Easy Napa Cabbage Salad

A crunchy and flavorful salad featuring shredded Napa cabbage tossed with a sweet‑tangy dressing and a “crunchie” topping of toasted ramen noodles, almonds, and sesame seeds. It’s always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great contrast of textures: crisp cabbage with crunchy toppings

• Sweet, savory, and tangy dressing balances the flavors

• Easy to make ahead (just add crunchies before serving)

• Uses simple ingredients you might already have

• Versatile—add shredded chicken, tofu, or extra veggies

• Light but satisfying as a side or salad

• Perfect for warming weather or picnics

• Keeps well (components separately)

• Crowd-pleaser at gatherings

• A fresh twist on classic coleslaw

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 head Napa cabbage

• 1 bunch green onions (minced)

• ⅓ cup butter

• 1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles, broken

• 1 cup slivered almonds

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup white sugar

• ¼ cup cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

1. Finely shred the Napa cabbage (rather than chopping) and mix it with the minced green onions in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Prepare the crunchy topping: melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in broken ramen noodles, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds.

3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and toasted. Remove and cool.

4. Make the dressing: combine vegetable oil, sugar, cider vinegar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, boil for 1 minute, and then remove from heat to cool.

5. Just before serving, toss the cabbage and onion with the dressing. Add the cooled crunchy topping and mix lightly to combine. Serve immediately so the crunch remains.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: about 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu make it more filling

• Nut swap: Use pecans, cashews, or walnuts instead of almonds

• Change the crunch: Use crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions in place of ramen

• Dressing twist: Substitute rice vinegar for cider vinegar, or reduce sugar for a lighter style

• Make it spicier: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha

• Oil substitute: Use olive oil or lighter oils if preferred

• Mix cabbages: Combine Napa cabbage with green or red cabbage for extra color

Storage/Reheating

• The cabbage and dressing components can be prepped up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated.

• Store the crunchy topping separately in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

• When ready to serve, toss everything together.

• Leftovers (if mixed) should be eaten quickly, as the crunch will soften over time.

FAQs

What can I substitute for ramen noodles?

You can use crushed tortilla chips, crispy fried onions, or even broken-up pita chips to give crunch.

Can this salad be made ahead?

Yes—just keep the crunchy topping separate and add it just before serving so it stays crisp.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. You can reduce it or substitute with a sweetener (like honey or maple syrup) to suit your taste.

Is there a nut‑free version?

Yes. Omit the almonds or use seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) for crunch instead.

Can I use regular cabbage instead of Napa?

You can, though regular cabbage is firmer and may alter the texture slightly.

What vinegar works best?

Cider vinegar gives a tangy-sweet flavor. You could also use rice vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch.

How do I prevent the crunchies from burning?

Watch closely and stir or turn them while baking; remove as soon as they’re golden.

Can I make a lighter version (less oil)?

Yes, reduce oil in the crunchies or use a lighter oil, though the texture may change.

What temperature should I bake the crunchies?

About 350 °F (175 °C) is ideal. Bake 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.

How can I serve this salad?

As a side for grilled meats, with Asian-inspired dishes, or add protein to make it a main.

Conclusion

This Napa Cabbage Salad is a refreshing and crunchy delight that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. With the crispness from toasted noodles and nuts, it’s a dish that disappears quickly at any table. Serve it fresh, keep components separate for the best texture, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing, flexible salad that’s easy to adapt.

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