This Sesame Lime Cabbage Salad is my go-to easy salad recipe when I want to add some veggies to a meal without too much effort. It takes 5 minutes to throw together and is so flavorful from the sesame oil, soy sauce and lime juice!
If you’re looking for an easy, nourishing side dish, look no further than this delicious cabbage salad! With thinly sliced purple cabbage as its base, this salad is loaded with flavor thanks to the addition of tangy lime juice, rich sesame oil and savory soy sauce. Not only is this salad easy to make and bursting with flavor, but it is also packed with health benefits that make it a nutritious addition to any meal.
I love making this recipe on those days when I know I want to add some veggies to a meal, but with minimal effort. All that’s required is chopping some cabbage and drizzling with the lime juice, soy sauce and sesame oil.
Cabbage is such a great vegetable to have on hand as it’s inexpensive, but lasts forever in the fridge. It’s delicious as the base of this salad, but also works well in recipes like my Vegan BBQ Soy Curl Bowl with Creamy Ranch Dressing, Pineapple Sweet & Sour Soy Curl Stir Fry or Warm Winter Vegan Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing.
Ingredients in this Sesame Lime Cabbage Salad
Purple cabbage: The main ingredient in this salad, is a cruciferous vegetable that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s high in fiber and rich in vitamin C, K, and B6. Cabbage has been associated with numerous health benefits such as lowering inflammation, improving digestion, promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of several types of cancer.
Lime juice: Adds a tangy and refreshing taste to the salad. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and increases absorption of iron when paired with plant-based iron-rich foods!
Soy sauce: a common ingredient in Asian cuisine and is used to add umami flavor to the salad.
Sesame oil: The main source of fat in this salad, is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help to promote heart health. It has a delicious, sesame flavor that brings this salad to the next level!
Walnuts: An optional ingredient in this recipe, are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which help with brain, heart and eye health.
Maple syrup: another optional ingredient in the salad balances out the flavors by providing some sweetness.
What should I pair with this Cabbage Salad?
This cabbage salad goes great with a stir fry, sandwich or pasta!
Is Cabbage Hard to Digest?
Because cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, it can sometimes be harder to digest! With that being said, slicing the cabbage thinly and letting it sit in the lime juice and soy sauce combination will help it to wilt down and make it easier to digest. You can also start with a smaller portion size if you know cruciferous vegetables make you gassy!
Ingredient Substitutions
Purple cabbage: Can be subbed for green cabbage!
Walnuts: A totally optional ingredient, but can be subbed with any nut or seed of your choice.
Maple syrup: Another optional ingredient, but can also be subbed with honey or agave. If using regular granulated sugar, mix this with the lime juice, soy sauce and sesame oil before adding to the salad.
Soy sauce: Try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Lime juice: Lemon also works well in this!
How to Make Sesame Lime Cabbage Salad
1. Start by shredding the purple cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mix well until everything is well coated.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
Recipe Notes
- Make sure you slice the cabbage thinly, as that will help it to absorb all of the flavors from the dressing and make it more pleasant to eat. You can use a food processor for this step if you’d prefer!
- You can use green cabbage instead of purple cabbage in this recipe.
- You can adjust the amount of lime juice and soy sauce to suit your taste preference.
- Adding some chopped cilantro or parsley to the salad can add extra flavor and nutrition.
Connect with Lauren!
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! If you try it, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and a review in the comments below. You can also find 59 other delicious, easy plant-based recipes in my cookbook, The Simple Vegan Kitchen!
Also, be sure to take a photo and tag me at @tastingtothrive_rd so I can re-share on my stories! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest so you never miss a new recipe or blog post.
Sesame Lime Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups Purple cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 lime, juiced
Optional
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Start by shredding the purple cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mix well until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Other salad recipes
20-Minute Lemon-Tahini Vegan Caesar Salad
Warm Winter Vegan Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Balsamic Glazed Tofu Salad with Pineapple
Work with Lauren
Need some guidance on your plant-based journey? We can work together virtually! Book your FREE 15-minute consultation to see if we’d be a good fit!
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