Napa cabbage salad: A versatile and nutritious alternative
Napa cabbage salad offers a delightful alternative to traditional salads made with white cabbage. While its leaves still provide a satisfying crunch, they are notably more tender. Many associate napa cabbage with fast food or substantial salads akin to gyros, but it shines with a lighter dressing.
Napa cabbage is a low-calorie source of essential vitamins—most notably vitamins C, K, and those from the B group—as well as minerals and fibre. It contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage and is remarkably versatile in the kitchen. Whether consumed raw or cooked, napa cabbage is excellent in traditional vegetable salads and ideal for wrapping stuffed cabbage.
Napa cabbage or Chinese lettuce?
Napa cabbage originated in East Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The largest plantations are in China, from which it has spread to other continents. This plant favours cooler climates, thriving best in moderate temperatures.
Interestingly, napa cabbage is also known as "Chinese lettuce"—it is a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes. One notable dish it is used in is kimchi.
Napa cabbage salad with pepper and carrot
Below is a recipe for a salad complemented by a honey vinaigrette. If these flavours do not appeal to you, you can opt for a simpler dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice. For extra flavour, you can add parsley or fresh dill.
Ingredients:
- Half a head of napa cabbage
- 1 carrot
- 1 red pepper
- 3 tablespoons of oil or olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Shred the napa cabbage into fine strips. Peel and grate the carrot using a coarse grater. Remove the seeds from the pepper and slice it into strips.
- Combine all the vegetables in a bowl and mix well.
- In a cup, mix the oil, honey, and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and combine thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Other napa cabbage salads
Napa cabbage is an exceptional base for a variety of salads. One popular variant combines it with pineapple and corn. The tender cabbage, sweet pineapple, and crunchy corn create a pleasant medley that perfectly complements classic pork chops or roasted chicken. Drizzle the salad with olive oil or natural yoghurt to enhance its light and refreshing quality.
