• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe

Lavender & Macarons

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Follow us:

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Contact
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
  • Follow us:

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Vegan Sides

    Published: Apr, 2024. Updated: Apr, 2024 by Iryna Bychkiv | This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here

    Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad

    2322 shares
    • Facebook17
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Napa Cabbage and Cucumber Salad.
    Cabbage and cucumber slaw in a bowl.
    Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad in a bowl.
    A collage of 2 images with a text overlay that says The Best Napa Cabbage Slaw.

    This Napa cabbage salad is a perfect blend of crisp, refreshing veggies and a zesty dressing. It's a quick 5-ingredient side dish that's low on effort but big on flavor. Best of all, this vegan salad is mayo-free!

    Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad in a bowl.

    If you need a refreshing salad that's big on crunch and flavor, this Napa cabbage salad is the answer. With a refreshing mix of cabbage, cucumber, and green onions, all tossed in a tangy lime and olive oil dressing, it's a deliciously different salad that's a cinch to make.

    If you're a fan of the Napa cabbage salad, I guarantee you'll also love my vegan beet salad and creamy vegan cauliflower salad. These recipes are just as easy to make at home.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Is The Best Napa Cabbage Salad Recipe 
    • Key Ingredients
    • How to Make Napa Cabbage Salad
    • Tips For Making the Best Napa Cabbage Salad
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Variation Ideas 
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store Leftovers
    • Recipe
    • Recipe

    Why This Is The Best Napa Cabbage Salad Recipe 

    • Quick and Easy: This Napa cabbage salad is a cinch to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious salad ready in no time.
    • Refreshingly Different: The combination of Napa cabbage, cucumber, and green onions gives this salad a unique, refreshing flavor that stands out from the crowd.
    • Crunchy: Thanks to the crisp cabbage and cucumber, this salad is packed with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
    • Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients, making it a great option for families on a budget.
    • Healthy: With no mayo and a light, tangy dressing, this salad is a healthy choice that doesn't skimp on flavor.
    Napa Cabbage and Cucumber Salad.

    Key Ingredients

    Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

    • Napa Cabbage: This is the star of the salad, providing a crunchy, slightly sweet base.
    • English Cucumber: The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. If you can't find an English cucumber, 3 regular-size cucumbers will work just as well.
    • Lime Juice: Just a splash of lime juice brings a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
    • Olive Oil: This is used to dress the salad, adding a rich, smooth texture and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
    • Green Onions: These are thinly sliced and mixed into the salad, adding a mild, sweet flavor and a pop of color.
    • Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a spicy twist to the salad.

    How to Make Napa Cabbage Salad

    Making this incredible Napa cabbage salad recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

    Slicing Napa Cabbage for a salad.
    1. Prep the Napa Cabbage: Place Napa cabbage on a cutting board and slice in half horizontally. Using a long knife, slice one-half of the cabbage across the leaves and stem as thin as possible. 
    1. Transfer to Bowl: Discard the tough end. Place sliced cabbage in a bowl. (For this recipe you'll be using only 1 cabbage half)

    Cutting cucumbers for the salad.

    1. Prepare the Cucumber and Green onions: Cut the cucumber in half and then thinly slice it. Also, thinly slice the green onions. Add both to the bowl with the cabbage.
    Ingredients for the cabbage cucumber salad in a bowl.
    1. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the cabbage, cucumber, and green onions.
    1. Season and Mix: Sprinkle the mixture with salt and pepper, and mix everything well.
    1. Final Touches: If desired, sprinkle the salad with some red pepper flakes to add a little kick, then serve and enjoy your napa cabbage salad.

    For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

    Tips For Making the Best Napa Cabbage Salad

    • Choose the best cabbage: For this salad, I recommend using Napa cabbage. It has a milder flavor and a more delicate texture compared to regular green cabbage, making it perfect for raw salads. However, if you can't find Napa cabbage, you can use green cabbage as a substitute. 
    • Properly prepare the cabbage: When preparing the Napa cabbage for this salad, make sure to slice it as thin as possible. This will help to blend the flavors of the salad and make the cabbage easier to eat.
    • Don't forget the cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to this salad. Whether you're using English cucumber or regular cucumbers, make sure to thinly slice them. This will help distribute the cucumber evenly throughout the salad.
    • Enhance the flavor: The flavor of this salad is enhanced with a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, you can also sprinkle the salad with some red pepper flakes. Feel free to add other ingredients like halved cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots for extra flavor and texture.
    Cabbage and cucumber slaw in a bowl.

