Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

🥗 Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

🔪 Prep Time:

15 minutes

⏲️ Total Time:

15 minutes

🍽️ Servings:

4–6

🥬 Slaw Ingredients:

• 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

• 2 cups red (purple) cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 3 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or chopped peanuts (for crunch)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black, or mix)

🔁 Optional add-ins:

• Thinly sliced cucumber or daikon radish

• Edamame

• Shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu (for protein)

🥄 Addictive Sesame Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (for deep nutty flavor)

• 1 ½ tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or grapeseed)

• Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional, for heat)

🌶️ Adjust sweetness/spice to taste!

🥣 Instructions:

1. Make the dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well emulsified. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity as needed.

   • Let it sit for 5 minutes to let flavors blend (especially the garlic and ginger).

2. Prepare the slaw:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro (if using).

3. Dress it up:

   • Pour the dressing over the slaw. Toss thoroughly until everything is well coated.

   • Let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes for the flavors to meld and cabbage to slightly soften.

4. Add crunch and serve:

   • Just before serving, sprinkle in toasted almonds/peanuts and sesame seeds.

   • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

🌟 Tips:

• Meal Prep: This slaw keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add nuts/seeds just before eating to keep them crunchy.

• Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or crispy noodles to bulk it up.

• Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce if gluten-free is needed.

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