Salads & sides
Shredded carrot and cabbage salad with sesame dressing, cilantro, and toasted peanuts for crunch.
Discover a vibrant, crunchy shredded carrot and cabbage salad fueled by sesame notes, fresh cilantro, and toasted peanuts, offering effortless balance, bright tang, and lasting appeal for everyday meals.
Published by
George Parker
August 06, 2025 - 3 min Read
This bright salad centers on julienned carrots and finely sliced cabbage, creating a crisp base that holds up to a lively sesame dressing. The carrot fibers release sweetness as they mingle with the cabbage’s mild, cabbage-green tang, producing a duo that feels both light and substantial. Cilantro provides a citrusy lift, while sesame seeds, black or white, add a toasted fragrance that makes the dish aromatic even before tasting. The dressing combines tahini or sesame oil with a touch of rice vinegar and a whisper of honey, so the flavors align without overpowering the natural vegetable sweetness. The result is refreshing and versatile.
To maximize texture, shave the cabbage thinly and toss while still cool, letting the strands catch the dressing and cling to every fiber. Carrots can be peeled into ribbons for drama, then mixed with the shredded cabbage in a roomy bowl. Add chopped cilantro for brightness, and scatter toasted peanuts for crunch. The peanuts introduce a savory, nutty counterpoint that lingers pleasantly on the palate. This combination works well as a light lunch or as a side dish to grilled proteins, grain bowls, or a hearty soup, offering a satisfying bite without heaviness.
A chef’s guide to texture, balance, and aromatic layering.
Start with a clean base of finely shredded carrot and cabbage, ensuring even thickness for uniform dressing absorption. The carrots bring subtle sweetness, while the cabbage lends a crisp, slightly peppery note that wakes the palate when dressed. A handful of cilantro leaves introduces a lemony herbal zing that brightens every bite. Sesame dressing should be whisked until emulsified, using toasted sesame oil for depth and a bit of lime juice to lift the flavors. If you prefer a smoother profile, blend the dressing briefly to achieve a silkier texture, but keep some liveliness in the mixture to preserve character.
After tossing the vegetables with a portion of the dressing, let the mix rest for five to ten minutes. This short rest allows the fibers to relax and the flavors to mingle, producing a cohesive salad rather than separate layers. While resting, toast peanuts until they’re lightly bronzed and fragrant. Use a pestle or knife to crush a portion of the peanuts coarsely, providing a rustic texture that contrasts with the finely shredded base. A final drizzle of dressing brings everything together, while extra cilantro leaves and sesame seeds finish the presentation with color and aroma.
Seasonal shifts in vegetables, dressings, and crunch elements.
The sesame dressing can stand alone or be scaled for a larger gathering. Begin with a base of tahini whisked with warm water to loosen, then add rice vinegar, a small amount of soy sauce, and honey or maple for sweetness. Adjust with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime to brighten the acidity. The sesame oil should be added slowly, testing for a nutty richness that doesn’t overwhelm the vegetables. If you favor a tangier profile, incorporate a splash of rice wine vinegar and a touch more citrus. This dressing is key to tying together the carrot-cabbage duo.
For protein-friendly variation, fold in shredded cooked chicken, tofu, or tempeh marinated in a light soy-ginger glaze. The salad’s crisp foundation remains intact, while the added protein turns it into a complete meal. When serving, present the peanuts in a separate small dish to prevent sogginess, allowing each guest to control the crunch. The cilantro, lime, and sesame echo flavors from the dressing, ensuring a harmonious, well-rounded mouthfeel. This approach keeps the salad dynamic across seasons and dietary preferences.
Practical tips for prep, storage, and timely serving.
In warmer months, keep the vegetables well chilled and emphasize brightness with extra lime juice and cilantro. For autumn or winter, introduce roasted sesame seeds with a deeper toasty note and swap honey for a modest amount of brown sugar to create a slightly caramelized finish. If you want more peppery heat, toast crushed red pepper flakes with the sesame seeds. The base vegetables remain flexible, so you can swap in thinly sliced snap peas or shredded kale to diversify the texture while preserving the core sesame-cilantro theme. This flexibility makes the recipe evergreen in a busy kitchen.
When presenting, consider a bowl with a broad surface for the salad to spread out, maximizing exposure to the dressing’s aroma. Sprinkle peanuts in a scattered pattern to mimic a natural crunch rather than a single pile at the center. A light sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top adds a fresh green finish that catches the light. If you’re sharing, keep a small pitcher of extra dressing nearby so guests can refresh the flavor as the salad envelopes. The final plating should look vibrant and inviting, signaling a balanced, healthy choice.
A timeless salad that grows with flavor and confidence.
Prep the vegetables a day ahead and store them separately from the dressing to preserve crunch. When ready to serve, toss with a portion of dressing and allow a brief rest to meld flavors. This approach helps maintain texture, avoiding the soggy risk that sometimes accompanies dressed salads kept for longer periods. Roasted peanuts stay crisper if added just before serving; otherwise, they soften quickly. Use cilantro stems too for stronger herbal notes if you like, then remove any thick stems that may overpower the delicate greens. A light hand with sesame oil prevents an overbearing finish.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit yogurt or creamy components entirely and rely on the sesame-based emulsion for the base texture. The creamy aspect can also come from a small amount of blended white beans stirred into the dressing, which adds body without dairy. For vegan guests, ensure the honey is replaced with maple or agave to maintain a plant-based profile. This adaptation shows how adaptable the salad is across dietary needs while preserving its core flavors and crisp character.
A simple, practical guide helps beginners master this salad quickly without sacrificing complexity. Start with a 2:1 carrot-to-cabbage ratio and tune it to your taste with cilantro as a bright accent. The sesame dressing should be the bridge that ties everything together, so test acidity and sweetness in small increments. The peanuts serve as the final punctuation, delivering a crisp stop before the lingering freshness of cilantro. With a few carefully chosen tweaks, this salad can be a signature dish that epitomizes clean, bold flavors and approachable technique.
In daily cooking, this recipe shines as a dependable side or a star component in a larger plate. It travels well in a sealed container, maintaining texture for a couple of days when kept cool, though best enjoyed fresh. Pair it with grilled fish, tofu skewers, or a hearty grain bowl to complete a nutrient-rich meal. The sesame-cilantro-peanut combination offers a multi-layered experience that stays vibrant across seasons, making it a true evergreen staple in any repertoire. Every bite should feel crisp, bright, and satisfying, inviting you back for another helping.
