Description
This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw features a vibrant mix of shredded green and red cabbage, crisp carrots, and fresh bell pepper, all tossed in a flavorful and addictive sesame dressing. Enhanced with green onions, cilantro, and optional crunchy peanuts or almonds, this salad is perfect as a refreshing side or topping for tacos, rice bowls, and grilled meats. The slaw is quick to prepare, naturally vegan and gluten-free, and stays crisp for up to two days in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or slivered almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or a small squeeze of sriracha (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss thoroughly to mix all the fresh vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, neutral oil, freshly grated ginger, and Dijon mustard or sriracha if using. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
- Toss the Slaw with Dressing: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the mixed vegetables. Toss well until every strand of cabbage and vegetable is evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
- Let Flavors Meld: Let the dressed slaw sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the flavors to infuse and the cabbage to slightly soften while retaining its crunch.
- Add Crunchy Toppings and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the top with roasted peanuts or slivered almonds and sesame seeds for added texture and an extra nutty flavor. Serve fresh as a vibrant side dish or topping.
Notes
- This slaw works wonderfully as a side dish or an accompaniment on tacos, rice bowls, and grilled meats.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- The salad stays crisp and fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- You can customize the dressing heat level by adjusting or omitting the sriracha or Dijon mustard.
- For a nut-free option, omit peanuts or almonds and increase sesame seeds for crunch.