    Serving Suggestions

    • For a light lunch, pair this Napa cabbage salad with some grilled chicken. The crunch of the salad perfectly compliments the tenderness of the chicken, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
    • If you're in the mood for a vegetarian dish, serve this salad alongside a quinoa and roasted vegetable medley. The nutty quinoa and robust vegetables provide a nice contrast to the refreshing flavors of the salad.
    • Want a refreshing side dish for a barbecue? This Napa cabbage salad is the perfect choice. Its zesty lime dressing and crunchy texture make it a great companion to grilled meats.
    • For a quick and easy dinner, serve this salad with some Cajun shrimp. The shrimp's delicate flavor pairs well with the bold, refreshing flavors of the salad.

    Recipe Variation Ideas 

    • Regular Green Cabbage: If you don't have Napa cabbage on hand, you can still enjoy this salad by using regular green cabbage as a substitute. Simply massage it for a few minutes with a few pinches of salt to soften the leaves.
    • Extra Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables to this salad, consider including halved cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color to the dish.
    • Crunchy Nuts: For a different texture, try adding toasted pecans or sliced almonds to the salad. These nuts will provide a nice crunch, making the salad even more satisfying.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of cabbage is best for this salad?

    This recipe calls for Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a crisp texture, making it perfect for raw salads. If you can't find Napa cabbage, you can use regular green cabbage, but be sure to massage it with a few pinches of salt to soften the leaves.

    Can I make this salad in advance?

    Yes, you can make this salad in advance. In fact, it's a great make-ahead dish as the flavors meld together beautifully over time. Just be sure to add the lime juice and olive oil right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

    What can I add to this salad to make it a complete meal?

    This salad is a great base for a complete meal. Consider adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also toss in some cooked quinoa or edamame for an extra protein boost.

    Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad close up.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    How to Store Leftovers

    • Refrigerating: If you have leftovers of this refreshing Napa cabbage salad, don't worry, you can store them in the fridge. Simply transfer the salad into an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
    • Freezing: Unfortunately, this salad doesn't freeze well. The texture of the cabbage and cucumber will become mushy and lose their crunch after thawing. It's best to enjoy this salad fresh for the best flavor and texture.

    Recipe

    • Mediterranean asparagus with balsamic reduction and pine nuts.
      Mediterranean Asparagus With Balsamic Drizzle And Pine Nuts
    • Potato salad with no-mayo dressing
      Healthy Vegan Potato Salad (No Mayo Or Cashews)
    • Dandelion and couscous salad on a white plate.
      Dandelion Salad Recipe
    • Marinated mushroom pasta salad in a bowl
      Marinated Mushroom Pasta Salad With Green Olives

    If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

    Recipe

    Napa cabbage and cucumber salad

    Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad

    This Napa cabbage salad is a perfect blend of crisp, refreshing veggies and a zesty dressing. It's a quick 5-ingredient side dish that's low on effort but big on flavor. Best of all, this vegan salad is mayo-free!
    4.78 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: European
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 82kcal
    Author: Iryna Bychkiv
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 English cucumber or 3 regular size cucumbers
    • 1 Napa cabbage washed and pat dried
    • 2 green onions washed and pat dried
    • 2 tablespoon lime juice
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

    Instructions

    • Place Napa cabbage on a cutting board and slice in half horizontally. Using a long knife, slice one half of the cabbage across the leaves and stem as thin as possible. Discard the tough end. Place sliced cabbage in a bowl. (For this recipe you'll be using only 1 cabbage half)
    • Cut cucumber in half and then thinly slice it. Also, thinly slice the green onions.
    • Add sliced cucumber and green onions to a bowl with cabbage. Drizzle with the lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and mix everything well. 
    • If desired, sprinkle the salad with some red pepper flakes and serve.

