Looking for a salad that’s fresh, colorful, and just bursting with flavor? This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s quick to throw together, packed with texture, and the sesame dressing? Let’s just say it might end up being your new go-to for more than just slaw. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, need a vibrant side for grilled meats, or just want a satisfying lunch, this slaw checks all the boxes—and then some.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s a lot to love about this slaw, and once you try it, you’ll see why it earns a spot in your regular rotation.

• Quick and easy: You can have this salad on the table in under 15 minutes—really.

• All about that crunch: Between the cabbage, carrots, and nuts, the texture is unbeatable.

• Healthy without trying too hard: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and you can even make it vegan.

• Flavor-packed: The dressing is tangy, nutty, and just the right touch of sweet.

• Perfect for everything: Serve it with grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even just on its own.

Suitable For

This slaw is perfect for so many different occasions:

• BBQs and cookouts: It holds up well and adds vibrant color to any spread.

• Meal prep: It stores beautifully and stays crunchy longer than you’d expect.

• Family dinners: Kid-approved and adult-adored, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

• Vegan and vegetarian diets: With simple tweaks, it suits a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients for Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

You don’t need a long shopping list to make something special. This slaw keeps it simple with fresh, colorful ingredients and a pantry-friendly dressing.

Core Ingredients

Here’s what goes into the slaw base:

• Green cabbage (4 cups): Thinly sliced for a crisp bite.

• Red cabbage (2 cups): Adds color and a slight peppery note.

• Shredded carrots (1 cup): Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for texture.

• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a pop of color.

• Green onions: A mild onion flavor that lifts the whole dish.

• Fresh cilantro (¼ cup): Totally optional, but adds freshness and complexity.

• Roasted peanuts or sliced almonds (¼ cup): These bring a satisfying crunch.

• Sesame seeds: For a toasty finishing touch.

Now, let’s talk about the dressing—the real hero:

• Rice vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings the zing.

• Soy sauce or tamari: Adds umami depth.

• Honey or maple syrup: A little sweetness to balance everything out.

• Toasted sesame oil: Don’t skip this—its nutty richness makes the whole dish sing.

• Olive or avocado oil (¼ cup): Smooths everything out.

• Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness.

• Garlic and fresh ginger: Essential for layers of flavor.

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha takes it up a notch.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to mix things up or work with what’s in your pantry? No problem.

• No cilantro? Swap in fresh basil or mint—or just leave it out.

• Make it vegan: Choose maple syrup over honey and tamari instead of soy sauce.

• No sesame oil? Use peanut oil or skip it entirely, but know the flavor will change.

• Nut allergy? Try sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas for a crunch that’s still satisfying.

• Creamy twist: Stir a spoonful of almond or peanut butter into the dressing.

This slaw is flexible—feel free to make it your own.

Best Cabbage for Asian Slaw

Cabbage might not sound exciting, but trust me, choosing the right kind makes all the difference.

Green cabbage brings classic crunch, while red cabbage adds color and a slightly earthy bite. Using both gives you the best of both worlds—not to mention a gorgeous bowl of slaw.

Pro tip: Slice your cabbage thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. The finer the slice, the better it soaks up that addictive dressing.

If you’re in a hurry, don’t hesitate to use a bagged coleslaw mix. It’s a great shortcut and still delivers on crunch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this slaw—but having the right tools can make the prep faster and more fun.

Must-Have Tools

• Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for slicing your cabbage and veggies thinly.

• Large mixing bowl: Big enough to toss everything without spilling.

• Measuring spoons: Precision helps balance the dressing.

• Whisk or jar with lid: For blending your dressing ingredients easily.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Mandoline slicer: Great for quick, uniform cabbage slicing (just watch those fingers).

• Salad spinner: If you’re washing greens, this makes drying fast and easy.

• Garlic press or microplane: For mincing garlic or grating fresh ginger.

• Citrus juicer: Gets every last drop out of your lime without the mess.

With just a few basic tools and a little chopping, you’ll be well on your way to making one of the most flavorful, fresh salads of the season.

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

If you’ve got a cutting board, a bowl, and a whisk, you’ve got everything you need to make this bright and beautiful slaw. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but comes together with minimal fuss—and maximum flavor.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Make the Sesame Dressing

Start here, because having your dressing ready makes the whole process seamless.

In a small bowl or jar, combine:

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

• ¼ cup olive or avocado oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a spicy kick

Whisk it all together until smooth and emulsified. If using a jar, give it a good shake with the lid on.

Tip: Taste as you go. Want it tangier? Add more lime juice. A little sweeter? A touch more honey does the trick.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

This is where the crunch factor comes in.

Thinly slice:

• 4 cups green cabbage

• 2 cups red cabbage

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 red bell pepper

• 3 green onions

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

If you’re using a mandoline, take your time—it’s fast but sharp. Otherwise, a sharp knife works perfectly. Aim for thin, even slices so everything soaks up the dressing beautifully.

Add everything to a large mixing bowl. You’re already halfway there.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Pour your dressing over the bowl of veggies and give it a good toss with tongs or clean hands. You want every piece coated.

If you’ve got the time, let it sit for 15–20 minutes. This gives the cabbage a chance to slightly soften and soak up the dressing—think slaw with personality.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over:

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts or sliced almonds

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• Extra chopped herbs if you like

And that’s it. You’ve just made a salad that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Serving ideas: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seared tofu, or even tucked into a wrap with leftover chicken. Honestly, it shines all on its own too.

Tips for Success

This recipe is pretty forgiving, but here are a few pointers to make sure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Don’t overdress. Start with about three-quarters of the dressing, toss, then decide if you want more.

• Slice thin. The thinner the cabbage, the more it absorbs flavor—and the easier it is to eat.

• Toast your nuts. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet brings out their natural oils and makes a big flavor difference.

• Let it sit. A brief rest helps the flavors come together while keeping the slaw crisp.

How to Store Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

This slaw stores well, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

At Room Temperature

You can leave the dressed slaw out for up to 2 hours if serving at a party or picnic. After that, move it to the fridge.

In the Refrigerator

Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cabbage stays surprisingly crisp, especially if you add nuts and seeds just before serving.

Pro tip: Keep the dressing separate if you’re planning to enjoy it over several days.

Freezing Tips

This is one dish that doesn’t freeze well. The vegetables lose their crunch and release water when thawed.

However, you can prep the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also slice the cabbage and carrots in advance and store them in separate containers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually gets better after sitting for a bit. Just store the dressing and veggies separately, and mix them together before serving for the freshest texture.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

Peanut oil works well for a similar nutty note. Or just use extra olive oil—though the flavor will be less bold.

Is this slaw low-carb or keto-friendly?

While it’s not strictly keto, it is relatively low in carbs compared to most creamy slaws. Skip the honey or maple syrup and it’s even better suited to low-carb diets.

Can I make this nut-free?

Definitely. Just leave out the nuts or replace them with something like toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that same satisfying crunch.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw, you might also like:

• Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe: A protein-packed twist with a similar flavor profile.

• Mango Spinach Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing: A fruity, refreshing complement to any summer meal.

• Avocado Corn Pasta Salad Recipe: Creamy, hearty, and full of fresh ingredients.

• Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing: Another light and tangy side dish option.

• Creamy Corn Salad Recipe: A perfect make-ahead side for potlucks.

Conclusion

This slaw is everything a great side should be—vibrant, crunchy, and packed with flavor. That sesame dressing alone might just find its way onto other salads, grain bowls, or even roasted vegetables.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a summer party spread. Share it with your family, bring it to your next cookout, or keep it all to yourself (we won’t judge).

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