Vegan Cabbage Salad: Easy and Crunchy Recipe

Are you looking for a refreshing, crunchy vegan salad to switch up your daily meals? Vegan cabbage salad is the perfect suggestion! Not only is it easy to make, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the detailed recipe and tips for making an enticing vegan cabbage salad.

Why Is Vegan Cabbage Salad Popular?

Vegan cabbage salad is not just delicious but also nutritious. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system, aid digestion, and protect heart health. This salad has a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors with a characteristic crunch, making it ideal as an appetizer or main dish in vegan meals.

Vegan cabbage salad ingredients

Preparing Ingredients for Vegan Cabbage Salad

To ensure your salad is flavorful, you’ll need to prepare the following ingredients:

• White cabbage: 1/2 head (choose fresh, firm ones)
• Carrot: 1 medium
• Roasted peanuts: 50g (crushed)
• Herbs: Cilantro, Thai basil (to taste)
• Chili: 1-2 peppers (adjust to preference)
• Lime: 2
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Vegan fish sauce: 2 tablespoons (or soy sauce)
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Ginger: 1 small piece (optional)
• Other seasonings: Salt, pepper

Vegan cabbage salad preparation

Detailed Guide to Making Vegan Cabbage Salad

1. Preparing the Ingredients

• Cabbage: Shred thinly, soak in diluted saltwater for about 15 minutes, rinse, and drain.
• Carrot: Grate into thin strips.
• Herbs: Wash and finely chop.
• Garlic and chili: Mince finely.
• Peanuts: Roast until golden and crush.

2. Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix:

• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce)
• Juice from 2 limes
• Minced garlic and chili
• A bit of minced ginger (if using)

Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust the taste to balance the sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.

3. Mixing the Salad

• Place the cabbage and carrot in a large bowl.
• Gradually pour the dressing over them, gently tossing to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Add the herbs and mix well.

4. Finishing Touches

• Arrange the salad on a plate and sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchiness.

Tip: To make the cabbage crunchier, soak it in ice water for 15-20 minutes before mixing.

Finished vegan cabbage salad

Expert Advice

“Adding soaked and stir-fried wood ear or shiitake mushrooms can enhance the umami flavor and add a delightful chewiness to the salad.” – Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thảo, Plant-Based Nutrition Expert

Variations to Make Vegan Cabbage Salad More Appealing

You can customize your vegan cabbage salad according to your taste with these suggestions:

• Green mango: Add shredded green mango for a distinctive sweet and sour taste.
• Vegan pork ear: Shredded vegan pork ear adds extra crunch.
• Vegan ham: Shredded vegan ham makes the salad richer and more nutritious.
• Soybean paste: Substitute vegan fish sauce with soybean paste for a unique flavor.

“Experimenting with vegetables like cucumber, bean sprouts, or jicama will bring a unique flavor to the salad.” – Võ Hoàng Anh, Head Chef at An Lạc Vegan Restaurant

When Is Vegan Cabbage Salad Suitable?

Vegan cabbage salad is an ideal choice for:

• Light family meals.
• Casual vegan parties.
• Appetizers at gatherings.
• Dieters, those looking to lose weight, or following a vegan diet.

Conclusion

With its simple preparation and enticing flavor, vegan cabbage salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and share your experience with us!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long can vegan cabbage salad be stored? It’s best to eat it immediately after mixing. If not, store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• How to prevent cabbage from being pungent? Soak the cabbage in diluted saltwater for about 15 minutes.
• What can I use instead of vegan fish sauce? You can use soy sauce or soybean paste.
• Can I omit the chili if I don’t like spicy food? Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of chili to your taste.
• How can I make the salad more visually appealing? Add carrots, green mango, or colorful vegetables.
• Can I use purple cabbage? Yes! Purple cabbage will add a unique color.
• Is vegan cabbage salad healthy? Very healthy, thanks to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

This article is crafted based on thorough research to provide useful information and the best reading experience for our readers.