    Notes

    Choose the best cabbage: For this salad, I recommend using Napa cabbage. It has a milder flavor and a more delicate texture compared to regular green cabbage, making it perfect for raw salads. However, if you can't find Napa cabbage, you can use green cabbage as a substitute. 
    Properly prepare the cabbage: When preparing the Napa cabbage for this salad, make sure to slice it as thin as possible. This will help to blend the flavors of the salad and make the cabbage easier to eat.
    Extra Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables to this salad, consider including halved cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color to the dish.
    Making the slaw in advance: Yes, you can make this salad in advance. In fact, it's a great make-ahead dish as the flavors meld together beautifully over time. Just be sure to add the lime juice and olive oil right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
    Refrigerating: If you have leftovers of this refreshing Napa cabbage salad, don't worry, you can store them in the fridge. Simply transfer the salad into an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
    Freezing: Unfortunately, this salad doesn't freeze well. The texture of the cabbage and cucumber will become mushy and lose their crunch after thawing. It's best to enjoy this salad fresh for the best flavor and texture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.1g | Protein: 1.6g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 2.1g | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Lavender.And.Macarons or tag #lavenderandmacarons!
    Iryna Bychkiv
    Website

    Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
    Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.

    More Vegan Side Dish Recipes

    • Easy Hasselback potatoes with rosemary
      Best Hasselback Potato Recipe
    • Balsamic roasted carrots on a white plate.
      Baked Carrots With Garlic And Thyme
    • Butternut squash and sweet potato hash on a white oval platter.
      Butternut Squash Hash
    • Up-close image of breakfast potatoes in a white bowl.
      Skillet Breakfast Potatoes (Diner-Style Home Fries)
    2322 shares
    • Facebook17
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rene says

      October 08, 2023 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was the perfect quick, healthy summer salad. I was looking for a Napa Cabbage salad since it's a super food, so glad I found yours. I read that someone thought it was salty - I have to admit that I eyeballed my S & P, so not sure how much I used. Will be making it again many times in the future! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Iryna says

        October 10, 2023 at 4:16 pm

        Rene, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm very happy you liked my Napa Cabbage Salad:)

        Reply
    2. Twyla says

      June 28, 2023 at 11:44 am

      3 stars
      WAY too salty!! Should have followed my gut and not added as much til we tried it.

      Reply
    3. Donna says

      January 17, 2023 at 2:50 pm

      can you use lemon 🥤 instead of lime juice. I would like to make it for supper

      Reply
      • Iryna says

        January 17, 2023 at 3:10 pm

        Absolutely. Lemon juice is fine:)

        Reply
    4. Deborah says

      August 15, 2022 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe adding tomatoes. My husband and I loved it. Had never tried Napa Cabbage before and I don’t like lime but this worked nicely. Easy to make. I used a sprinkle of red pepper powder as well. Nice kick. We’ll make this often. Very nutritious.

      Reply
      • Iryna says

        August 16, 2022 at 6:33 pm

        Deborah, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm happy you and your husband enjoyed this recipe!

        Reply
    4.78 from 9 votes (6 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The photo of Iryna Bychkiv, the writer and owner of a culinary website - Lavender & Macarons.

    I'm Iryna - a healthy food writer, photographer, and taster behind Lavender & Macarons. Here, you'll find healthy, clean recipes that are easy to prepare, made with wholesome ingredients, and approved by picky eaters. More about Iryna...

    New Recipes👇

    • Close up of chicken thighs on a white plate.
      Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
    • Cottage cheese toast on a grey plate.
      Cottage Cheese Toast
    • Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin on a white plate.
      Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
    • Woman's hands are holding a plate with Ukrainian Easter bread - Paska.
      Paska Recipe (Ukrainian Easter Bread)

    Footer



    Home

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    Terms of Use

    Copyright © 2024 Lavender & Macarons LLC | Healthy, Clean Recipes

    Stock images by Depositphotos

    2322 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.