Skip to main content

Napa Cabbage Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant Napa cabbage salad is a refreshing alternative to traditional coleslaw, offering a lighter and more refined crunch. By using Chinese cabbage, also known as Napa cabbage, you get a delicate texture that beautifully absorbs the tangy dressing. The combination of peppery radishes and crisp celery adds layers of flavour and a satisfying snap to every mouthful, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes or a light lunch.

As a versatile vegetarian side dish, this recipe relies on a homemade buttermilk dressing infused with fresh chives and shallots for a savoury depth. It is naturally low in calories compared to mayo-heavy salads, providing a healthy and bright addition to your recipe repertoire. Serve it chilled alongside crusty bread or as part of a seasonal spread for a simple yet sophisticated vegetable dish.

In this article:

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Napa Cabbage Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

  • 120ml well-shaken buttermilk

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 45ml finely chopped chives

  • 450g Napa cabbage, cored and thinly sliced crosswise (400g )

  • 6 radishes, diced

  • 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced diagonally

How to make Napa Cabbage Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, vinegar, shallot, sugar, 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved, then whisk in chives.

Toss cabbage, radishes, and celery with dressing.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.