Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

When you’re craving a refreshing, crunchy salad that’s packed with bold, zesty flavors, this Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is the answer. Picture it: the crisp cabbage, vibrant carrots, and fresh herbs tossed together in a tangy, nutty dressing that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. This slaw isn’t just a salad—it’s a flavor-packed side dish that’s practically begging to be devoured. And the best part? It comes together in minutes and can be made ahead, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or even as a light, satisfying lunch.

Trust me, once you’ve tasted that sesame dressing, you’ll be pouring it on everything. It’s smooth, savory, and just the right amount of sweet, with a dash of heat. So if you’re ready for a fresh twist on slaw, get ready to meet your new favorite dish.

Why You’ll Love Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Fresh & Crunchy: The cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers add a satisfying crunch in every bite, making it a perfect side dish to balance out heavier meals.

Bold Flavor: The sesame dressing is a symphony of flavors—tangy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that coats every piece of slaw.

Make-Ahead Magic: The flavors get even better as it sits, making this an ideal dish for prepping in advance. Just toss it all together, pop it in the fridge, and you’ve got a side dish that’s ready when you are.

Versatile: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork for a perfect pairing, or enjoy it as a light meal on its own with some crunchy noodles.

Healthy & Light: Packed with fresh veggies, this slaw is light, nutritious, and satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients in Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Green Cabbage

The crisp base of the slaw, offering that delightful crunch in every bite.

Purple Cabbage

For color, texture, and an extra pop of flavor, purple cabbage adds a beautiful contrast.

Carrots

Shredded carrots add sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw, balancing the earthy cabbage.

Red Bell Pepper

Thinly sliced bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, making the slaw even more vibrant.

Fresh Cilantro

A handful of fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and a little herbaceous zing to the dish.

Green Onions

These are a must for an extra layer of flavor and a slight oniony kick.

For the Sesame Dressing:

Toasted Sesame Oil

Gives the dressing its signature nutty flavor.

Rice Vinegar

Brings the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the sesame oil.

Soy Sauce

For that salty, umami punch that brings all the flavors together.

Honey

Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients in the dressing.

Garlic

Minced garlic adds a depth of flavor with just the right amount of punch.

Fresh Ginger

Grated ginger provides a fresh, zesty kick that really elevates the flavor profile.

Chili Flakes or Sriracha (Optional)

If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha will do the trick.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this flavorful slaw. Here’s what you need to do:

Prep the Veggies

Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and thinly slice the bell pepper. Toss them all together in a large mixing bowl with the cilantro and green onions.

Make the Sesame Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Toss & Coat

Pour the sesame dressing over the shredded veggies. Toss gently until everything is well-coated in that addictive dressing.

Let It Marinate

For the best flavor, let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or up to a few hours). This allows the veggies to soften just slightly and soak up all that flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the slaw chilled as a side dish, or enjoy it on its own as a fresh, light lunch. It’s great with grilled meats, rice dishes, or even in tacos or wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 130
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 1g
  Cholesterol: 0mg
  Sodium: 390mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 7g
  Protein: 3g
  Vitamin A: 160%
  Vitamin C: 60%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

This slaw is super versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork, or beef for a light, crunchy contrast.

Rice & Noodles: Pair it with stir-fried rice or noodle dishes to add freshness to your meal.

Wraps & Tacos: Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or soft tacos—add grilled shrimp or chicken for a full meal.

Asian-Inspired Dishes: This slaw complements dishes like teriyaki chicken, sushi rolls, or Asian-style ribs beautifully.

As a Light Meal: Enjoy the slaw on its own with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds and some crispy wonton strips on top for extra crunch.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: This slaw can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the cabbage will soften slightly.

Add Crunch: For extra crunch, toss in some toasted peanuts, cashews, or crunchy noodles.

Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste.

Spicy Option: For a spicier slaw, increase the chili flakes or drizzle more Sriracha on top just before serving.

Use Pre-Shredded Veggies: If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to speed up the prep process.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this slaw without cilantro?
A1: Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to omit it or substitute with fresh mint or parsley for a different herbal flavor.

Q2: Can I use regular cabbage instead of purple cabbage?
A2: Yes, you can use any type of cabbage, but purple cabbage adds a beautiful color contrast.

Q3: How can I make this slaw sweeter?
A3: Add a little more honey or even a touch of maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

Q4: Can I add protein to this slaw?
A4: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions to make this a more substantial meal.

Q5: Can I substitute the soy sauce with something gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Q6: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A6: The slaw can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It may get a bit softer, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

Q7: Can I freeze this slaw?
A7: It’s best to enjoy this slaw fresh, as the texture of the veggies may become mushy after freezing.

Q8: How spicy is the slaw?
A8: The slaw has a mild spice level, but you can increase the heat by adding more chili flakes or Sriracha.

Q9: Can I make the sesame dressing ahead of time?
A9: Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Q10: What else can I add to the slaw for variety?
A10: Try adding some sliced radishes, edamame, or even mandarin orange slices for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is the perfect balance of crunchy, refreshing veggies and a bold, flavorful dressing that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Whether it’s as a side dish, a topping for tacos, or a main lunch, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Refresh your meal with this easy-to-make slaw and enjoy the addictive flavors!

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