Gut Healthy Asian Cabbage Slaw
This asian crunchy cabbage slaw is super simple and is the perfect side for summer picnics and BBQ’s, but just as good thrown into tacos or all on its own too!
BENEFITS OF SESAME SEEDS
Like many seeds, sesame seeds are tiny nutrient powerhouses!
They’ve been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and are an excellent source of phytoestrogens (plant based compounds that act similarly to estrogen in your body) selenium and calcium, making them important for healthy hormones, thyroid health and supporting strong bones.
Benefits of Red Cabbage
Cruciferous veggies like cabbage contain so many different antioxidants that have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation.
And cruciferous veggies are one of the best foods for supporting healthy hormones. Brassicas (like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts) are rich in sulfur. Although this important nutrient is most famous for its rotten egg smell, it’s really helpful for promoting collagen production to help keep your skin clear and your hair strong, and is a component of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the human body and a potent detoxifier.
Red cabbage in particular has 10 times more vitamins, cancer-fighting flavonoids, and antioxidants than its green counterpart!
It boasts an impressive variety of health benefits including a healthier heart, improved gut function, and even a lower risk of certain types of cancer.
Red cabbage is a super versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw, cooked, roasted or even fermented and is easy to add to a variety of dishes.
Plus it’s super cheap and easy to find, making it one of my favorite ‘superfoods’ and a simple way to add more beneficial antioxidants into your diet.
Ok let’s make the salad!
INGREDIENTS
1/2 head red cabbage (shredded)
1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
6 mini persian cucumbers
3 green onions (sliced thin)
½ cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup roasted peanuts (chopped)
2 T Hemp seeds
DRESSING
3-4 T crunchy chili oil that you love (like TJ’s chili crunch) OR
3 T toasted sesame oil
2 T rice wine vinegar
1 T honey
Juice from 1 lime
½ tsp crushed red pepper
3 T sesame seeds
Roasted peanuts or cashews (chopped) for topping
DIRECTIONS
Toss the cabbage, cilantro, cucumbers, cranberries and green onions together in a large bowl.
The quickest and easiest way to make this salad is to use a jar of chili oil, but if you don’t have access to one you love or just want to make your own dressing, it’s pretty easy too.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients to make the dressing.
Pro Tip:
I double this recipe and add it to a container with thinly sliced cucumbers for quick asian pickles to keep in the fridge for snacking later.
Add the dressing to the slaw and toss to combine.
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts or cashews and hemp seeds on top to serve.
The slaw will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge and is perfect to use for meal prep.