How to Make Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Easily

The crunch of fresh veggies and the aroma of sesame dressing take me back to summer picnics in the park. This Asian slaw with sesame ginger dressing is a celebration of flavorszesty, crisp, and downright refreshing. It’s become a go-to for quick meals because who doesn’t love a vibrant side that adds that extra zing?

Imagine a medley of colorful cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed with a tangy ginger dressing. It’s like your grandma’s classic slaw but with a twist. The best part? You can whip this up in just 15 minutes with pantry staples, making it the perfect companion to grilled fish tacos or a picnic spread.

Started making this slaw back in 2015, and I remember the first time I served it at a family get-together. My cousin claimed it was “the best salad ever!” The secret? A splash of rice vinegar to brighten the flavors. After years of developing recipes, I can honestly say this one has found its way into my heartand my regular dinner rotationtime and time again.

Olivia Farnsworth

Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing That You’ll Love

Enjoy this vibrant Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing, a delightful blend of crunchy red cabbage, carrots, and optional quinoa all tossed in a sweet and savory dressing. Perfect as a side or topping, it pairs wonderfully with Crispy Fish Tacos with Lime Slaw and is an Easy Fish Tacos Cabbage Slaw Recipe that adds freshness and crunch to any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 cups

Calories: 158

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ⅓ cup Cashews, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds, black or white
• 3 cups Red Cabbage, ⅓ pound shredded
• 3 cups Napa Cabbage or Green Cabbage, ⅓ pound shredded
• 1 cup Cooked Quinoa, optional
• 1 cup Carrots, ¼ pound shredded
• ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup Unseasoned Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup, or preferred sweetener
• 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce, or Tamari
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, finely grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil, light or dark
• Sea Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste

Method

 

1. Set your oven to 350°F if toasting cashews and sesame seeds in the oven and spread them out on a baking tray, roasting for about 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
2. Alternatively, warm a small skillet over medium heat and stir the cashews and sesame seeds frequently for about 3 minutes until they become toasted and aromatic.
3. Remove them from heat and place on a plate to cool fully before covering and storing at room temperature until needed.
4. In a large bowl, blend together the red and napa or green cabbages, cooked quinoa if using, shredded carrots, chopped fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions, then cover and refrigerate the mixture until it’s time to dress and serve.
5. Prepare the dressing by combining rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce (or tamari), freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl; slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil and sesame oil until everything is smoothly incorporated, then season with sea salt and black pepper to your taste.
6. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
7. When serving, sprinkle the toasted cashews and sesame seeds onto the slaw, pour the sesame ginger dressing over, and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
8. Store any dressed slaw in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, while the undressed slaw can be kept refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Use a food processor to shred cabbages quickly if desired. This slaw is great for meal prep and pairs excellently with fish tacos. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the dressing to your liking. Store leftovers separately to keep the slaw crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Crunch: This Asian slaw with sesame ginger dressing bursts with vibrant colors and textures, reminding you of potluck gatherings and family BBQs.
• Quick & Easy: Made in under 20 minutes, it fits seamlessly into your busy schedule while still delivering homemade goodness.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy rice vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and aromatic ginger elevates this slaw to a whole new level.
• Versatile Side: Perfect alongside fish tacos, grilled chicken, or even as a light lunch on its own!

Key Ingredients and Tools

• Colorful Veggies: The slaw features red cabbage, napa cabbage, and carrots, which provide a delightful crunch and rich nutrients.
• Toasty Goodness: Chopped cashews and sesame seeds add a nutty finish; don’t skip toasting them for the best flavor!
• Essential Sauces: The dressing uses rice vinegar and soy sauce for that signature Asian flair, blended harmoniously with garlic and ginger.
• Practical Tools: You’ll need a chef’s knife, mixing bowls, and a whisksimple tools that make it easy for any home cook.

How It Works – Step by Step

1. Toast Nuts & Seeds: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread chopped cashews and sesame seeds on a baking sheet. Bake for 3-5 minutes until golden, or toast them on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently.
2. Mix the Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded red cabbage, napa cabbage, carrots, cooked quinoa (if using), chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to dress it.
3. Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, and sesame oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Toss & Serve: When ready, add the toasted nuts and seeds to your slaw, pour on the dressing, and toss everything together until nicely coated. Enjoy it fresh!

Troubleshooting & Tweaks

• If Your Dressing Is Too Tangy: Sweeten with an extra splash of maple syrup or honey to balance the flavors.
• For Extra Crunch: Add sliced radishes or snap peas to the slaw for a refreshing twist.
• Increasing Flavor: Don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic or ginger to suit your taste preference!

Serving Suggestions

This Asian slaw pairs perfectly with fresh fish tacos for that ideal summer meal. Alternatively, serve it as a side with grilled chicken for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s also great for lunch the next dayjust be sure to keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain that wonderful crunch!

Storage Tips

Nutrition Note

This Asian slaw with sesame ginger dressing is not just tasty, but also packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It’s a delightful way to add some greens to your meals without feeling restrictedperfect for those days you want a little comfort food that’s still light and wholesome.

Expert Says

The vibrant combination of flavors in this Asian slaw with sesame ginger dressing not only delights the palate but also provides a wealth of nutrients. Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, while ginger promotes digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish both delicious and healthful.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Reddit!

Perfecting Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing

I spent many evenings experimenting to get this Asian slaw with sesame ginger dressing just right. From accidentally adding too much ginger to figuring out the best way to chop veggies for crunch, each attempt was a delightful lesson. Now, every bite is a balance of freshness and zest that I can’t wait to share with my family.

FAQs ( Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Asian slaw with sesame ginger dressing transforms your meals in just 15 minutes! The vibrant crunch and aromatic dressing create a comforting dish that feels like a cozy hug on your plate.

For a fun twist, try adding some thinly sliced radishes or swapping the cashews for sunflower seeds. Remember, it stores beautifully undressed for up to five daysperfect for grabbing those quick lunches! A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for that fresh crunch.

Did you grow up enjoying slaws like this? I’d love to see your version! And don’t forget to pin this recipe for your loved ones to enjoy at their next gathering. Let’s spread the joy of homemade goodness!