This Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad recipe is a perfect mix of vibrant, crunchy veggies, toasted nuts and a zingy dressing. It's easy to make and packed with flavors, making it a great choice for a fresh, nutritious and delicious addition to your picnic or any outdoor gathering.
Photos of Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad Recipe
Some ingredients like napa cabbage and snow peas might not be a common sight in every kitchen. Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a type of cabbage that is light green and oblong shaped with a sweeter taste than regular cabbage. Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, have a slightly sweet taste and add a nice crunch to the salad. You can easily find these in the produce section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
Almonds: These provide a nice crunch and some healthy fats.
Napa cabbage: It's a type of Chinese cabbage that's sweeter and more tender than regular cabbage.
Snow peas: These add a sweet note and a bit of a crunch.
Radishes: They add a peppery crunch.
Green onions: They add a mild onion flavor.
Cilantro: It adds a fresh and zesty flavor.
Rice vinegar: It's less acidic than other vinegars and has a subtle sweetness.
Sugar: It balances out the acid in the vinegar.
Soy sauce: It adds umami and saltiness.
Garlic: It adds a punchy, savory flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: It gives a rich, nutty flavor.
Ground ginger: It adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor.
Cayenne powder: It adds a little heat.
Mayonnaise: It makes the dressing creamy.
One reader, Aloysius Lerner says:
This napa cabbage picnic salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy cabbage, fresh snow peas, and zesty radishes is a delight. The dressing adds a burst of flavor, and the toasted almonds provide the perfect crunch. It's a refreshing and satisfying salad that's perfect for any outdoor gathering. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
How to toast almonds: Place almond slivers in a dry nonstick or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until browned. Set aside.
How to make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and cayenne until the sugar has dissolved. Then, whisk in the mayonnaise.
How to combine the salad: When ready to serve, gently combine the dressing and almonds with the cabbage mixture.
How to serve: Portion the salad into individual servings and enjoy.
Looking for something easy, delicious, and will impress everyone at your next potluck? Meet the latest favorite raw vegetable salad: this napa cabbage salad. Fresh and bursting with flavors, it’s guaranteed to take the spotlight. Imagine chunks of crisp vegetables covered in a flavorful Asian dressing. I served this Asian cabbage salad at our last cookout, and the guests ate with so much gusto!
A cross between a salad and a slaw, this Chinese cabbage salad has a collection of flavors and textures. This recipe, in particular, has crisp napa cabbage (a Chinese cabbage variety), crunchy snow peas, and firm radishes. If you have the time, toast some almonds for a nutty taste. And as with most napa cabbage salad recipes, this version is also tossed in a dressing made of mayo, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. I’m confident you’ll love the robust crunch and flavors in each bite!
List most salad recipes, this napa cabbage salad recipe is easily customizable. Don’t have rice vinegar? Then, use balsamic vinegar. Allergic to almonds? No problem; just up the texture with sunflower seeds.It involves almost no labor except toasting the almonds and making the Asian dressing.
When ready to serve, simply toss everything together. In my opinion, topping this Asian napa cabbage salad with ramen noodles is the BEST way to enjoy it. Not to brag, but my napa cabbage recipe is one of the most terrific napa cabbage recipes you’ll EVER try.
How To Make Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
This tasty napa cabbage salad is ready in just 20 minutes! Enjoy bites of crunchy cabbage, snow peas, and radishes, all tossed in a smoky mayo dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup almonds, slivered
- 4 cups napa cabbage, (½ lb), coarsely shredded
- 6 oz snow peas, sliced into ½-inch on the diagonal
- ⅔ cup radishes, thinly sliced
- ⅔ cup green onions, including greens, thinly sliced
- ⅔ cup cilantro, lightly packed, chopped
For Dressing:
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar, plus 1½ tsp, seasoned or unseasoned
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ garlic clove, (about 1½ tsp), peeled, minced
- ¼ tsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp cayenne powder
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Toast the almond slivers in a dry nonstick or cast-iron skillet on medium-high, stirring frequently, until browned. Set aside.
- Combine the cabbage, snow peas, radishes, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.
Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, and cayenne powder until the sugar has dissolved.
- Then, whisk in the mayonnaise.
- When ready to serve, gently combine the dressing and toasted almonds with the cabbage mixture.
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can also toss fresh slices of mandarin oranges, tomatoes, and carrots for added flavor and texture.
- Try sprucing up this cabbage salad recipe with chicken pieces for a more filling meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 215.53kcal
- Fat: 19.20g
- Saturated Fat: 2.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.05g
- Carbohydrates: 8.56g
- Fiber: 2.79g
- Sugar: 4.64g
- Protein: 3.75g
- Cholesterol: 7.51mg
- Sodium: 296.87mg
- Calcium: 96.62mg
- Potassium: 316.93mg
- Iron: 1.56mg
- Vitamin A: 131.70µg
- Vitamin C: 42.59mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
To ensure your salad stays crisp and fresh, it's best to add the dressing just before serving. If you dress the salad too early, the napa cabbage and snow peas can become soggy and lose their crunch. Also, when toasting the almonds, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. Stir them frequently for even toasting and immediately remove them from the heat once they're golden brown.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables and dressing a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut napa cabbage and snow peas to cut down on prep time.
