There’s something so oddly satisfying about the crunch of a fresh slaw—it’s like a culinary symphony in your mouth. This Easy Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing is my go-to for when I want to feel like I’m eating a rainbow (because, why not? ).
It’s a dish as lively as a K-pop concert but as comforting as your favorite hoodie on a rainy day. So, grab your chopsticks and let’s get messy—because salads are meant to be fun, right?
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until they’re well-mixed. Alternatively, place them in a mason jar, seal it, and shake until combined. Adjust sweetness with extra maple syrup or honey if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw, shredded carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve the slaw fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) bag of coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 yellow or red bell pepper, thinly sliced or diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil, or any mild-flavored oil)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, pressed or minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cabbage for the slaw?
- Absolutely! You can use either green or red cabbage, or even a mix of both. If you don’t have pre-shredded coleslaw available, you can chop your own cabbage to use for this recipe.
- What proteins can I add to make this slaw a main dish?
- You can add cooked chicken, steak, pork, shrimp, salmon, or tofu to turn this slaw into a more substantial main dish salad.
- How can I make the sesame vinaigrette spicier?
- For a spicier dressing, you can add some hot chili oil or sriracha to the sesame vinaigrette or drizzle it directly onto the salad.
- Can I prepare the sesame slaw in advance?
- Yes, you can make the slaw ahead of time. However, for the freshest taste, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. The vinaigrette can be prepared and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- What are some additional ingredients I can add to customize the slaw?
- Feel free to get creative by adding extra fresh veggies like cucumber, radishes, edamame, or avocado. You can also include fruits such as mango, pineapple, or orange, and add nuts like chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
Tips
- Customize Your Slaw: Feel free to personalize the slaw by adding extra fresh veggies like cucumber, radishes, or edamame, or even some diced fresh fruit like mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Add a Protein Boost: Transform this side dish into a main meal by incorporating proteins such as cooked chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu, or salmon.
- Enhance the Crunch: Consider adding crispy wonton strips or additional nuts like chopped peanuts or cashews to give your slaw more texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some sriracha or hot chili oil to the vinaigrette or directly to the salad for an extra kick.
Equipment
- Mason Jar – Useful for shaking and mixing the vinaigrette.
- Salad Bowl – A large mixing bowl suitable for tossing the slaw ingredients with the dressing.
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients if not using a mason jar.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables if not using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
- Cutting Board – Essential for cutting and preparing the vegetables.
- Toaster Oven or Skillet – For toasting almonds if not already toasted.
