Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Ready in just 15 minutes, this fresh and crunchy cabbage salad is tossed in a delicious Asian-flavored peanut dressing, making it a perfect side dish or even a light main if you toss in some protein. Naturally gluten-free and vegan too.

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Delicious Cabbage Salad with Asian Flavors

If you’re bored of the usual salads and want something different, this super easy cabbage salad is just for you – crunchy sliced cabbage, radish and carrots tossed in a creamy peanut butter-based salad dressing oozing with Asian flavors!

With the contrasts in texture and taste, you’ll be reaching for this salad over and over again.

It’s especially convenient for bringing to summer grilling parties (doesn’t wilt and is easy to transport), adds freshness to grilled meats as a refreshing side, or as a topping for rice bowls, quinoa bowls or tacos!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients involved in this easy cabbage slaw are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, you’ll have this salad ready in no time, plus there’s no cooking at all – it’s a great side dish for the summer or anytime you want something refreshing!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: The best part is that this salad recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a gluten-free diet or vegan diet can enjoy it without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this crunchy cabbage salad recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions

• Cabbage: You can use either green cabbage or red cabbage (purple cabbage), just make sure to shred the cabbage very finely with a sharp knife.
• Carrot: Make sure to grate or shred the cabbage as finely as possible.
• Radish: If you can’t find daikon radish, other types of radish can be substituted including watermelon radish or purple daikon. Very small radishes should be cut in the longest matchsticks possible.
• Roasted Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add extra crunchiness to this salad. Alternatively, if you are allergic to peanuts, you may use roasted cashews or roasted almonds instead.
• Peanut Butter: I recommend using creamy peanut butter (instead of crunchy peanut butter) to create a very creamy and smooth texture for the peanut dressing so that it contrasts well with the crunchiness of the vegetables and the roasted peanuts. Make sure to use unsalted peanut butter as we will be adding salt to taste later. Alternatively, if you are allergic to peanuts, you can use unsalted cashew butter or almond butter instead.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds tanginess to this simple salad. If you don’t have lime juice, then lemon juice, rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar will work too, although you will get a different flavor profile.
• Coconut Milk: I used unsweetened coconut milk to keep this recipe vegan and dairy-free. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, you can also use heavy cream instead.
• Sriracha: If you enjoy a kick of heat, I recommend adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of Sriracha chili sauce (increase or decrease the amount of Sriracha according to how much heat you can take). Alternatively, if you rather not have any heat at all, feel free to leave it out directly. 

How to Make Crunchy Cabbage Salad

Slice Cabbage and Radish: Very finely slice cabbage, removing all the core. Peel and cut the white radish into 2-inch long match sticks (the thinner the better).

Grate Carrot and Chop Cilantro: Peel and grate the carrot. Wash and dry, and chop the cilantro very finely.

Dish by Dish Tips:

• As a Side: This easy Asian cabbage salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecued meats, grilled fish, pulled pork, or salmon burgers. It’s perfect for a summer potluck because it travels well and does not wilt unlike lettuce-based salads.
• As a Topping: You can also use this crunchy cabbage slaw as a topping on top of quinoa bowls, fajita bowls, teriyaki salmon bowl, or even in tacos.
• As a Complete Meal: If you want to eat this as a light main dish instead of a side, feel free to add some protein (rotisserie chicken, sliced pork, grilled prawns, tofu cubes, etc.)
• Optional Toppings: Other types of toppings that you can include would be chopped green onions, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds.