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  3. Asian Sesame Slaw
Bowl of colorful Asian sesame slaw with cabbage, carrots, and edamame

Crunchy cabbage slaw with a sweet sesame dressing

Asian Sesame Slaw

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

15 min

Servings

6

6 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Asian Sesame Slaw

Crunchy cabbage slaw with a sweet sesame dressing

★4.5(11)

A crisp, colorful Asian-inspired slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and edamame tossed in a sweet sesame-ginger dressing.

15m

Prep Time

0m

Cook Time

15m

Total Time

6

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Asian CuisineSaladSide DishVegan
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 4, 2026(Updated March 15, 2026)

This Asian sesame slaw is all about crunch and bold flavor. Shredded cabbage and carrots provide the base, while edamame and toasted almonds add protein and texture.

The sesame-ginger dressing brings everything together with a sweet, tangy, and nutty combination that makes this slaw absolutely craveable. It holds up beautifully for hours, making it ideal for cookouts and potlucks.

Why This Recipe Works

A mix of green and purple cabbage creates visual appeal. Toasting the sesame seeds intensifies their nutty flavor. The dressing softens the cabbage slightly over time without making it soggy.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups shredded napa cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, and sliced scallions in a large bowl.

  2. 2

    Whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger for the dressing.

  3. 3

    Pour dressing over the slaw and toss thoroughly to coat.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced almonds.

  5. 5

    Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice

  • Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi

  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor

  • Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein

Substitutions

Napa cabbageGreen or purple cabbage

Crunchier but works well.

EdamameSugar snap peas

Adds a similar fresh crunch.

Rice vinegarApple cider vinegar

Slightly tangier but a good swap.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use a mandoline for uniformly thin cabbage shreds.

  • Add crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.

  • This slaw is excellent as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.

Storage

Refrigerate dressed slaw for up to 2 days. It softens but remains flavorful.

Reheating

Salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not require reheating. If you have leftover dressed salad, it may be slightly wilted but still edible within a few hours.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 cup) · 6 servings

Calories160
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein9g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat5g
Fiber3g
Sugar7g
Sodium340mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cabbage?
Yes. Green or purple cabbage both work, though napa is more tender.
How do I make it nut-free?
Skip the almonds and increase the sesame seeds.

Explore More

More Asian RecipesMore SaladMore Side DishVegan RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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