Description
This isn’t your average slaw. Bright, crisp veggies meet a nutty, tangy sesame dressing in a dish that comes together fast and tastes like it came straight out of your favorite fusion bistro. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s fresh, colorful, and addictive in the best way possible.
Ingredients
For the slaw:
- 1 head napa cabbage (about 2 lbs), thinly shredded into ribbons
- 2 cups red cabbage, sliced a little thicker for extra crunch and color
- 1 large carrot, cut into skinny matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 4 green onions, cut diagonally into thin pieces
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds (black, white, or a mix for a pretty garnish)
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional, but highly recommended for texture)
For the sesame dressing:
- 3 tbsp sesame oil (use untoasted for a lighter flavor)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or swap with white wine vinegar if that’s what you’ve got)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup if you’d like to keep it vegan)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (add more if you like heat)
- 1 tbsp tahini for creaminess and a hint of nuttiness
Instructions
Step 1: Shred and prep the veggies
Cut the napa cabbage into thin, noodle-like strands. A sharp knife or mandoline works best. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it sit for 5 minutes — this pulls out extra water so the slaw won’t go soggy. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Build the crunch layers
While the napa rests, slice the purple cabbage, julienne the carrot, and cut the pepper into strips. Keep the red cabbage a little chunkier than the napa — that way it holds its color and bite. Chop the cilantro and green onions.
Step 3: Whisk up the dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine sesame oil, vinegar, soy, and honey. Whisk until glossy and blended. Stir in ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then whisk in the tahini until smooth. The tahini makes it clingy and creamy without being heavy.
Step 4: Toss it together
Add all the veggies to a big bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently fold everything together until coated. Be gentle — no aggressive stirring here — so the vegetables stay crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top with sesame seeds and peanuts, holding back a little of each to sprinkle on just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: ~145
- Fat: 9.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4.8 g
- Protein: 4.2 g