Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad

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.

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:

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. 

2. Transfer to Bowl: Discard the tough end. Place sliced cabbage in a bowl. (For this recipe you'll be using only 1 cabbage half)

3. 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.

4. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the cabbage, cucumber, and green onions.

5. Season and Mix: Sprinkle the mixture with salt and pepper, and mix everything well.

6. 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.

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

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.