Name: Asian Cabbage Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: FOR THE SPICY PEANUT DRESSING:; 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 ts[ sriracha sauce; sea salt and black pepper to taste; 3 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos; 1-1/2 tbsp honey, local preferred; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely minced; 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/4 cup liquid from mandarin oranges; FOR THE SALAD:; 4 cups green cabbage, shredded; 2 cups red cabbage, shredded; 2 large carrots, shredded; 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin; 2 green onions, (green part only), sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup toasted peanuts, roughly chopped; 1 10-oz can sugar free Mandarin Oranges (packed in juice); 1 tbsp white sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Asian Cabbage Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is a delicious and healthy Thai inspired side dish. Loaded with fresh ingredients and big flavors! Cabbage, mandarin oranges, toasted peanuts, and fresh veggies tossed with a sweet and spicy peanut dressing made with peanut butter, sesame oil, sriracha sauce, and other Asian flavors. Serves 4 and ready in under 30 minutes!

Quick Note: This post contains affiliate links to my personal favorite items. If you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission, which helps me keep this blog up and running, at no extra cost to you. Please read my disclosure statement for details. Thank you.

Welcome to My Kitchen Serenity! This Asian Cabbage Salad recipe is one of our favorite side dishes. It’s crispy and crunchy with a sweet and spicy citrus dressing. The mandarin oranges add a beautiful color as well as a sweet, citrus flavor that compliments the spicy peanut butter and ginger dressing. Serve this side salad with chicken or pork, or use it as a topping on your favorite sandwich or wrap. Beautiful side dish for the holidays.

As you probably already know, cabbage is one of our favorite vegetables because it’s versatile, healthy, inexpensive, and available virtually year round. You can eat it raw or cooked. Check out some of my other cabbage recipes: Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, and Egg Roll in a Bowl.

Let’s be social! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

This recipe is easy to throw together for a simple vegetable side dish to make any occasion special. Make it a meal by adding sliced grilled chicken! Great for meal prep!

Spicy Peanut Dressing Ingredients:

½ c. all-natural peanut butter
3 T. rice vinegar
1 T. sesame oil
2 t. sriracha sauce
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 T. tamari or coconut aminos
1½ T. honey, preferably local
2 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. fresh ginger, finely minced
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ c. liquid from Mandarin oranges

Asian Cabbage Salad Ingredients:

4 c. green cabbage, shredded
2 c. red cabbage, shredded
2 large carrots, shredded
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin
2 green onions (green parts only), sliced
¼ c. fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ c. toasted peanuts, chopped
1 10-oz. can sugar-free Mandarin oranges (packed in juice)
1 T. white sesame seeds

Directions for Asian Cabbage Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce:

STEP 1: To make the dressing, combine the peanut butter, vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and heat, stirring continually, until the peanut butter melts and the ingredients are thoroughly combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.

STEP 2: Reduce heat to low and whisk in remaining dressing ingredients until combined. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Keep warm.

STEP 3: Combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onion, and fresh cilantro in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and drizzle with a small amount of the warm peanut dressing. Toss to combine.

STEP 4: Transfer salad to a decorative serving platter and top with chopped peanuts, Mandarin oranges, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with remaining peanut dressing on the side.

Tamari vs Coconut Aminos

Tamari is soy sauce that’s made without grains, therefore, it’s a great gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Coconut aminos is a soy-free seasoning sauce that’s a popular alternative to soy sauce for those who avoid soy. Coconut aminos are lighter in flavor than tamari, but are a great soy sauce alternative.

Can you Make Asian Cabbage Salad Ahead of Time?

Definitely! Can be made 1 day in advance. Make the spicy peanut dressing as directed, let cool completely, place into a sealable container, and store in the refrigerator. Combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper in a large bowl; cover and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss the dressing and salad mixture together. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and add the peanuts, sesame seeds, and cilantro leaves. Top with the mandarin oranges. Enjoy!

What Can you Serve with Asian Cabbage Salad?

The most common meats to serve with Asian Cabbage Salad are chicken or turkey, and fish (see my Easy Grilled or Broiled BBQ Salmon recipe.

What can you do with a Head of Cabbage?

Make a salad like this one! The ever so popular Egg Roll in a Bowl is always a delicious meal choice! Try this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe from Immaculate Bites….cooked with garlic and bacon….delicious!

How Long Does Asian Cabbage Salad Last in the Fridge?

Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. I like to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids. Check out this 20-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids.