5-Minute Addictive Chinese Napa Cabbage Salad Recipe

Are you craving a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying side dish? Look no further than this addictive Chinese Napa Cabbage Salad! This vibrant salad is bursting with fresh, crunchy cabbage, a zesty and savory dressing, and a delightful mix of textures. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from takeout to a home-cooked feast, and is surprisingly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Forget boring salads – this one is a game-changer, offering a refreshing and unexpectedly addictive combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.

This 5-minute recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. The simple yet effective dressing elevates the humble Napa cabbage to new heights, creating a culinary experience that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Ready to transform your mealtimes with this incredibly easy and delicious salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Microwave

Ingredients

  • Chinese Napa Cabbage
  • Salt
  • Dashi Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Sugar
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ground White Sesame Seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prep and Steam the Cabbage

  • Slice the Chinese Napa cabbage. The amount doesn't have to be exact.
  • Cover and microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes.
Slice the Chinese Napa cabbage. The amount doesn't have to be exact.Cover and microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes.
Prep and Steam the Cabbage

Step 2. Season and Squeeze

  • Wait until you can handle it and sprinkle with salt.
  • Squeeze out the water from the cabbage.
  • Season with dashi powder, cinnamon (in oil or water), and sugar.
Wait until you can handle it and sprinkle with salt.Squeeze out the water from the cabbage.Season with dashi powder, cinnamon (in oil or water), and sugar.
Season and Squeeze

Step 3. Add Finishing Touches

  • Add mayonnaise (doesn't have to be perfectly measured).
  • Add ground white sesame seeds.
Add mayonnaise (doesn't have to be perfectly measured).Add ground white sesame seeds.
Add Finishing Touches

Step 4. Mix and Serve

  • Mix well.
Mix well.
Mix and Serve

Read more: Chinese Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken

Tips

  • You can use regular cabbage instead of Chinese Napa cabbage.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cabbage and dressing separately and combine just before serving. The dressing might slightly soften the cabbage if it sits for too long.

2. What can I substitute for the sesame oil?

You can substitute with another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, but the sesame oil adds a key flavor. If you don't have it, a small amount of toasted sesame seeds could add a similar nutty note.


This incredibly quick and flavorful Napa Cabbage Salad is the perfect solution for a weeknight side dish craving. Its addictive combination of textures and tastes will have you coming back for more. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!