What makes an Asian cabbage slaw crunchy?

The secret to the irresistible crunch in a Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing lies in the cabbage itself. Green cabbage is naturally firm and holds up beautifully to dressing without going soggy. Red cabbage adds even more crunch and a pop of color. To keep that fresh snap, always slice the cabbage thinly and avoid over-dressing it too early. Add-ins like carrots, sliced snap peas, or toasted sunflower seeds also amplify the texture.

How do you make sesame dressing from scratch?

Making sesame dressing from scratch is surprisingly easy and takes just five minutes. Start with toasted sesame oil for that signature nutty base, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, fresh garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth—or shake everything in a jar for convenience. Some like to add a touch of Dijon mustard or sriracha for depth. This dressing is what gives Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing its addictive flavor and makes it so versatile.

Can Crunchy Asian Cabbage slaw be made ahead of time?

Yes, and that’s part of what makes this recipe so lovable. For the best texture, prep the cabbage and vegetables separately from the dressing. When you're ready to serve, toss everything together and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the crunch alive while allowing the flavors to come together. Stored properly, the slaw keeps well for up to three days, making it a top pick for meal prep.

What dishes pair well with Asian sesame slaw?

The bold flavors of Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing make it a perfect match for grilled meats, rice bowls, fish tacos, or veggie wraps. It also adds freshness to heavier meals like the broccoli salad with honey Dijon dressing or complements lighter fare like summer fresh corn salad . It’s incredibly flexible and always adds that refreshing bite your meal needs.

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw – 1 Addictive Delicious Recipe You’ll Crave

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

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This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is the perfect balance of flavor and texture—fresh, tangy, and totally addictive. It’s quick to prepare, ideal for meal prep, and versatile enough to pair with your favorite mains or enjoy on its own.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

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.

Notes

For extra crunch, soak the sliced cabbage in an ice bath for 10 minutes before tossing.
Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a full meal.
The sesame dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/crunchy-asian-cabbage-slaw-sesame-dressing/