Carrot and Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
This Carrot and Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing is a refreshing, wholesome dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots, the crispness of cabbage, and the richness of a creamy sesame dressing. If you are looking for a vibrant, easy, crunchy, and nutrient-packed salad, this recipe is definitely for you!
Why You’ll Love This Carrot and Cabbage Salad
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. The combination of fresh vegetables and a creamy sesame-based dressing provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Here are just a few reasons why this salad deserves a spot on your meal rotation:
- Nutrient-Dense – Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins from the cabbage and carrots.
- Quick and Easy – Takes just minutes to prepare with minimal chopping and simple ingredients.
- Versatile – Perfect as a side dish, a topping for sandwiches, or even as a filling for wraps.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free – This salad fits a variety of dietary needs and is free from dairy and gluten.
- Deliciously Satisfying – The creamy, nutty dressing combined with crunchy veggies creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Health Benefits of the Carrot and Cabbage Salad
Cabbage
Cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. Additionally, cabbage contains high levels of vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and vitamin K, which supports bone health. The antioxidants in cabbage help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Carrots
Carrots are famous for their high beta-carotene content, which converts to vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is essential for eye health, skin health, and overall immunity. Carrots also add a natural sweetness to the salad, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Parsley
Parsley is often overlooked as just a garnish, but it’s actually loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. It supports digestion, freshens breath, and contributes to overall health with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are tiny but mighty! They are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s texture and taste.
The Star of the salad: Sesame Dressing
The sesame dressing takes this salad to the next level. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and has a deep umami flavor. Made with tahini (ground sesame paste), Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt, this dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Tahini: A creamy, nutritious paste made from sesame seeds, tahini is packed with protein, calcium, and heart-healthy fats.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: A powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that enhances the dressing’s bold taste.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, zesty contrast to the nutty tahini.
- Maple Syrup: Balances out the tangy flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings the dressing together.
Serving Suggestions for Carrot and Cabbage Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Stuffed into a pita with falafel or hummus.
- As a topping for grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice.
- Wrapped in a lettuce leaf for a light and refreshing wrap.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This salad is a fantastic option for meal prep. Since cabbage holds up well, the salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if you prefer a crunchier texture when serving later.
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Carrot and Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- 3 cups white cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots (1 large carrot) shredded
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- ⅓ cup sesame seeds
Dressing
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp water (to thin the dressing as needed)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cabbage, grate the carrots, and chop the parsley. Place them in a large salad bowl and add sesame seeds. (I like to use mandolin to shred the cabbage)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Add water gradually until you reach your desired dressing consistency.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Toss well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- This salad can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it and enjoy!
