This colorful Asian cabbage salad dressed in tangy sesame dressing is the perfect make ahead salad. It is crunchy, fresh, and you can whip it up in just minutes!

Easy Cabbage Salad with Asian dressing
It can be quite challenging to get kids (perhaps even the adults) to like salads.
"What are all these leaves?" is what my now 6 year old used to say whenenver I served salads. And it took a long time for him to open up to them.
One of the most important tips is to make the salad easier to eat. So chop up large leaves and thinly slice or shred vegetables.
I love using pre-shredded veggies for convenience, and packaged coleslaw or cabbage mix is one of my go-tos! They are budget-friendly, and I can dress them in all kinds of ways, like with this Asian salad dressing!
Most importantly, my kids love cabbage salads over any other salads. The key is to dress them in advance so the veggies are easier to chew.
There will be plenty of leftovers (music to the ears of any exhausted soul), which is awesome because it tastes better with time. This Asian cabbage slaw is also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make ahead lunches.
This recipe is super adaptable. You can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, but cabbage is a must!
Ingredients

I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Shredded Cabbage slaw - you can shred your own cabbage and vegetables or purchase pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store, which is what I do most of the time for convenience.
- Edamame - shelled edamame are again so convenient and delicious! Simply thaw in the refrigerator.
- Salad dressing - This Asian salad dressing is SO good and super easy to make! For this salad, I like to add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing by adding extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and peanut butter (if using) in a jar. Cover and shake well.

In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix and edamame. Pour the dressing and toss really well.

Wait at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
Add-Ins

I kept this recipe very basic but feel free to add any of these suggestions for more crunch, flavor, and variety!
- Nuts - toasted almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews
- Seeds - sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds
- Crispy wonton strips
- Crunchy ramen noodles
- Cooked soba noodles - my kids love this addition!
- Cooked quinoa
- Any additional vegetables, such as red cabbage, thinly sliced carrots, red bell peppers, cucumbers, green onions, sugar snap peas, snow peas, or fresh bean sprouts
- Any protein of choice (see below)
- Fresh herbs - cilantro leaves, parsley, Thai basil
- Fruits - thinly sliced apples or pears
Tips for Success
- While peanut butter is optional, I highly recommend adding it to this salad. Simply combine with the rest of the ingredients and whisk until it is dissolved.
- Make the salad in advance (at least 30 minutes prior to serving). Not only will the vegetables get the chance to really soak up the dressing, they will wilt and soften, making it easier for toddlers to eat.
- For best flavor and texture, add just half of the dressing initially. When ready to enjoy, drain off some of the excess liquid (the dressing will draw out liquid from the vegetables) and then toss with the remaining dressing.
- If the salad does get a little soggy, add new crunchy vegetables as suggested above to liven it up.
- If adding nuts, seeds, or wonton strips, add them right before serving.
What to serve with Asian Style Cabbage Salad

Enjoy as a side dish or a main meal with additional protein, such as:
- Chicken breast
- Tofu - you need to try this miso tofu!
- Salmon
- Cooked shrimp or this shrimp tofu cakes
- Turkey Meatballs
These Korean vegetable pancakes are delightful too!
Tip: For toddlers, be sure to toss the salad in advance (at least 2 hours preferably) so that the vegetables are soft and easy to chew.
Storage
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes

Asian Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag cabbage slaw
- 8 ounces shelled edamame, thaw if using frozen
- Asian Salad Dressing - see note
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by adding extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and peanut butter (if using) in a jar. Cover and shake well.
- In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix and edamame. Pour the dressing and toss really well. Wait at least 30 minutes before enjoyinng.
Notes
- Salad dressing - while peanut butter is optional, I highly recommend adding 1 tablespoon to this salad.Â
- Make the salad in advance (at least 30 minutes prior to serving). Not only will the vegetables get the chance to really soak up the dressing, they will wilt and soften, making it easier for toddlers to eat.
- For best flavor and texture, add just half of the dressing initially. When ready to enjoy, drain off some of the excess liquid (the dressing will draw out liquid from the vegetables) and then toss with the remaining dressing.
- If the salad does get a little soggy, add new crunchy vegetables as suggested above to liven it up.
- If adding nuts, seeds, or wonton strips, add them right before serving.
Ashley says
This looks like an awesome salad! Looking forward to trying it. Found it via Pinterest.. and now I'm subscribing to your blog! 🙂
Min says
Thank you so much! I can't wait for you to try ;). It's lovely to connect with you! Heading over to your site right now
Maggie says
I'm sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing your story.
This salad is obsoletely what I need for tomorrow's dinner. The sauce looks amazing and I think it will great with noodles too.
Hope you have a great week ahead!
Min says
Thank you, Maggie. Yes, it would be tasty with noodles. I'm thinking soba noodles ;). Hope you have an awesome week as well!
Joanne says
Girl, I am so so so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad to cancer two years ago and it is the worst. Thinking of you and your family during this time!!
Hoping this salad nourishes you and gives you even the slightest bit of comfort. The peanut sauce dressing sounds divine!
Min says
Thank you, Joanne, for sharing your personal story. It seriously is the worst! I didn't know I was capable of feeling so many emotions in such a short span of time.
This salad is now gone and I'm back to eating cereal...
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
This is my kind of salad - I love cold Asian salads in hot weather. Beautiful photos!
Min says
Thank you, Jeanette!
ellie @ fit for the soul says
Ahhh, thank you for checking back with us! I was checking up on you guys hoping that all would be....as okay as it can be. *sigh* I just can't imagine how much courage it took to even start writing and posting again! I mean, going back to life sounds like such a daunting and strange task, and when I think about having to do that someday in the future (hopefully not soon), I get so nervous. But knowing that your Appa is with the Lord singing praises to Him is such a beautiful picture. It's sad to see our lives here come to an end, but so glad that there's hope....<33
Min says
I guess I couldn't stay away from this blog for too long ;). I like to keep myself super busy during trying times and this blog certainly helps with that. It took me a really really long time to write this one though. Yes, appa is with his Father now, and that's worth celebrating!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I have been thinking of you and Tim since I read your post last week. From what I have read with your beautiful words, it sounds like your FIL was a wonderful man! Sending big hugs your way! Hope you have a great week!
Min says
Hello friend! I've missed you! I'm now finally starting to get back into the swings of things. Thank you for all your thoughts and warm hugs ;). Yay it's almost Friday!!
Trisha says
So sorry for your loss. Always inspired by marriages and men like that though. Also, this salad is beautiful! I adore peanut dressing!
Min says
Thank you, Trisha. His love for his bride of nearly 50 years was and is unlike any other. Peanut dressing is pretty amazing stuff, right? Hope you're having a wonderful week!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I feel teary just reading this post - so can only imagine how things are for you. Loss is so difficult. It sounds like he had a wonderful life, and that he was a truly wonderful man. I am glad you were with him for those final moments.
Min says
Thanks, my dear Kari! He truly was a special man. As I heard the monitors go off, I started freaking out and told Tim I needed to step out. However, my body refused to move..it was the weirdest feeling. Deep down, I knew I needed to stay by his side. I'm glad I did..that we all did.
Matt Robinson says
What a sweet post, Min. I love that you shared that. Hope you all have a great Memorial Day. Thank you for this great recipe.
Min says
Thank you so much, Matt. This was a very difficult post to write, but at the same time, I'm glad I have this blog where I can somewhat unleash my emotions from time to time. Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day with your beautiful family!