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Irresistibly Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe

4.9 from 145 reviews

A crisp and refreshing Asian cabbage slaw bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, tossed in a tangy, addictive sesame dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a crunchy salad, this slaw combines shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and green onions, topped with crunchy chow mein noodles and sesame seeds for irresistible texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Slaw

  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (can substitute with Napa cabbage)
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage (can substitute with more green cabbage)
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (can substitute with snap peas)
  • 1 bunch green onions (can substitute with chives)

For the Topping

  • 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips (for gluten-free, use roasted sunflower seeds)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (can use crushed peanuts as an alternative)

For the Dressing

  • ¼ cup rice vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (can use maple syrup for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (do not substitute with regular oil)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil like canola or vegetable
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (ground ginger can work)
  • 1 clove minced garlic (optional)
  • 1 lime, juiced (can substitute with lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the green and red cabbage using a sharp knife or a food processor. Julienne or shred the carrots, chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and slice the green onions thinly. Set aside all prepared vegetables.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and neutral oil. Add freshly grated ginger, minced garlic if using, lime juice, and sriracha if desired. Whisk until well combined and emulsified.
  3. Toss the Slaw: Combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, broccoli florets, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  4. Add the Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips and sesame seeds on top to maintain their crunch and add texture.
  5. Serve or Store: Serve the slaw immediately for optimum freshness and crunch. Alternatively, refrigerate the slaw and dressing separately until ready to serve to preserve texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before serving for added crunch and nuttiness.
  • Keep toppings like chow mein noodles and sesame seeds separate until just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
  • This slaw can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup and ensuring soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Keywords: Asian cabbage slaw, crunchy slaw, sesame dressing, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, no-cook salad, vegetarian salad