This vibrant cabbage salad is a feast for the senses, featuring a crisp mix of green cabbage and onions, enhanced with the rich textures of toasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Dressed in a blend of vinegars and sesame oil, with just a hint of sweetness from cane sugar, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that are sure to invigorate any meal. Perfect for gatherings or as a nutritious side dish, this salad is as healthy as it is flavorful.

Ingredients:

½ small green cabbage, thinly sliced

½ yellow onion, thinly sliced

1-2 scallions, chopped

2 shallots, thinly sliced

Grapeseed oil for frying

1 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp white vinegar

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp cane sugar

1 cup crushed roasted peanuts

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seeds and Nuts:
   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sunflower and sesame seeds until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
   • In the same skillet, lightly toast the crushed peanuts until they are warm and aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Fry the Shallots:
   • Heat a small amount of grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the shallots until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
3. Mix the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sea salt, and cane sugar until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, yellow onion, scallions, and fried shallots.
   • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat every piece evenly.
5. Add the Crunch:
   • Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted seeds and nuts over the salad, adding not only a delightful crunch but also a boost of flavor.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the salad immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the seeds and nuts, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together further.

This crunchy cabbage salad is not just refreshing; it’s packed with flavors and textures that make it a memorable addition to any table. Whether you’re serving it alongside a main dish or as part of a larger buffet, it brings a refreshing twist to traditional salads.