Multi-task: While toasting the almonds, you can also prepare the dressing to save time in the kitchen.
Organize your workspace: Set up all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Make extra: Consider making a larger batch and storing the leftovers for a quick and easy meal the next day.
Substitute Ingredients For Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad Recipe
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that can work well as a substitute for almonds in this salad.
napa cabbage - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy has a similar mild and slightly sweet flavor to napa cabbage, making it a suitable substitute in this salad.
snow peas - Substitute with sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas have a similar crunch and sweet flavor to snow peas, making them a great substitute in this salad.
radishes - Substitute with jicama: Jicama has a similar crunchy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good substitute for radishes in this salad.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and a similar green color, making them a suitable substitute for green onions in this salad.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro and can be a good substitute in this salad.
rice vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar mild acidity and can work well as a substitute for rice vinegar in the dressing.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness to the dressing while also providing a hint of floral flavor as a substitute for sugar.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari has a similar rich, savory flavor and can be used as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce in the dressing.
garlic clove - Substitute with 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a concentrated garlic flavor and can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic in the dressing.
toasted sesame oil - Substitute with regular sesame oil: Regular sesame oil can provide a similar nutty flavor and aroma as a substitute for toasted sesame oil in the dressing.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor as a healthier substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing.
Presenting Your Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad, ensure that the plating is elegant and visually appealing. Use a large, white, or neutral-toned plate to allow the vibrant colors of the salad to pop.
Incorporate texture: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating different textures. Consider using a sleek, modern bowl to create a contrast with the crunch of the almonds and the crispness of the vegetables.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the toasted almonds with precision, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the salad. This attention to detail will impress the judges and elevate the overall presentation.
Emphasize color contrast: Arrange the snow peas, radishes, and napa cabbage in a way that showcases their vibrant colors. The green, purple, and white hues will create a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to draw attention to the salad. Allow the ingredients to breathe on the plate, creating an aesthetically pleasing and balanced presentation.
Consider the salad's height: Build the salad upwards, creating a sense of height on the plate. This technique adds dimension and visual interest to the dish, making it stand out on the table.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by delicately placing a few edible flowers on the salad. This subtle addition will elevate the visual appeal and add a hint of sophistication.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each ingredient, ensuring that the presentation is symmetrical and precise. This level of detail demonstrates a high level of skill and artistry.
Highlight the dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad with finesse, creating an attractive pattern on the plate. The dressing should complement the overall presentation without overwhelming the other elements.
Use high-quality serving utensils: When presenting the salad, use high-quality serving utensils that reflect the sophistication of the dish. Opt for sleek, modern utensils that enhance the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently processing large quantities of food.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, whisking dressings, or marinating foods. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is a staple for any cooking or baking task.
Interesting Trivia About Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
The napa cabbage picnic salad recipe is a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. The snow peas in the salad are rich in vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Additionally, the almonds provide a good source of healthy fats and vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin health. This salad is a nutritious and delicious addition to any picnic or gathering.
Is Making Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad Cost-Effective?
This napa cabbage picnic salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as napa cabbage, snow peas, and radishes, are generally affordable and widely available. The addition of almonds and mayonnaise may slightly increase the cost, but they are versatile ingredients that can be used in various other dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall, this recipe offers a refreshing and nutritious salad option at a reasonable price. Verdict: 9.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This napa cabbage picnic salad recipe is a healthy choice overall. The salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like napa cabbage, snow peas, radishes, green onions, and cilantro, which provide a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The almonds add a healthy dose of protein and heart-healthy fats. The dressing, made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, is relatively low in calories and adds flavor without relying on excessive amounts of oil or sugar.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the dressing or replace it with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy texture with less saturated fat
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the salad to boost the fiber and nutrient content even further
- Consider adding a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make the salad a more well-rounded meal
To make this salad even more nutritious, you could also:
- Add some shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch
- Sprinkle some sesame seeds or chia seeds on top for an additional boost of healthy fats and minerals
- Use a mix of different types of cabbage, such as red cabbage or savoy cabbage, to vary the texture and flavor profile
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the dressing, like fresh grated ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes, to add depth and complexity to the flavors
The Editor's Take on Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
This Napa cabbage picnic salad recipe offers a delightful combination of crunchy napa cabbage, crisp snow peas, and zesty radishes, all brought together with a flavorful dressing. The addition of toasted almonds provides a satisfying crunch, while the cilantro and green onions add a refreshing herbal note. The dressing, with its balance of tangy rice vinegar, sweet sugar, and savory soy sauce, complements the vegetables perfectly. The hint of garlic, ginger, and cayenne adds a subtle kick, making this salad a refreshing and satisfying dish for any picnic or gathering.
Enhance Your Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh and vibrant napa cabbage, snow peas, and radishes, providing a crunchy and flavorful base. The addition of almonds brings a satisfying nuttiness, while the dressing, featuring rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a hint of toasted sesame oil, adds a perfect balance of tang and depth. With a touch of cilantro and green onions, this salad promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and refreshing picnic salad experience.
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