Heart-Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad

Bright, crunchy, and packed with nutrients, this Heart-Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and zesty Asian-inspired flavors. Featuring crisp napa cabbage, sweet red bell peppers, and julienned carrots, this salad is elevated with the aromatic kick of fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro. The light, tangy dressing of low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and lime juice keeps it nutritious and heart-smart, while toasted sesame seeds add the perfect nutty crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this no-cook recipe is ideal for a refreshing side dish or a wholesome light meal. Whether you're looking for a quick, flavorful salad or a dish that prioritizes heart health, this recipe delivers on all fronts!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head napa cabbage
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium cucumber
• 3 stalks scallions
• 0.5 cup cilantro
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the napa cabbage. Remove any damaged outer leaves and rinse the cabbage under cold water. Pat dry.

Step 2

Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise and then into quarters, removing the core. Thinly slice each section into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.

Step 3

Julienne the red bell pepper and carrots using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for uniform thin strips.

Step 4

Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin half-moon slices.

Step 5

Add the cut vegetables—bell pepper, carrots, and cucumber—to the bowl with the cabbage.

Step 6

Thinly slice the scallions, both white and green parts, and chop the cilantro leaves. Add these to the salad bowl.

Step 7

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.

Step 8

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh lime juice, and honey.

Step 9

Grate the fresh ginger and garlic clove into the dressing mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 10

Season the dressing with black pepper. Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth.

Step 11

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.

Step 12

Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are coated in the dressing.

Step 13

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad just before serving.

Step 14

Serve immediately as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1468 grams (1468.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	609

Total Fat 23.70g	30%
Saturated Fat 3.40g	17%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1190mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 72.80g	26%
Dietary Fiber 20.80g	74%
Total Sugars 35.40g
Protein 21.80g	44%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 913mg	70%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 3280mg	70%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.0%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 49.2%