Cabbage Slaw Salad

This Cabbage Slaw Salad is the epitome of freshness. Cabbage and shaved brussels sprouts, crunchy bell pepper, toasted sesame seeds and almonds, and crunched up ramen noodles pair so wonderfully with a sweet oil and vinegar dressing.

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Crunchy, leafy vegetables

Fresh salads are a must for me. They're such an easy way to get in servings of greens and deliciously crunchy vegetables and use up what you may have left in your fridge. I also find them so rejuvenating!

This Cabbage Slaw Salad is the epitome of freshness. While it's different than your typical salad, it still makes an amazing lunch or dinner. Cabbage and shaved brussels sprouts, crunchy bell pepper, toasted sesame seeds and almonds, and crunched up ramen noodles pair so wonderfully with a sweet oil and vinegar dressing.

Feel free to add your favorite chopped up protein or enjoy alongside a full portion!

NOTE: This is not a vegetarian recipe on its own. It uses a chicken flavored seasoning packet. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting that ingredient or replacing it with vegetarian seasoning.

Simple and clean ingredients

For the salad:

Bell Pepper: I used a juicy red one. Provides great crunch and flavor.

Ramen Noodles: I recommend using a chicken flavored package. It brings such a hearty flavor to this salad.

Diced Cabbage/Brussels Sprout Blend: I like the Cruciferous Crunch Collection from Trader Joe's. It's a mix of cabbage, green cabbage, broccolini, and shaved brussels sprouts.

Sesame Seeds: Highly recommend getting the toasted ones or toasting yourself! This brings out more of the nutty, earthy flavor.

Green Onions: Adds great crunch, beautiful color, and a mild onion flavor.

Slivered Almonds: I recommend the toasted ones, too!

For the dressing:

Vegetable Oil: This will be the base of our dressing.

Sugar: You can substitute Stevia as well.

Oregano, Pepper, and Salt: Spices for great flavor!

Chicken Flavor Packet: I used the one that came in my ramen noodle mix.

Apple Cider Vinegar: You can also use red wine vinegar.

Kitchen equipment needed

To make this Cabbage Slaw Salad, you will need a sauce pan, colander, small mixing bowl, cutting board, knife, whisk, and measuring cups and spoons.

Let's assemble this cabbage slaw salad together

First, let's make the dressing:

1. In a small saucepan, heat vinegar and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
2. Whisk in vegetable oil.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in all seasonings and your chicken flavor packet. 

Then, prepare the salad:

1. Crush up your ramen noodles so they become small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine cabbage mix and crushed noodles.
3. Dice red pepper, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds. Add to the salad bowl.
4. Once dressing has cooled, stir again and pour over salad.
5. Toss to coat evenly with dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Cabbage slaw suggestions and tips

Salads are so fun to make because they are so versatile. Most ingredients can be substituted for what you like or what you have on hand.

You may have carrots, cucumbers, or bok choi in your fridge. These would all taste amazing in this Cabbage Slaw Salad.

Have a nut allergy, or don't have any in the pantry? Feel free to omit or substitute with more ramen noodles or leftover wonton noodles. You could also use more bell peppers to add more crunch.

Want to make this salad vegetarian? Instead of using a chicken flavored ramen noodle packet, use a vegetable flavored one.

I also recommend trying a balsamic vinegar or citrusy vinaigrette if the dressing doesn't sound appealing to you.

Cabbage slaw questions and answers

How should I store this salad?
Keep chilled in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend storing this salad for very long. Maybe 1-2 days max. It’s best served fresh.

Can I use a store bought dressing?
Sure! I recommend something like a balsamic vinegar oil-based dressing or some type of vinaigrette for a citrusy taste.

Do you have any tips for success?
Be sure to really mix the dressing with the greens. You’ll find that the vegetables and cabbage will absorb the dressing more, which will make them easier to digest.

Is this suitable for meal prep?
I wouldn't recommend it for your weekly prep, but you can definitely store it overnight and eat it the next day. If you do this, store the dressing separately until you are ready to eat the salad so it doesn't get soggy.

Other recipes you might love

Jalapeno Ranch Taco Salad

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Watermelon Mint Feta Salad

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!

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