Vivian's Vibrant Cabbage Crunch Salad: A Miso Ginger Delight!

Personal Background & Journey

There is nothing I love more than a good comfort meal- one that feeds your soul and fills you with warmth from the inside out. However, as I learned to cook, I discovered that many of the comfort foods I know and love could be recreated to be much more nutrient-dense. From there, I began experimenting with all kinds of ingredients, particularly those high in protein and healthy fats, to bring my favorite recipes to life. 

Now, as a full time consultant in Washington, DC, I prioritize quick and easy recipes that will fuel my body and mind, as well as taste delicious. In my spare time, I can be found concocting in the kitchen- whether that be testing a new recipe, meal prepping or hosting friends. I am a firm believer in being soul food as opposed to eye candy, and strive to embody that in every recipe I post. 

Life Aspirations

Many people don’t realize the power of ingredients. While I believe all foods are beneficial in some way, whether that be nutrition, texture or flavor, I get excited when I discover a way to substitute an ingredient for one that is more nourishing. Food is fuel, and it’s our job to keep our bodies running strong. My life aspiration is to share the impact that nutrient powerhouse foods can have on our bodies and minds.

What is Bento Box to you?

Since starting to work in the corporate world, I discovered that meal prepping saves me time, money and helps me make healthy choices. I even meal prepped while working remotely during COVID to bring ease and organization to lunchtime. However, some dishes definitely meal prep better than others. Loaded salads, which are my absolute favorite, get soggy when prepared in advance. The Bento Box has changed the game as it allows me separate my salad from dressings and proteins. I can now mix everything up when I’m ready to eat, making soggy, sad salads a thing of the past. The Bento Box is my salad lifesaver!

What do you pack in your TAKENAKA Bento?

As mentioned above, I love a good salad- one that is filled with a mix of veggies, nuts for texture, creamy cheese or avocado, and a luscious dressing. It’s got to have all the goods or I don’t want it! My favorite right now is a Cabbage Crunch Salad with a Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing. Recipe is below!

What is your favorite part of our boxes and what what colors have you chosen? 

I love how it’s four compartments in one- it makes meal prep so easy and limits the need for multiple storage containers. Who doesn’t love doing more with less?! I love every color (I am eyeing the lime cream currently), but I have the Ocean Breeze in the Bento Flat Dual and Lemon Zest in the Bento Bite Dual. 

Cabbage Crunch Salad with Salmon and a Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing Recipe

Make 4 servings

What you need 

Salad:

1 head of purple cabbage
1 orange, yellow or red bell pepper
½ cup cucumber, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
3 carrots, grated
2 Sumo oranges, chopped (any orange will work but I love Sumo)
1 mango, chopped
½ cup of edamame, thawed if frozen and removed from pods
¼ cup of chopped raw cashews
2 teaspoons of salt
2 teaspoons of pepper
1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Dressing:

½ cup nonfat cottage cheese
2 tablespoons of miso paste
Zest and juice of one lime
2 tablespoons of water
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of pepper 

What to do:

1. Chop up all of the salad ingredients very finely and add to a large bowl.
2. Add your seasonings and mix well. 
3. In a blender, add the ingredients for the dressing. 
4. Blend on high until smooth. 
5. Add the dressing when ready to serve. Serve by itself or with a protein of your choosing- I love adding salmon or shrimp!
6. Salad and dressing can store in the fridge for up to five days.