If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy, and flavor-loaded side dish, this Sesame Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Made with crisp green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and a bold homemade sesame ginger dressing, this slaw delivers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to summer cookouts.
One of the best things about this healthy cabbage slaw recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few fresh vegetables and pantry-friendly dressing ingredients, you can have a colorful dish ready in minutes. The crunchy texture of cabbage pairs beautifully with the nutty sesame oil and bright zing of fresh ginger, creating a refreshing salad that tastes even better after chilling.
This Asian-inspired cabbage slaw works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or burgers. It’s also fantastic piled onto tacos, sandwiches, or wraps for extra crunch and flavor. Whether you need an easy BBQ side, a light lunch, or a make-ahead meal prep salad, this recipe checks every box.
Because it holds up so well in the refrigerator, this Sesame Ginger Cabbage Slaw is perfect for busy weeks. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it for lunches, dinners, or quick healthy snacks. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with texture, this slaw is proof that simple ingredients can create something seriously delicious.
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Sesame Ginger Cabbage Slaw
This crisp and colorful Sesame Ginger Cabbage Slaw is packed with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a bold homemade sesame ginger dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish, taco topping, or meal-prep salad.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
1 cup shredded carrots
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
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Instructions
In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, ginger, garlic, mustard, and sriracha until smooth.
Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and almonds before serving.
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin cabbage shreds.
- Let the slaw chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Toss again before serving if liquid settles at the bottom.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a full meal.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Crunchy Upgrade: Add crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles.
- Low Carb: Use all cabbage and skip carrots.
- Peanut Twist: Add chopped peanuts and a spoonful of peanut butter to the dressing.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
