Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Name: Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded; 1 small head of purple cabbage, finely shredded; 2 carrots, grated; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

kate

Update : April 29, 2026

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with sesame dressing served in a bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish that can liven up any meal. Packed with colorful vegetables and a delicious dressing, it’s not only tasty but also very healthy. This slaw is great for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for dinner. The crunch of the cabbage and the zing from the dressing make this salad hard to resist.

How to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Ingredients:

1 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded
1 small head of purple cabbage, finely shredded
2 carrots, grated
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top.

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

You can serve this slaw as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also works well as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups. For a complete meal, add some protein like grilled shrimp or chickpeas on top. This slaw is perfect for adding crunch and flavor to your 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 fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen over time, but the crunch will soften slightly. If you want to keep it extra crunchy, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.

Tips to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Make sure to shred the cabbage and vegetables finely for better texture.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes for extra flavor.
Letting the slaw sit for 15 minutes before serving helps the flavors to meld together and makes it even tastier.

Variation

You can easily customize this slaw by adding different vegetables like radishes, cucumbers, or snap peas. For a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of cabbage?
Yes! You can mix and match any type of cabbage you like, such as Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage.

Is this slaw vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.

How can I make it gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.