Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad: Astonishingly Quick Crisp

Name: Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad: Astonishingly Quick Crisp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded purple cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional); ½ cup roasted sesame seeds; ½ cup toasted slivered almonds (optional); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or thinly sliced grilled beef (optional); For the Dressing:; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

•

9 de August de 2025

Jump to Recipe

Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad has become my go-to for a quick, vibrant side dish that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I tried making a simplified version of this Asian coleslaw recipe; the crunch of the cabbage, the zing of the ginger, and the nutty aroma of sesame oil filled my kitchen. It was a revelation! This salad is so wonderfully crisp and refreshing, with a dressing that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good eating it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

This delightful salad is a winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly crisp and refreshing, making it a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes.
You get amazing flavor with minimal effort, truly a quick Asian cabbage salad.
The vibrant colors from the mixed cabbage and peppers make it visually appealing.
It’s a super easy sesame cabbage salad to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
The dressing is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too tangy, just right!
It’s packed with healthy vegetables for a nutritious boost.
You can customize it with your favorite protein or extra veggies.

Ingredients for Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing salad. The base of this sesame oil cabbage salad is a mix of crisp vegetables, and the dressing is where the magic happens, creating a wonderful sesame soy cabbage salad flavor profile.

4 cups shredded green cabbage – for that essential crunch
2 cups shredded purple cabbage – adds beautiful color and texture
1 cup shredded carrots – brings a touch of sweetness
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced – for a mild sweetness and vibrant hue
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced – complements the red pepper nicely
3 green onions, thinly sliced – adds a mild oniony bite
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional) – for a burst of fresh herb flavor
½ cup roasted sesame seeds – to toast for nutty depth
½ cup toasted slivered almonds (optional) – for added crunch and richness
2 cups cooked shredded chicken or thinly sliced grilled beef (optional) – makes it a complete meal
For the Dressing:
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) – the savory foundation
3 tablespoons rice vinegar – for a bright, tangy note
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil – essential for that signature nutty flavor
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – to balance the acidity
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – adds a zesty finish
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger – for a warm, spicy kick
1 garlic clove, minced – enhances the savory notes
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – for a touch of heat

How to Make Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

Putting together this delicious salad is a breeze! You’ll be enjoying its fresh flavors in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables. Start by gathering your shredded green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced bell peppers. Place them all into a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if you’re using it. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all those beautiful colors and textures.
Step 2: Make the Dressing. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, fresh lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes if you like a little heat. Whisk until everything is wonderfully smooth, creating that signature sesame ginger dressing cabbage salad flavor.
Step 3: Toast Sesame Seeds and Almonds. To really bring out the nutty flavors, heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add your sesame seeds and toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until they turn a lovely golden brown. Remove them from the pan and let them cool. If you’re using slivered almonds, toast them the same way.

Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing. Now for the best part! Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture of vegetables. Toss everything together gently with tongs. Make sure every bit of this Asian shredded cabbage salad is coated in that delicious dressing.
Step 5: Add Protein (Optional). If you’re making this a heartier meal, now’s the time to add your cooked shredded chicken or thinly sliced grilled beef. Toss it lightly into the salad to distribute it evenly.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving. For the ultimate flavor infusion, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to really meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Best Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

Follow these tips to make your salad absolutely perfect every time:

For the freshest crunch, keep the dressing separate from the vegetables until just before serving, especially if making ahead. This is key to a vibrant Asian cabbage salad.
Don’t skip toasting the sesame seeds and almonds! It makes a huge difference in nutty flavor and texture.
If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife and a steady hand will work for thin slices.
Taste and adjust the dressing before tossing. You might want a little more lime, honey, or chili flakes depending on your preference.

What’s the secret to perfect Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad?

The secret lies in the balance of the dressing and the freshness of the ingredients. A well-made sesame ginger cabbage salad dressing, with its perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, is crucial. Also, ensuring your vegetables are super crisp by dressing just before serving makes all the difference. For more tips on creating balanced dressings, you can explore resources on vinaigrette making.

Can I make Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss them together with the dressing about 15-30 minutes before serving to maintain that desirable crunch.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad?

The biggest mistake is over-dressing the salad too early, which leads to soggy cabbage. Another common pitfall is not toasting the sesame seeds and nuts, missing out on crucial flavor. Finally, make sure your vegetables are dried well after washing if you’re not using pre-shredded cabbage. Proper food safety when preparing vegetables is also important; learn more about food safety at home.

Best Ways to Serve Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

This versatile salad is a fantastic accompaniment to so many dishes. It’s perfect alongside grilled chicken or steak, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal. I also love serving it with simple stir-fries or even as a side for pulled pork sandwiches. For a delicious pairing, consider this Asian slaw with sesame as a bright counterpoint to savory noodle dishes like sesame chicken or a hearty bowl of ramen. It also makes a wonderful light lunch on its own when packed with your favorite protein!

Nutrition Facts for Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this delicious salad. Remember, these are approximations, and the actual values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this vibrant salad at its best. After preparing, allow the salad to cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. For optimal freshness and that satisfying crunch, I recommend storing the vegetables and dressing separately if you plan to keep it for more than a few hours. This way, you can combine them just before serving. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, this healthy Asian cabbage salad will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days. While freezing isn’t ideal as it will damage the crisp texture of the cabbage and vegetables, any added protein like chicken or beef can be frozen separately if needed. If you’ve added protein, you can gently reheat it before tossing with the fresh salad components. For more information on food storage, check out these food storage guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad

What is Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad?

An Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad is a vibrant, crisp salad featuring shredded cabbage and other vegetables, tossed in a flavorful dressing typically made with sesame oil, ginger, and sometimes a touch of sweetness. It’s a refreshing side dish or light meal that’s incredibly versatile.

Why is Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad popular?

It’s popular because it hits all the right notes: crunch, flavor, and health! The combination of fresh vegetables and a perfectly balanced dressing is incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cabbage and pairs well with almost any main course, making it a go-to for many home cooks.

What can I add to Asian cabbage salad?

You can add almost anything to an Asian cabbage salad! Protein options like shredded chicken, grilled beef, shrimp, or edamame are great. For extra texture, consider toasted nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), crispy wonton strips, or even some crunchy chow mein noodles for a texture similar to a sesame noodle cabbage salad. Sliced fresh fruit like mandarin oranges can also add a lovely sweetness. You might also enjoy this Asian chicken salad.

Variations of Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! This salad is wonderfully adaptable.

Sesame Peanut Cabbage Salad: For a richer, nuttier flavor, add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to your dressing. This variation is absolutely delicious and pairs wonderfully with satay-style dishes.
Sesame Lime Cabbage Salad: Boost the citrusy notes by increasing the lime juice and slightly reducing the rice vinegar. This creates a brighter, tangier flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing.
Asian Vegetarian Cabbage Salad: Keep it meat-free by skipping the chicken or beef. Instead, add edamame, crispy baked tofu, or a generous sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for extra protein and texture. This makes for a fantastic and filling Asian vegetarian cabbage salad.
Spicy Sesame Cabbage Salad: For those who love a kick, add more chili flakes to the dressing or a swirl of sriracha. You can also mix in some thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.

Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad: Astonishingly Quick Crisp - Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad - additional detail

About the Author

Fatima Garcia