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–+ servings
Chinese Cabbage Salad
This fresh and flavorful Chinese Cabbage Salad brings together the crunch of Napa cabbage, the savoriness of shredded chicken, and the zing of hot pepper and red ginger. Balanced with a tangy homemade dressing of sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar, it’s a vibrant salad that’s both hearty and refreshing. Often enjoyed in potlucks or light lunches, it reflects the popularity of Asian-inspired salads in American home cooking during the mid-20th century.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 6
Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Napa cabbage (shredded )
  • 2 cups chicken (cooked, shredded)
  • ½ cup onion (chopped )
  • 2 tbsp hot pepper (chopped or sliced)
  • 2 tbsp red ginger (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves (chopped (or substitute parsley))

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Salad Base

  • Shred the cabbage.
  • Shred the cooked chicken.
  • Chop the onion, hot pepper, and red ginger.
  • Combine all in a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  • In a small saucepan, combine oil, white wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar.
  • Heat gently until sugar dissolves.
  • Let cool before using.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

  • Pour the cooled dressing over the cabbage mixture.
  • Toss well to combine.
  • Add chopped cilantro (or parsley) just before serving.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Add toasted almonds, cashews, or sesame seeds for crunch.
  • Substitute rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken for convenience.
  • Swap cilantro with parsley if preferred (the card mentions “parsley?”).
  • Add shredded carrots for color and extra sweetness.
  • Toss in crispy noodles or wonton strips for a classic Chinese-American twist.
  • Increase hot peppers or add chili flakes for more heat.
  • Use rice vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a softer, more traditional flavor.
  • Add mandarin orange segments for a sweet-citrus variation.
  • Make ahead: combine vegetables and chicken early, add dressing just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Chinese salad, cilantro salad, cold salad, handwritten recipe, napa cabbage, sesame dressing, vintage recipe
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