Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing That Steals the Show

Every cook needs that one salad recipe that stops people in their tracks. This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is exactly that. I first made it for a summer barbecue, hoping it would be a nice side dish next to grilled chicken and burgers. But to my surprise, it became the highlight of the meal. Piled high with colorful cabbage, crisp veggies, crunchy noodles, and drizzled with a sesame ginger dressing that everyone wanted the recipe for, it vanished in minutes. Since then, it has become my go-to for potlucks, weeknight meals, and even as a topping for wraps and tacos. It is fresh, bold, and packed with texture and flavor.

this Recipe

What Is Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant mix of shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, green onions, broccoli, and crispy chow mein noodles or fried wontons. It is tossed in a homemade sesame soy dressing that is tangy, sweet, and nutty with a kick of ginger. The slaw is colorful, crunchy, and incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a side dish, light main course, or even a filling in wraps or rice bowls.

Why You Will Fall in Love with This Recipe

This salad is more than just eye candy. Here is why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

• No cooking required and ready in 15 minutes
• Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables
• The dressing is so addictive you will want to drink it
• Perfect for meal prep or entertaining
• A total crowd pleaser that works year round
• Can be easily made gluten free or vegan

Once you taste the layers of crunch and that punchy sesame flavor, you will understand the obsession.

How Does It Taste

This slaw is a flavor explosion. It starts with a crisp, refreshing bite from the cabbage and carrots, then layers in the savory richness of the sesame soy dressing. The toasted sesame oil adds depth, while rice vinegar brightens everything up. The dressing hugs each shred of cabbage with a balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. The crispy noodles or wontons on top add just the right amount of indulgent crunch. Every bite is light but satisfying and completely craveable.

Health and Ingredient Benefits

Not only is this slaw delicious, it is also incredibly good for you:

• Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber
• Carrots are high in beta carotene for eye and skin health
• Broccoli supports immune health and provides folate and vitamin K
• Sesame oil adds healthy fats and anti-inflammatory benefits
• Ginger and garlic are natural immune boosters
• It is naturally dairy free and easy to make gluten free with the right noodles

This is a salad you can feel great about eating and serving.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the slaw:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the sesame dressing:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil like avocado or olive
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste for heat

Tools You Will Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Grater or microplane
• Tongs or salad servers

Optional Substitutions and Additions

• Use all green or all red cabbage if needed
• Swap broccoli for snap peas, edamame, or bell peppers
• Replace crispy noodles with roasted almonds or sunflower seeds
• Make it vegan with maple syrup instead of honey
• Add shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu for protein
• Toss in mandarin oranges or sliced mango for a sweet touch

How to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

1. Prep the vegetables: Finely shred the cabbages and carrots. Chop broccoli into small pieces and slice green onions.
2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, neutral oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and optional sriracha.
3. Combine: In a large bowl, toss the cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and green onions with the dressing until everything is well coated.
4. Add crunch: Right before serving, top with crispy noodles or wontons and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Serve: Pile high on a platter or bowl and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for later.

What to Serve with This Asian Slaw

This slaw is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon
• Rice bowls or noodle stir fries
• Asian style tacos or lettuce wraps
• Turkey meatballs or dumplings
• Fried rice or lo mein
• Banh mi or crispy tofu sandwiches

You can also serve it on its own as a light and refreshing main.

Tips for Success

• Use a mandoline or food processor for evenly shredded veggies
• Chill the dressing for 10 minutes before tossing for best flavor
• Do not add the crispy toppings until serving to keep them crunchy
• Make a double batch of dressing to use all week
• Taste and adjust the seasoning to balance sweetness and tang

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdressing the slaw can make it soggy
• Adding crispy noodles too early will make them soft
• Not chopping the broccoli small enough can overpower the texture
• Using low quality sesame oil will mute the flavor
• Forgetting to balance sweet and tangy in the dressing

How to Store and Reuse Leftovers

To store: Keep the dressed slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store crispy toppings separately.

To refresh: Add a splash of fresh lime juice or a drizzle of dressing and toss before serving.

Reuses:

• Tuck into wraps with grilled protein
• Pile on top of rice or grain bowls
• Add to sandwiches or tacos for crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prep and mix the slaw and dressing separately. Toss them together up to 4 hours before serving.

Is this slaw vegan?
It can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the noodles are egg free.

Can I make it gluten free?
Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten free crispy toppings.

Does it stay crunchy overnight?
It holds up well for several hours. For best texture, keep the toppings separate and add just before serving.

Can I make this spicy?
Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the dressing for heat.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Sodium: 400 milligrams
• Vitamin C and A: Over 100 percent daily value

Conclusion

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing is the ultimate side dish that doubles as a show stopping centerpiece. It is fresh, healthy, and bursting with color and texture. The sesame soy dressing is what truly sets it apart, tying every ingredient together with bold flavor and irresistible richness. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or your next party, this slaw is guaranteed to impress. It is light but satisfying, easy to make, and just as delicious as it is beautiful.

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August 23, 2025 by Melissa