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Asian Dairy-Free Slaw With Sesame Dressing - Crisp, Bright, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • For the slaw:
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 2 large carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped cashews (optional)
  • For the sesame dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (to taste)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  • Prep the vegetables. Shred the cabbages thinly so they stay crisp but easy to eat. Julienne or grate the carrots, and slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Add everything to a large mixing bowl along with the green onions and herbs.
  • Toast the seeds and nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds and nuts until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Stir frequently and remove from heat to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
  • Make the dressing. In a jar or small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, lime juice, tamari, maple syrup, tahini, sesame oil, neutral oil, ginger, garlic, and chili-garlic sauce. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  • Dress the slaw. Pour half the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly. Add more dressing as needed to lightly coat; you may not need all of it. Sprinkle in half the sesame seeds and nuts, toss again, and taste for seasoning.
  • Rest and serve. Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld and the cabbage slightly softens. Finish with remaining sesame seeds and nuts right before serving for maximum crunch.