The first time I had this version of Napa Cabbage Salad was when a friend brought it to a family party years ago. It was a highlight of the potluck buffet. I have since reverse-engineered my own version of this Asian inspired salad. Napa Cabbage Salad with Ginger Dressing and Chow Mein noodles is now a regular feature in my house, and the perfect salad for parties, holiday buffets, or even just as a light meal served with Sausage or Pepperoni Bread or a pot of soup.

Unlike the widely known Napa Cabbage Salad made with sweet and sour dressing and crushed Ramen noodles, this Napa Salad has a creamy dressing with bold Asian flavors that are punctuated with the crunch of chow mein noodles.

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Napa cabbage is a versatile vegetable and one of my favorites for many reasons. The crinkled inner leaves are light yet sturdy, and therefore a great base for salads. And for me, as a proponent of trying to eliminate food waste, this vegetable holds up well in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be used in many different stir-fries or fried rice.

PREPARING THE VEGETABLES

While Napa cabbage is the base of this salad, a combination of the complementing vegetables provide color and texture. Types of additional vegetables that work well with this salad are:

Red Pepper
Scallions
Snow Peas
Cilantro
Radishes
Green Pepper
Shredded Carrots
Fresh Bean Sprouts

Napa Cabbage, Red Pepper, Cilantro, Snow Peas, Radishes and Scallions

Chop the Napa into 1 to 1-1/2 inch slices.

Cut up the other vegetables into bite-sized pieces. I like to slice the scallions and the snow pea pods on a bias, and the peppers into strips.

Cut Vegetables for Napa Cabbage Salad in a bowl

MAKING THE DRESSING

The dressing is what MAKES this salad…it is so flavorful and amazing. There are just a few simple ingredients whisked together in a flash–grated ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and mayonnaise.

Ingredients for Napa Salad dressing in a bowl

Combine the ingredients by whisking together in a bowl. Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing, and top with the chow mien noodles. Voila!! Amazing salad in minutes!

Napa Cabbage Salad on serving tray with Bread in background

Napa Cabbage Salad with ginger dressing, topped with Chow Mein noodles is full of flavor, simple to make, and a great dish to add to a festive buffet. I hope you enjoy it!

Print Recipe

Napa Cabbage Salad with Ginger Dressing and Chow Mein Noodles

This Napa Cabbage Salad has a creamy dressing with bold Asian flavors that are punctuated with the crunch of chow mein noodles. While Napa Cabbage is the base of this salad, feel free to experiment with the other vegetables, such as fresh bean sprouts, or julienned carrots.

Prep Time10

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Napa Cabbage Salad, Napa Cabbage Salad with Ginger Dressing and Chow Mein Noodles

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Dressing

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Fresh Grated Ginger

Salad Ingredients

4 cups Sliced Napa Cabbage
1/2 cup Snow Pea Pods sliced on a diagonal
1/4 cup Sliced Radishes
1/2 cup Sliced Red Peppers
1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro
1/4 cup Scallions sliced on a diagonal

Topping

1 cup Chow Mein Noodles

Instructions

Prepare Salad ingredients and add them to a large serving bowl
Conbine dressing ingredients in a separate bowl, whisk together until well combined.
Pour Dressing over the salad and toss.
Top salad with crispy Chow Mein noodles and serve.