Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing: A Bright, Bold, Irresistible Classic

Name: Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
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 low sodium soy sauce; 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

Jack

Update : January 17, 2026

Crunchy Asian cabbage slaw with sesame dressing in a bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is the perfect dish for any occasion. It combines the fresh crunch of textured vegetables with a bold and tangy dressing, making it not only pleasing to the eye but also irresistible to the taste buds. This slaw is great as a side dish at barbecues, parties, or even as a light lunch. It’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice that everyone will love.

How to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

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

Directions:

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

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Serve this slaw as a refreshing side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It works well as a topping for tacos or in a wrap for a delicious lunch. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal!

How to Store Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

If you have leftovers, store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the slaw may lose some crunchiness as it sits. You can refresh it by adding a little more dressing before serving.

Tips to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds.
If you like heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Use a food processor to quickly shred your vegetables if you’re short on time.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and flavor. Additionally, swap out the honey for agave syrup if you want a vegan option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the slaw a few hours or even the night before. Just wait to add the sesame seeds until right before serving.

Q: Is this slaw vegan?
A: Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, this slaw is completely vegan.

Q: Can I use a different dressing?
A: Certainly! You can experiment with different dressings like a peanut dressing or a spicy chili sauce if you’re looking for something different.