Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

A vibrant, crunchy slaw loaded with fresh vegetables, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy noodles, all tossed in a sweet-savory sesame dressing.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded

• 2 cups red cabbage, thinly shredded

• 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded

• 1 cup broccoli slaw (optional but recommended)

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or mixed)

• 1–1½ cups crispy chow mein noodles

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)

• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)

🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Thinly shred the green and red cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline.

• Julienne or shred the carrots.

• Slice green onions and chop cilantro.

• Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar:

1. Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.

2. Add sesame oil and neutral oil; whisk until emulsified.

3. Stir in ginger, garlic, and sriracha if using.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness, salt, or acidity as needed.

Tip: Let the dressing sit for 10–15 minutes to deepen flavor.

3. Assemble the Slaw

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbages, carrots, broccoli slaw, and green onions.

2. Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the vegetables.

3. Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.

4. Add toasted almonds and sesame seeds.

5. Just before serving, fold in crispy chow mein noodles to maintain crunch.

🍽 Plating (Like the Photo)

• Mound the slaw high in the center of a large plate.

• Drizzle a little extra dressing around the base.

• Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and almonds on top.

• Add a handful of crispy noodles for height and texture.

⏲ Make-Ahead Tips

• Vegetables can be prepped 1 day ahead and stored airtight.

• Dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance.

• Add crispy noodles just before serving to keep them crunchy.

🥗 Add-Protein Options

• Grilled sesame chicken

• Teriyaki salmon

• Crispy tofu

• Shrimp

• Shredded rotisserie chicken

🔥 Flavor Variations

• Add thinly sliced red bell pepper for sweetness.

• Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter to the dressing for a peanut-sesame twist.

• Add a splash of orange juice for citrus brightness.

• Toss in edamame for extra protein and texture.