Spicy Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Vegetables Recipe

This Spicy Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Vegetables is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. It’s packed with crisp cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and a delicious homemade dressing with a kick. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad is full of vibrant colors and textures that are sure to please your palate.

Ingredients

Vegetables:

• 170g cabbage
• 50g carrots
• 1 medium onion (approximately 20g)
• 150g cucumber
• 1 red chili pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 yellow chili pepper (adjust according to spice preference)

Dressing:

• 70g white sugar (consider a lower sugar option like stevia or monk fruit extract if desired)
• 40ml fish sauce
• 25g fresh chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 10g fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Shred the cabbage and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to crisp it up. Drain well.
• Thinly slice the carrots and onion. After draining the cabbage, combine it with the carrots and onion in a large bowl.
• Thinly slice the cucumber, red chili pepper, and yellow chili pepper. Add them to the bowl with the other vegetables.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the white sugar, fish sauce, chopped chili pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and a well-combined dressing forms.

3. Combine and Serve:

• Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat everything evenly.
• Stir in the chopped coriander leaves (if using).
• Serve immediately for a fresh and crisp salad, or chill for a bit in the refrigerator for a colder and more refreshing taste.

Nutritional Value

• Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals from the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and chili peppers.
• Fiber: It’s also a good source of fiber from the cabbage, which can aid in digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
• Sugar and Sodium: The amount of sugar and sodium will depend on the amount of fish sauce and sugar used.

Healthy Substitutions

• Sugar Alternatives: Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit extract to reduce the added sugar content.
• Low-Sodium Fish Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, there are low-sodium versions of fish sauce available.
• Protein Addition: For a more filling salad, you can add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu.

Flavor Variations

• Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar or white vinegar to the dressing for a sweet and sour flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Drizzle a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: In addition to coriander, you can also add chopped fresh mint or Thai basil for a vibrant herbal touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Light Lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own as a light lunch.
• Complete Meal: Pair it with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries or noodle bowls.
• Appetizer: It also makes a great appetizer or side dish for potlucks and barbecues.

Tips

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference. You can even omit the chili peppers altogether for a milder version.
• Sugar Alternatives: The recipe uses white sugar, but you can substitute with natural sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit extract if you’re watching your sugar intake. Note that these alternatives may slightly affect the taste.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables to this salad, such as shredded bell peppers, green onions, or bean sprouts.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crispness over time.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Vegetables is a delicious and healthy side dish or light lunch option. It’s full of vitamins, fiber, and a touch of spice. While it won’t specifically target belly fat, it can be part of a healthy diet that promotes overall weight loss. Enjoy this salad as part of a balanced meal plan!