A vibrant, protein-optional meal-prep salad packed with fiber, healthy fats, and fresh herbs for digestion and gut health.

A Personal Note:

I’ve always loved Asian cuisine—Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese—you name it. My partner and I wanted to create a rotation of meal-prepped salads to make sure we were getting enough fresh, nutrient-dense roughage every day, without getting bored.

This recipe quickly became a fast favorite. The crunch, the herbs, the brightness, the umami-packed vinaigrette—everything just works. And the best part? Mason jars make the prep and assembly effortless. Whether you pack the dressing separately or layer protein on top, just grab it, shake it up, and you’re set for a delicious, nourishing meal.

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Salad Base:

• 4 cups pre-packaged slaw cabbage mix (or shredded green & purple cabbage)
• 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (or more if you like!)
• 2 cup sugar snap peas, cut in halves or thirds
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup edamame beans (or chickpeas for variety)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

Optional Protein (Choose One, Cook Separately & Store Separately):

• 2 organic chicken breasts, grilled & sliced
• 1 block organic tofu, pressed, cubed, & pan-seared
• ½ lb shrimp, sautéed with garlic & a splash of soy sauce

For the Honey Roasted Cashews:

• 1 cup whole, raw cashews
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)

For the Ginger Soy Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• ½ - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (depending on flavor preference)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add cashews and toast for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Drizzle honey over cashews, stirring constantly to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes until caramelized.
3. Sprinkle with sea salt and cayenne (if using), transfer to parchment paper, and let cool before storing.
4. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a jar.
5. Store separately and pour over the salad just before eating to keep everything crisp!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips:

✔ Use Mason Jars for Easy Storage – Layer salad mix, or stir everything together and divide between your jars.
✔ Store Dressing Separately – Keep the salad crisp until serving.
✔ Keep Cashews & Protein in a Separate Container – Adds crunch and prevents sogginess.
✔ Shake & Eat! – When ready to eat, pour in the dressing, add cashews and protein, shake well, and enjoy!

Why This Salad is Wellness-Optimized:

✔ Gut Health & Digestion – Cabbage, edamame, and fresh herbs support digestion.
✔ Balanced Blood Sugar – Protein + fiber + healthy fats = steady energy.
✔ Anti-Inflammatory Benefits – Ginger, cashews, and fresh herbs reduce inflammation.