Name: Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup cashews, chopped; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, black or white; 3 cups red cabbage (about ⅓ pound), shredded; 3 cups napa cabbage or green cabbage (about ⅓ pound), shredded; 1 cup cooked quinoa (optional); 1 cup carrots (about 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

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If you’re craving a fresh, crunchy salad bursting with vibrant flavors, the Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish combines crisp red and napa cabbages, sweet shredded carrots, and a nutty hint from quinoa, all brought to life with a luscious sesame ginger dressing that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Every bite offers a refreshing crunch and a harmonious blend of textures, making this salad not only a perfect side but also a star on its own. Best of all, it comes together quickly and keeps well, ensuring you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two rectangular metal trays are placed on a white marbled surface, one above the other. The top tray holds a layer of scattered toasted cashew nuts, showing a light golden brown color and smooth texture, spread evenly but loosely across the tray. The bottom tray contains a dense, even layer of small, matte black sesame seeds covering most of the tray’s surface, with a rough texture and some slightly scattered seeds near the edges. Both trays show signs of light use with some small stains and marks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role — from the crunchy cabbages to the creamy notes in the dressing — providing layers of flavor, color, and texture.

Cashews, chopped: Add a delightful crunch and creamy richness to the slaw.
Sesame Seeds (black or white): Toasted gently for that irresistible nutty aroma.
Red Cabbage, shredded: Provides vibrant color and a sturdy crunch.
Napa or Green Cabbage, shredded: Adds a milder, softer crunch balancing the red cabbage.
Cooked Quinoa (optional): Brings a subtle nuttiness and extra protein to the salad.
Carrots, shredded: Sweetness and bright orange hues brighten up the bowl.
Fresh Cilantro, chopped: Infuses herbaceous freshness throughout.
Green Onions, thinly sliced: Adds a mild onion punch with a bit of color.
Unseasoned Rice Vinegar: The perfect tang to make your dressing pop.
Maple Syrup (or your preferred sweetener): Balances the acidity and adds natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Deep umami flavor to enrich the dressing.
Fresh Ginger, finely grated: Offers a refreshing zing that livens every forkful.
Garlic, minced: Provides warmth and complexity.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, luscious texture in the dressing.
Sesame Oil (light or dark): Infuses that unmistakable Asian nuttiness.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Cashews and Sesame Seeds

First things first, toasting the cashews and sesame seeds unleashes their full flavor potential. You can either use the oven, preheating it to 350°F and baking the nuts and seeds for about 3 to 5 minutes, or a stovetop skillet over medium heat for roughly 3 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once toasted, transfer them to a plate to cool — this step adds that irresistible crunch and aroma that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Slaw Base

While your goodies are cooling, toss together the shredded red cabbage, napa cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and cooked quinoa (if using) in a large mixing bowl. This colorful combo offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes — from crisp and fresh to soft and mild. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to dress the salad, allowing the flavors to meld slightly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sesame Ginger Dressing

The dressing truly makes this recipe stand out. In a separate bowl, combine rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and sesame oil while whisking to create a silky, well-blended dressing. Taste and season with sea salt and black pepper according to your preference. This bright, sweet, and savory dressing is the magic that ties everything together.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Right before serving, add the toasted cashews and sesame seeds to the large bowl of slaw. Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly, ensuring each bite will be bursting with flavor. This is the moment where crunch and creaminess meet, creating a symphony of texture and taste that is pure joy on a plate.

How to Serve Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

To up the wow factor, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving. For a bit of heat, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a drizzle of chili oil pairs beautifully. These simple garnishes add both appeal and an extra flavor punch that makes the salad even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe makes an excellent side to grilled chicken, tofu skewers, or crispy spring rolls. It also complements any Asian-inspired meal wonderfully, providing a fresh, crisp contrast to richer or fried dishes. Think of it as your colorful, crunchy partner that keeps your meal balanced and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve this slaw in a large bowl so everyone can dig in family-style. Alternatively, layer it in mason jars for easy individual servings or as a portable lunch option. It also works beautifully as a topping for crunchy tacos or as a vibrant sandwich slaw, making it one of the most versatile recipes to have in your lineup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The dressed slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keeping it chilled helps maintain crispness and flavor without sogginess. For the slaw without dressing, store in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a fantastic prep-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables’ crunchy texture, this slaw is not ideal for freezing. Freezing will compromise the crispness and watery crunch of this salad, so it’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. The vibrant flavors and crunchy textures shine brightest when the slaw is fresh and chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients and no animal products.

Is quinoa necessary? Can I skip it?

Quinoa is optional but adds great texture and protein. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a lighter slaw or don’t have it on hand.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

While you can use a store-bought sesame ginger dressing, making it from scratch allows you to control the sweetness, acidity, and complexity, making it fresher and more vibrant.

How far in advance can I prepare this slaw?

You can prepare the shredded vegetables and dressing separately up to 2 days ahead. Dress the salad only before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute for fresh ginger?

If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used, but start with a small amount as it’s more concentrated and less fresh-tasting.

Final Thoughts

Making this Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is like bringing a burst of sunshine to your table — fresh, flavorful, and fun with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish or a satisfying light meal, this slaw fits the bill beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this crisp salad quickly becomes one of your favorite go-tos. Trust me, once you taste that luscious dressing paired with crunchy veggies and toasted nuts, it’ll be gone before you know it!