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

Name: Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 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

Jena Ellison

Update : January 28, 2026

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with sesame dressing in a bowl

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Why Make This Recipe

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish. It’s perfect for a picnic, BBQ, or as a side for any meal. The colorful mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, and green onions gives this slaw a delightful crunch. The sesame dressing brings all the flavors together, making every bite a delicious experience. Plus, it’s quick to make and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

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

This slaw is versatile and can be served alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also great on its own as a light lunch or snack. You can serve it in a bowl or alongside other dishes on a buffet table.

How to Store Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the softer the vegetables will become, but it will still taste great.

Tips to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

For extra crunch, consider adding sliced bell peppers or radishes.
If you like it spicy, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing.
Make the dressing ahead of time to let the flavors develop.

Variation

You can customize this slaw by adding nuts like peanuts or almonds for an added crunch. You might also try using other vegetables like cucumbers or snap peas for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a day in advance. Just hold off on adding the sesame seeds until right before serving.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

3. Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! You can mix different types of cabbage, like Napa or savoy, for a fun flavor and texture combination.