When it comes to refreshing side dishes or even light meals, nothing beats an Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing. This vibrant salad not only boasts a delightful crunch but is also bursting with colors and flavors that will surely excite your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny picnic, hosting a casual dinner, or simply looking for something nutritious and delicious, this slaw ticks all the boxes. Plus, with its quick preparation, you can have it ready on the table in no time!
The beauty of this slaw lies in its fresh ingredients. Crisp napa cabbage, vibrant purple cabbage, and bright red bell peppers combine with carrot sticks, green onions, and cilantro, creating a visually appealing mix that is just as satisfying to eat as it is to look at. And let’s not forget the addictive sesame dressing! Its nutty flavor from sesame oil combined with a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup perfectly complements the crunchy vegetables. This dressing not only enhances the slaw’s flavor but adds a creamy texture thanks to the tahini. You’ll find yourself wanting to drizzle it over everything!
Give this Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw a try, and you’ll discover that it’s more than just a side dish; it’s a meal that checks all the boxes for freshness, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with grilled proteins, this slaw is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw
- Quick to Prepare: In less than 20 minutes, you can whip up this colorful slaw.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh veggies.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or turn it into a light meal by adding protein.
- Make Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, and it stays crunchy for days!
- Deliciously Addictive: The sesame dressing truly elevates this slaw with its rich flavor.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and ensure you have the right tools at hand. Start by gathering a large mixing bowl, a sharp knife, and a cutting board for efficiently chopping all your vegetables. A whisk or fork will be helpful for combining the dressing ingredients smoothly.
It’s also beneficial to have a measuring cup and a few measuring spoons handy to ensure that you get the dressing measurements just right. If you have a salad spinner, this can help rapidly dry your napa cabbage after you salt it, but it’s optional. Ensure that your work area is organized, with all your ingredients within reach; this will help speed up the chopping and mixing process. Once everything is prepared, you’re ready to make your absolutely stunning Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw!
Ingredients
- 1 medium napa cabbage (about 2 lbs), shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, sliced thin
- 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
- ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp sesame oil (untoasted)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tahini
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage
Start by placing the shredded napa cabbage into a large mixing bowl. To enhance its flavor and crunch, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cabbage. The salt draws out moisture, so let it sit for about five minutes. This process allows the cabbage to soften slightly without losing its crispiness. After the waiting period, use paper towels to pat the cabbage dry, removing any excess moisture. This keeps your slaw from becoming soggy later.
Step 2: Slice the Veggies
Next, it’s time to bring your colorful vegetables into play. Begin with the carrot, cutting it into matchstick shapes to ensure consistent bites that complement the crunch of the cabbage. Then, slice your purple cabbage and red bell pepper thinly; the more colorful the vegetables, the more appealing your slaw will be. For the green onions, cut them on the diagonal, which not only adds visual interest but also helps release their flavors. Each of these greens will add unique textures and flavors that will delight your palate.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, tahini, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This delicious dressing will serve as the perfect complement to your crunchy veggie medley.
Step 4: Toss the Slaw
In your large bowl with the napa cabbage, add all the sliced vegetables and the chopped cilantro. Drizzle the creamy sesame dressing over the colorful mixture and gently toss everything together. Use your hands or a large spoon to ensure every slice is evenly coated without crushing the vegetables. This step is crucial because the dressing not only flavors the slaw but also ties everything together.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped roasted peanuts (if using) on top of your slaw. This adds a lovely texture and enhances the nutty flavor of the dish. Toss everything gently once more to combine. Your Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is now ready to be served fresh! Enjoy it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for half an hour to enhance the flavors.
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Vegetables: Include shredded broccoli, snap peas, or radishes for extra crunch.
- Spices: Experiment with sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure all vegetables are as fresh as possible for optimal taste and crunch.
- Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste—add more ginger for a spicier flavor or more sweetness if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats.
- Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips
- Make this slaw a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld together for enhanced taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days—just be aware that the veggies will become softer over time.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 180 per serving (without peanuts)
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw and dressing separately and combine them right before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
Is this slaw gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
How long does the slaw stay fresh?
The slaw can be stored in the fridge for about 2-3 days. The flavors will meld, but the vegetables may soften over time.
What else can I add to this slaw?
You can add sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or even some diced apple for a sweet crunch!
Conclusion
This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is the ideal dish for those looking to incorporate more vibrant vegetables into their meals. Its crisp texture, bold flavors, and nutritional benefits make it a standout option whether you enjoy it as a side or a main. Experimenting with variations only enhances its versatility, so don’t hesitate to customize according to your preferences. We encourage you to share your thoughts, test out different additions, and maybe even experiment with the dressing to make it your own! Gather your fresh ingredients and get ready to revel in the crunch and zest of this amazing slaw!
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Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is a refreshing side dish bursting with vibrant flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 medium napa cabbage (about 2 lbs), shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, sliced thin
- 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
- ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp sesame oil (untoasted)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tahini
Instructions
- Start by placing the shredded napa cabbage into a large mixing bowl. To enhance its flavor and crunch, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cabbage. The salt draws out moisture, so let it sit for about five minutes. This process allows the cabbage to soften slightly without losing its crispiness. After the waiting period, use paper towels to pat the cabbage dry, removing any excess moisture. This keeps your slaw from becoming soggy later.
- Next, it’s time to bring your colorful vegetables into play. Begin with the carrot, cutting it into matchstick shapes to ensure consistent bites that complement the crunch of the cabbage. Then, slice your purple cabbage and red bell pepper thinly; the more colorful the vegetables, the more appealing your slaw will be. For the green onions, cut them on the diagonal, which not only adds visual interest but also helps release their flavors. Each of these greens will add unique textures and flavors that will delight your palate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, tahini, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This delicious dressing will serve as the perfect complement to your crunchy veggie medley.
- In your large bowl with the napa cabbage, add all the sliced vegetables and the chopped cilantro. Drizzle the creamy sesame dressing over the colorful mixture and gently toss everything together. Use your hands or a large spoon to ensure every slice is evenly coated without crushing the vegetables. This step is crucial because the dressing not only flavors the slaw but also ties everything together.
- To finish, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped roasted peanuts (if using) on top of your slaw. This adds a lovely texture and enhances the nutty flavor of the dish. Toss everything gently once more to combine. Your Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is now ready to be served fresh! Enjoy it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for half an hour to enhance the flavors.
Notes
Make this slaw a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld together for enhanced taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g