The Best Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing – Crisp, Flavorful & Light

Looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your grilled meats, BBQs, or just a fresh, vibrant salad? Look no further than Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing! This dish is the perfect balance of crunchy vegetables, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, all brought together with a nutty sesame dressing that’s so simple to make. It’s a light, refreshing, and flavorful side that everyone will love.

This Asian Coleslaw takes traditional coleslaw to a whole new level. With ingredients like cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and green onions, it’s a colorful and vibrant dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Paired with the easy sesame dressing, it becomes a perfect complement to everything from grilled chicken to spring rolls, or even as a standalone dish.

Let’s dive into how to make this quick and easy Asian coleslaw at home!

Why This Asian Coleslaw Works

There are plenty of ways to make coleslaw, but what makes Asian Coleslaw special is the combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables paired with a savory, tangy dressing. Here’s why this recipe is a crowd favorite:

• Crunchy and Refreshing: The shredded cabbage and carrots provide a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for pairing with grilled meats or enjoying on its own.
• Balanced Flavors: The sesame dressing brings together sweet, savory, and tangy elements, making the slaw vibrant and flavorful without being overpowering.
• Customizable: This recipe is easily adaptable—add more veggies, spice it up with some heat, or even throw in your favorite protein to turn it into a main dish!
• Quick and Easy: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this coleslaw comes together in 15 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for the Best Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Coleslaw:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1/2 medium head of cabbage)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (for color and texture)
• 1 cup shredded carrots (use a julienne peeler or box grater)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
• Optional: 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish and extra crunch)
• Optional: 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned (for color and extra flavor)

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil (for richness and flavor)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds tang)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (adds warmth and depth)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (for savory flavor)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for extra sesame flavor)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (for heat, adjust to taste)

How to Make the Best Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing

This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Shred the cabbage: Using a sharp knife or a mandolin, thinly slice the green cabbage and purple cabbage. The finer the shred, the better the texture for your slaw.
2. Shred the carrots: Use a box grater or a julienne peeler to shred the carrots into thin strips.
3. Chop the cilantro and green onions: Chop the fresh cilantro and slice the green onions into thin rings.
4. Optional veggies: For added color and crunch, you can also slice some red bell pepper into thin strips or add other veggies like edamame or cucumber.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and grated ginger. This forms the base of the dressing, combining the tanginess of vinegar with the richness of sesame oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and toasted sesame seeds to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
3. If you want a bit of heat, stir in sriracha or chili paste to taste. Adjust the heat level based on your preference.

Step 3: Toss the Coleslaw

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
2. Pour the sesame dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
3. If using, sprinkle chopped peanuts and red bell pepper over the slaw for added crunch and color.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the coleslaw immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together (it’s also great chilled!).
2. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a nice touch.
3. Enjoy your Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing alongside your favorite grilled meats, seafood, or as a light, refreshing salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing is the perfect side dish because it combines crunchy vegetables, vibrant herbs, and a rich, tangy sesame dressing. The crunchy texture of the cabbage and carrots contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing, while the sesame oil adds a wonderful depth of flavor. The sweet and tangy elements are balanced perfectly by the honey and rice vinegar, while the ginger and garlic give it an extra punch.

Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken, BBQ pork, or crispy tofu, this coleslaw is a refreshing, flavorful addition to any meal.

Customizing Your Asian Coleslaw

This recipe is super versatile! Here are some ways you can make it your own:

• Add protein: To turn this into a main dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a delicious protein boost.
• Make it spicier: Add more sriracha or chili paste to the dressing for extra heat, or toss in some sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick.
• Use other veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or edamame for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it tangier: Add a little more rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to give the salad an extra burst of brightness.

What to Serve With Asian Coleslaw

This Asian-inspired slaw pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled meats: Serve it with grilled chicken, BBQ pork, or steak to balance out the richness of the meat.
• Asian dishes: This slaw is a great side for spring rolls, teriyaki chicken, dumplings, or yakitori.
• Seafood: Pair it with grilled or baked salmon, shrimp skewers, or even a tuna poke bowl.
• Light dishes: It’s also a great complement to rice bowls, grain bowls, or quinoa salads.

Conclusion: A Fresh, Flavorful Salad in Minutes

This Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing is the perfect combination of crunchy vegetables and bold, vibrant flavors. The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sesame dressing is the perfect complement to the fresh, crisp cabbage and carrots, making it an ideal side for grilled meats, seafood, or even as a standalone salad.

With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it at your next BBQ, this slaw will become a favorite go-to recipe.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coleslaw ahead of time! It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

2. Can I use a different oil for the dressing?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil, but you’ll miss the nutty flavor that sesame oil provides. Try adding a little toasted sesame seeds to make up for it.

3. Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes! If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Rice vinegar is milder and sweeter, so you may need to adjust the sweetness with a bit more honey or sugar.

4. Can I add meat to this coleslaw?

Absolutely! Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to make it a more substantial meal.

5. How long does the coleslaw last in the fridge?

The coleslaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The vegetables will start to soften over time, but the flavor will remain great.

6. Can I add other veggies to the slaw?

Definitely! You can add radishes, cucumber, or even mango for a slightly sweet twist. Customize it based on what you have available!

7. Is this coleslaw gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check that your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

8. Can I make this coleslaw spicy?

Yes! Add more sriracha to the dressing, or toss in some sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to kick up the heat.

9. Can I make this without cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to leave it out or replace it with fresh mint, basil, or even green onions for a fresh herb flavor.

10. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just make sure to use a mix of both green and purple cabbage for added color and texture.