften texture.

• Add grilled chicken or tofu for a high-protein meal prep salad.

• For keto-friendly variation, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener.

• Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick healthy lunch recipe.

• Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for added gut health benefits.

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🥗 Variations

1. Keto Cabbage Salad

Use monk fruit sweetener and add avocado slices for healthy fats.

2. Vegan Asian Slaw

Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip Dijon if desired.

3. High-Protein Fitness Salad

Add grilled shrimp, baked salmon, or air fryer chicken breast.

4. Mediterranean Twist

Swap sesame dressing for lemon olive oil vinaigrette and add feta cheese.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does cabbage salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The cabbage holds up well without becoming soggy.

2. Is cabbage salad good for weight loss?

Yes. Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, helping with satiety and appetite control.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s ideal for meal prep. Store dressing separately if you prefer extra crunch.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

5. What protein pairs best with this salad?

Grilled chicken, baked tofu, shrimp, or salmon are excellent options.

6. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes. It saves time and works perfectly for busy schedules.

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💡 Related High-Interest Food Topics

If you’re interested in this recipe, you may also search for:

• Best healthy salad recipes for weight loss

• Anti-inflammatory diet meal plan

• Low-carb Asian salad dressing

• Heart-healthy lunch ideas

• Plant-based high-protein meals

• Clean eating recipes for beginners

• High-fiber foods for digestion

• Easy meal prep ideas for busy professionals

• Immune-boosting foods

• Superfoods for gut health

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🥄 Serving Suggestions

Serve this crunchy cabbage salad with:

• Grilled teriyaki chicken

• Air fryer salmon

• Baked tofu steaks

• Brown rice or quinoa

• As a side for BBQ or summer cookouts