Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing side dish bursting with crisp vegetables and an addictive sesame dressing. Perfectly balanced with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, it’s a great complement to any meal or a light snack on its own.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Top with sesame seeds just before serving and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or toasted almonds on top just before serving.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup to make the dressing vegan-friendly.
• Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers or snap peas for more color and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the dressing.

Storage

Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as it will soften the cabbage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. However, for the best crunch, add the sesame seeds and toss with dressing just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

It is vegan if you substitute the honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 110 reviews

This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw features thinly sliced green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onions, all tossed in a flavorful, addictive sesame dressing made with toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of Dijon mustard. It’s a refreshing, healthy salad that can be served chilled or at room temperature, perfect as a side dish or light lunch.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

Sesame Dressing

• 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

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, fresh grated garlic, fresh grated ginger, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Combine vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced green onions.
3. Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and vegetable mixture, then toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Marinate: Let the slaw sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Add sesame seeds and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Serve the slaw chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and crunch.

Notes

• For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• The slaw can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day, but wait to add sesame seeds until serving to keep them crunchy.
• Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
• Shredding the cabbage finely enhances the texture and makes it easier to eat.

Keywords: Asian cabbage slaw, sesame dressing, crunchy salad, healthy slaw, no-cook salad, quick Asian salad