Shaved Cabbage Carrot Pistachio Salad (Printable)
A vibrant, crunchy bowl featuring shaved cabbage, carrots, and toasted pistachios with a creamy sesame dressing.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 cups green cabbage, finely shaved
02 - 2 cups carrots, peeled and shaved
03 - ½ cup red cabbage, finely shaved
04 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
05 - ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
→ Nuts & Seeds
06 - ½ cup shelled pistachios, toasted and roughly chopped
07 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
→ Sesame Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
09 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
11 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
13 - 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
15 - 2 tbsp water
# How-To Steps:
01 - Shave the green and red cabbage along with the carrots as thinly as possible using a mandoline, vegetable peeler, or sharp knife. Place the shaved vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced scallions and fresh cilantro leaves.
02 - Toast the shelled pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool before roughly chopping them.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Gradually add the water while whisking continuously until the dressing reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
04 - Pour the sesame dressing over the shaved vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Add the toasted, chopped pistachios to the bowl. Toss the salad lightly to distribute the nuts throughout the mixture.
06 - Transfer the salad to serving bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional pistachios if desired. Serve immediately to retain maximum crunch, or chill for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crunch from the shaved vegetables is incredibly satisfying and makes the salad feel substantial.
- The creamy sesame dressing clings perfectly to every shred, ensuring no bland bites.
02 -
- The dressing will thicken up as it sits, so add a splash of water right before serving to loosen it.
- Do not skip toasting the pistachios, as the heat is essential to unlocking their full flavor potential.
03 -
- Massage the shaved cabbage with a pinch of salt before dressing to soften it slightly.
- Double the dressing recipe and store the extra in a jar for quick lunches throughout the week.