🥬🥢 Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
(Mediterranean-Friendly, Light & Fresh)
A crisp, colorful cabbage slaw tossed in a nutty, savory-sweet sesame dressing with a Mediterranean balance—lighter oil, fresh lemon, and clean flavors. It’s quick to make, incredibly crunchy, and totally addictive.
🌿 Description
This slaw brings together shredded cabbage, carrots, and scallions with a bold sesame dressing that’s creamy without being heavy. Using olive oil alongside sesame oil keeps it Mediterranean-inspired while still delivering that classic Asian-style umami. Perfect as a side dish, meal-prep salad, or topping for wraps, grilled chicken, or fish.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Slaw
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4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
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1 cup red cabbage, shredded
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1 large carrot, julienned or grated
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3 green onions, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
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2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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¼ cup sliced almonds or peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Addictive Sesame Dressing
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
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2 tbsp rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
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1½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (Mediterranean twist)
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1 garlic clove, finely grated
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½ tsp freshly grated ginger (optional but recommended)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prepare the slaw
Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, herbs, sesame seeds, and nuts to a large bowl. -
Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, vinegar (or lemon), soy sauce, honey, Dijon, garlic, and ginger until smooth and emulsified. -
Toss & rest
Pour dressing over slaw and toss well. Let sit 10–15 minutes to soften slightly while staying crunchy. -
Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon
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Use as a topping for wraps, bowls, or pita sandwiches
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Great alongside noodle dishes or rice bowls
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It stays crunchy for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Q: Is this salad very sweet?
A: No—it’s balanced. Reduce honey slightly if you prefer more savory.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—use tamari or coconut aminos.
Q: What can I substitute for sesame oil?
A: You can reduce it or skip it, but it adds key flavor. Extra olive oil works if needed.
Q: Can I add protein directly?
A: Yes—edamame, chickpeas, grilled tofu, or shredded chicken work perfectly.
