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Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw features a vibrant medley of napa cabbage, purple cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and green onions, all tossed in an addictive creamy sesame dressing. Enhanced with toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, this quick no-cook slaw is perfect for busy weeknights and entertaining, delivering crisp textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Slaw:

  • 1 medium head napa cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely shredded
  • 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, julienned into matchsticks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional but recommended)

For the Addictive Sesame Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil (pure, not toasted)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (substitute: white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (substitute: maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon tahini

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables Like a Pro: Slice the napa cabbage into thin ribbons against the grain and place in a large bowl. Lightly salt the cabbage and let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for uniform cuts.
  2. Create the Flavor Foundation: Julienne the carrot into matchstick-sized pieces. Slice the purple cabbage slightly thicker than napa cabbage. Cut the red bell pepper into thin, uniform strips. Prepare the green onions and cilantro as well.
  3. Craft the Addictive Sesame Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until emulsified. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, whisking continuously. Add tahini and whisk to create a creamy, nutty dressing that coats the vegetables beautifully.
  4. Combine and Toss with Precision: Drain excess liquid from the salted cabbage and pat dry with paper towels. Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with napa cabbage. Pour the dressing over and gently fold the ingredients together to coat evenly while preserving the vegetable textures.
  5. Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts over the slaw, reserving some for garnish. Toss one final time and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds for extra aroma if not using pre-toasted.
  • Marinate the slaw for at least 5 minutes; 30 minutes enhances flavor depth.
  • Optional peanuts add crunch and nutty flavor but can be omitted for allergies.
  • Pre-cut vegetables can be prepared ahead and stored properly to retain nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian cabbage slaw, crunchy slaw, sesame dressing, no-cook salad, healthy Asian salad, quick weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/easy-crunchy-asian-cabbage-slaw-with-addictive-sesame-dressing/