Name: Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium); 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon fresh grated garlic; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant, refreshing side dish packed with crisp vegetables and a flavorful sesame dressing. Its balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes makes it a perfect accompaniment for any meal or a light, healthy snack.

A tall mound of colorful salad sits in a large white bowl with a dark brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has multiple layers with shredded light green cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and thin purple cabbage pieces mixed throughout. The textures appear crisp and fresh, topped with small white sesame seeds scattered all over. There is a light green herb dressing drizzled over the salad, making some areas look shiny and moist. The bowl is filled generously, with the salad layering unevenly to form a rough peak in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1½ tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon fresh grated garlic
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated garlic, grated ginger, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onions.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Allow the slaw to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted almonds or crushed peanuts.
Swap out honey for maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.
If you prefer a spicier slaw, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.
Make it ahead of time—the slaw tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors develop.

Storage

Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the sesame seeds separate and add them just before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white round bowl filled with a tall, colorful salad piled high in about four visible layers. The bottom layer has mixed shredded green and purple cabbage, topped with thin strips of bright orange carrot. Over this are scattered white sesame seeds and small bits of green herbs or chopped greens, which look like a dressing that coats the vegetables. The salad is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this slaw?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage works well and saves time, but fresh thinly sliced cabbage will offer the best texture and flavor.

Is this slaw gluten-free?

This slaw can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing.