Sesame Slaw

Sesame Slaw is a crisp, refreshing side dish made with crunchy cabbage, colorful veggies, and a tangy-sweet sesame dressing. Bursting with fresh flavor and a satisfying nutty bite, this slaw is the perfect complement to grilled meats, tacos, rice bowls, or any Asian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Sesame Slaw because it’s quick to make, super crunchy, and adds a fresh pop of flavor to any dish. The homemade sesame dressing is light but full of umami, and the slaw stays crisp, making it great for meal prep or potlucks. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Green cabbage, thinly sliced
• Red cabbage, thinly sliced
• Carrots, julienned or shredded
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• Green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced almonds or chopped peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)

For the sesame dressing:

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Toasted sesame oil
• Olive oil or neutral oil
• Honey or maple syrup
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Lime juice (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh cilantro if using.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the sesame dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced almonds or peanuts if desired.
5. Serve immediately, or chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–6 people and takes about 15 minutes to prep.

Variations

• Make it spicy by adding a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Add shredded kale or napa cabbage for more greens.
• Use pre-shredded slaw mix for an even faster version.
• Top with crispy wonton strips for added crunch.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Sesame Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The slaw stays crunchy and flavorful — just give it a quick toss before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold; reheating is not needed.

FAQs

What’s the best cabbage for Sesame Slaw?

A mix of green and red cabbage adds color and crunch, but you can use just one if you prefer.

Can I make Sesame Slaw ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors get even better after chilling for a bit.

Is Sesame Slaw healthy?

Absolutely — it’s packed with fresh veggies, healthy fats, and fiber.

How do I toast sesame seeds?

Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes, simply skip the almonds or peanuts.

How do I make it vegan?

Use maple syrup instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.

Can I use bottled dressing?

You can, but homemade sesame dressing tastes so much fresher!

What goes well with Sesame Slaw?

It’s great with grilled chicken, salmon, pulled pork, tacos, or rice bowls.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Yes! It’s a huge time-saver.

Is this slaw gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Conclusion

Sesame Slaw is a crunchy, refreshing side that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. The homemade sesame dressing brings everything together for a light, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for barbecues, meal prep, or adding a fresh twist to your favorite meals — it’s a simple recipe with delicious results!

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