This sesame green cabbage slaw hits the sweet spot between Asian style and Japanese style flavours. A light vinegar sesame dressing coats finely shredded cabbage, with no mayonnaise in sight. It is quick to make, easy to prep ahead, and softens into a tangy, lightly sweet salad. Serve it with Texas style brisket, crispy chicken schnitzel or add it to your barbecue spread for a fresh, punchy side.
What is Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw?
Sesame green cabbage slaw is a no mayo cabbage salad made with finely shredded green cabbage and a light vinegar sesame dressing. It sits between Asian style and Japanese style slaws, with a balance of tangy, sweet, and nutty flavours. It comes together fast using pantry staples and is best dressed just before serving. It works as a fresh side dish for barbecue, grilled meats, and easy weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
- No mayonnaise, so it tastes light and fresh
- Quick to make with basic pantry ingredients
- Big flavour from a simple sesame vinegar dressing
- Easy to pair with barbecue, grilled meats, or weeknight dinners
- Prep ahead friendly, dress just before serving for best texture
Ingredients For Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
Each ingredient has a job. Together they create a light, tangy, slightly sweet sesame dressing.
- Green cabbage, finely shredded. The base of the slaw with mild flavour and good texture
- White vinegar, adds sharpness and keeps it fresh
- Neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable. Helps coat the cabbage evenly.
- Sugar, balances the vinegar with sweetness
- Toasted sesame seeds, add texture and a nutty finish
- Sesame oil, gives that strong sesame flavour
- Celery salt, lifts the flavour and ties everything together
How To Make Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
- Very finely shred the green cabbage using a mandolin, vegetable peeler, or a sharp knife. Place it in a large bowl.
- Add the white vinegar, oil, sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil and celery salt to a jar. Shake well until combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
OPTIONAL: Add 2 to 3 spring onions, sliced thinly on the diagonal, before serving for extra flavour and colour.
Tips For Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
- Shred it fine: Finely shredded cabbage gives the best texture and absorbs the dressing better
- Use a mandolin for speed: It keeps the slices even and saves time
- Toast your sesame seeds: Toasting brings out more flavour and makes a big difference
- Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more sugar or a splash of vinegar to suit your taste
- Add spring onions: Slice on the diagonal for extra flavour and a fresh finish
- Dress just before serving: Add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions For Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
Serve this slaw as a fresh, tangy side with rich and savoury dishes. It pairs well with Texas style brisket, chicken or pork schnitzel, grilled meats, and seafood. Add it to burgers, wraps, or tacos for extra texture and flavour. It also works as part of a barbecue spread alongside other salads and simple sides.
Storage For Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
FRIDGE: Store undressed cabbage and dressing separately in airtight containers. Cabbage will keep for up to 4 days. Dressing will keep in the fridge for up 2 weeks. Once dressed, store in the fridge and use within 24 hours for best texture.
FREEZER: Not suitable for freezing. The cabbage will lose its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red cabbage instead?
Yes. The flavour will stay similar, but the colour and texture will change slightly.
What oil works best?
Use a neutral oil so the sesame flavour stands out. Good options include canola, vegetable, rice bran, or avocado oil. You could also use a light olive oil if you prefer.
Is this like coleslaw?
It is similar in style, but there is no mayonnaise. The dressing is lighter and more tangy.
Can I add extra ingredients?
Yes. Try thinly sliced spring onions, grated carrot, toasted nuts like slivered or flaked almonds, or a handful of fresh herbs for variation.
This sesame green cabbage slaw is quick, fresh, and easy to pair with so many meals. Give it a go and let me know in the comments how you served it.
More Salads To Love
- Crispy Rice Salad
- Red Cabbage Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
- Fattoush Salad with Crispy Pita and Sumac Dressing
- Smashed Potato Salad with Creamy Mustard Dressing
- Quick Pickled Asian Cucumber Salad
Sesame Green Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
- ¼ large green cabbage or ½ small green cabbage
DRESSING
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup neutral flavoured oil
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, plus extra to garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 2-3 spring onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, optional
Instructions
- Very finely shred the green cabbage using a mandolin, vegetable peeler, or a sharp knife. Place it in a large bowl.
- Add the white vinegar, oil, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil and celery salt to a screw-top jar. Shake until well combined and the sugar has dissolved. You can also whisk the dressing in a bowl if preferred.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and add sliced spring green onions if using. Toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes
- Measurements: We use Australian metic measurements. 1 teaspoon equals 5ml, 1 tablespoon equals 20ml and 1 cup equals 250ml.
- Shred it fine: Finely shredded cabbage gives the best texture and absorbs the dressing better
- Dress before serving: Add the dressing just before serving for best results.
- Use neutral oil: Canola, vegetable, rice bran, or avocado oil all work well. You can however also use a light olive oil, but do not use extra virgin. Its too strong in flavour.
- Boost flavour :Add sliced spring onions for extra freshness and colour.
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