Heart-Healthy Vietnamese Cabbage Salad

Bright, crisp, and brimming with flavor, this Heart-Healthy Vietnamese Cabbage Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw. Packed with vibrant veggies like green and red cabbage, crunchy carrots, and sweet red bell peppers, this salad comes to life with fresh herbs including mint and cilantro. The zesty, tangy dressing—a harmonious blend of lime juice, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, and a hint of sesame oil—is naturally sweetened with maple syrup for a guilt-free indulgence. Topped with roasted peanuts for extra crunch, this nutrient-rich dish is not only heart-healthy but also perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it’s a gluten-free and vegan option that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups (shredded) Green cabbage
• 2 cups (shredded) Red cabbage
• 1 large (julienned) Carrot
• 1 medium (thinly sliced) Red bell pepper
• 0.5 cup (roughly chopped) Fresh mint leaves
• 0.5 cup (roughly chopped) Fresh cilantro leaves
• 0.25 cup (chopped) Unsalted roasted peanuts
• 3 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 1 clove (minced) Fresh garlic
• 1 small (thinly sliced) Fresh red chili (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced red bell pepper.

Step 2

Add the chopped mint leaves and cilantro to the bowl with the vegetables and toss to combine.

Step 3

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and minced garlic. If using, add the sliced red chili for a spicy kick.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to evenly coat the vegetables.

Step 5

Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Before serving, sprinkle with chopped unsalted roasted peanuts for added crunch and garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Step 7

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1036.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	626.0

Total Fat 31.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1184.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.1g
Protein 26.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 686.8mg	0%
Iron 18.6mg	0%
Potassium 2889.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.0%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 45.1%