Warm Pork, Peanut and Cabbage Salad with a Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette
LunchMain DishesSoups & Salads

Warm Pork, Peanut and Cabbage Salad with a Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette

Warm Pork, Peanut and Cabbage Salad with Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette combines savory ground pork, crisp cabbage, carrots, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs in a bright ginger-lime dressing. Created in partnership with Chef Vivian Howard, this hearty salad delivers fresh texture and bold flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb lb ground pork
  • 1 tbsp tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups cups roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • fresh cilantro and mint leaves, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp pickled ginger, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp pickled ginger juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salad ingredients by thinly slicing the cabbage and scallions, julienning the carrots, and roughly chopping the roasted peanuts. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, scallions, and peanuts. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly, then set the bowl aside.
  2. Prepare the pickled ginger vinaigrette by whisking together the chopped pickled ginger, pickled ginger juice, fresh ginger, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, red chili flakes, and olive oil in a separate bowl. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully combined and slightly emulsified, then set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and kosher salt, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the pork is browned and fully cooked through with no remaining pink.
  4. While the pork is still hot, transfer it directly to the bowl containing the cabbage mixture. Toss immediately so the warm pork slightly softens the vegetables while allowing them to retain their crisp texture.
  5. Pour the pickled ginger vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly until the pork, vegetables, and peanuts are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, and additional chopped roasted peanuts before serving immediately.

Notes

Recipe Tips for Warm Pork, Peanut and Cabbage Salad

  • Cook the pork until it is fully browned for the best flavor and texture.
  • Toss the hot pork with the cabbage immediately so the vegetables soften slightly while remaining crisp.
  • Whisk the vinaigrette until fully emulsified to evenly coat every ingredient.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, and additional chopped peanuts just before serving.
  • This salad is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.

A Warm Salad with Fresh Crunch and Bold Peanut Flavor

Warm Pork, Peanut and Cabbage Salad with a Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette combines savory ground pork, crisp cabbage, carrots, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs into a meal that is both hearty and refreshing. The warm pork slightly softens the vegetables while preserving their crunch, creating a balance of textures that makes every bite satisfying. The bright vinaigrette ties everything together with layers of ginger, lime, garlic, and fish sauce.
This recipe delivers a combination of fresh vegetables and roasted peanuts that works equally well as a complete lunch or light dinner. Because the salad comes together quickly, it also makes an excellent option for weeknight meals when fresh ingredients and bold flavors are the goal.

Roasted Peanuts Bring Texture to Every Bite

Roasted peanuts play an important role throughout this recipe by adding crunch, roasted flavor, and contrast to the tender pork and crisp cabbage. Chopped peanuts are mixed directly into the salad while additional peanuts are sprinkled over the finished dish as a garnish. Their texture holds up well against the warm ingredients, giving the salad a satisfying bite from the first serving to the last.
Combined with fresh herbs and the vibrant pickled ginger vinaigrette, peanuts help create a balanced dish that highlights both savory and fresh flavors without overwhelming the vegetables.

Fresh Ingredients Create a Balanced Meal

Cabbage, carrots, scallions, cilantro, and mint provide freshness that balances the richness of the ground pork. The pickled ginger vinaigrette adds brightness while allowing every ingredient to remain distinct. Tossing the warm pork into the vegetables immediately before serving lightly softens the cabbage without sacrificing its crisp texture.
The result is a colorful salad that works well for casual family dinners, meal preparation, or entertaining guests with something a little different than a traditional green salad.

A Recipe Inspired by Southeastern Peanut Agriculture

Roasted peanuts help connect this recipe to the farmers who grow high-quality peanuts across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. These neighboring states continue producing peanuts that become roasted snacks, peanut butter, cooking ingredients, and recipes enjoyed throughout the country. Their versatility allows peanuts to complement everything from salads and appetizers to desserts and main dishes.
This recipe was created through About Peanuts' partnership with Chef Vivian Howard and demonstrates how peanuts can bring both flavor and texture to fresh, modern cooking. Learn more about Where Peanuts Grow, explore The Peanut's Journey, or discover the different market classes in Peanut Types. Looking for more meal ideas? Browse additional recipes in our Lunch, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, and Soups & Salads collections.

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