Feeling food fatigue after the holidays? Meet the dish that changed everything for me on the first day back to work—Qianlong Cabbage, a surprisingly addictive cold salad with roots in imperial legend.
I first tasted it during a Lunar New Year gathering, and one bite completely shifted my mood. Legend says that Emperor Qianlong praised this dish during a tour of the southern provinces, giving it its lofty name.
What Is Qianlong Cabbage?
This cold salad features raw Chinese cabbage or baby napa cabbage tossed in a luscious, tangy sesame dressing. Unlike most vegetable dishes that require blanching, Qianlong Cabbage is served fresh and crisp, making it the perfect contrast to the heavy meals of the holiday season. 
The cabbage used—harvested after a winter frost—offers extra sweetness and crunch. And when paired with a silky sesame-vinegar sauce? It’s a game-changer.
Ingredients
- 500g baby napa cabbage or inner leaves of regular Chinese cabbage
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp sesame paste (Chinese-style, thicker than tahini)
- 3 tbsp black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 0.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 0.5 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 0.5 tbsp white sesame seeds
Quick Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage
Remove the leaves and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry and tear into large bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, combine sesame oil, sesame paste, vinegar, soy sauces, honey, and sugar. Stir each time you add an ingredient. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Toss and Finish
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss to coat evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds.
Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ No cooking required
- ✅ 5 minutes start to finish
- ✅ Balanced flavor: nutty, tangy, sweet
- ✅ Light and refreshing after heavy meals
You can even swap cabbage for other crunchy greens like romaine or use it as a base for a heartier salad bowl.
Final Thoughts
Qianlong Cabbage may be simple, but it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re easing back into healthy habits or just craving something fresh, this imperial-style salad might be your new favorite reset button.
Give it a try—and let your taste buds ring in the new year with clarity and crunch.
