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A fresh and crunchy Asian-inspired cabbage slaw featuring napa cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and a sweet, tangy sesame dressing. Quick to prepare, versatile as a side dish or light main, and suitable for make-ahead meal prep.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head Napa Cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium Carrots, shredded
  • 3 stalks Green Onions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce, low sodium preferred (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (agave nectar for vegan option)
  • 1 clove Garlic, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger, freshly grated
  • Chili flakes or Sriracha, optional and to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, chopped toasted nuts, fresh herbs (cilantro or mint)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the napa cabbage, shred the carrots, and chop the green onions. Rinse the cabbage if needed.
  2. Place the sliced cabbage in a bowl of ice water and chill for about 10 minutes to firm the leaves.
  3. Drain the cabbage thoroughly and spin or pat dry to avoid watering down the dressing.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup/agave, grated garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes or sriracha until smooth.
  5. Taste and adjust the dressing’s sweetness, acidity, or heat as desired.
  6. Combine the dried cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions in a large bowl.
  7. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until evenly coated.
  8. Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to mingle while keeping the vegetables crisp.
  9. Optional: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped toasted nuts, or fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

Dress the slaw just before serving to keep it crisp; early dressing can cause sogginess., Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders for best flavor., Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture., For make-ahead meal prep, store vegetables and dressing separately and combine before eating., Customize with additions like mandarin slices, bell peppers, soba noodles, or a creamy element such as Greek yogurt or peanut butter., Pair with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, sticky rice, veggie fried rice, tofu stir-fry, or enjoy with chilled green tea., Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days; keep dressing separate until serving., Cabbage and other vegetables can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance to maintain freshness., Veggies can be frozen without dressing for up to 2 months but may lose crunch upon thawing.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1 cup
  • Calories: Approximately 80 calories per serving
  • Fat: 5 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g per serving
  • Protein: 2 g per serving