Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4–6)

Salad base:

4 cups shredded green cabbage (or pre-shredded coleslaw mix—you love convenience!)
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup cooked edamame, shelled (you love plant-based protein!)
½ cup canned mandarin oranges in 100% juice (not syrup—you love blood sugar friendly!)
½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
¼ cup sliced almonds or cashews (you love nuts!)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or mint, chopped

Sugar-free sesame-ginger dressing:

3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sugar-free honey or monk fruit sweetener (you love blood sugar friendly!)
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce (you love low-sodium!)
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prep salad:

In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, edamame, drained mandarins, cucumber, drained red onion, almonds, and herbs.

2. Make dressing:

Whisk rice vinegar, sugar-free honey, sesame oil, coconut aminos, ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds until smooth.

3. Toss & serve:

Pour dressing over salad; toss gently. Serve immediately or chill 10 minutes.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix—saves 10+ minutes (check for no added dressing).
✅ Drain mandarins well—prevents watery salad.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Coconut aminos = 65% less sodium than soy sauce
→ Boost umami with extra ginger and sesame oil
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Sugar-free honey + no-syrup fruit = zero glycemic spikes
→ Net carbs: 10g per serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Skip mandarins; add extra cucumber + avocado
→ Net carbs drop to 6g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Prep base (without dressing) 4 hours ahead
→ Add dressing just before serving

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Best served fresh—cabbage softens over time.
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a side for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
→ With crispy wonton strips (use pork rinds for low-carb)
→ For meal prep—store dressing separately

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):