bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe

If you’re searching for your next go-to salad, look no further than this vibrant bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing. This crunchy, colorful bowl is more than just a side dish—it’s a fresh and zippy flavor bomb you’ll crave all week long! Bursting with crisp cabbages, sweet carrots, a confetti of green onions and herbs, all draped in a nutty, umami-packed sesame dressing, it’s the kind of dish that delivers big on both taste and texture, making every bite a total joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing proves that a few humble ingredients can work together to create something truly sensational. Each component brings a unique crunch, color, or aromatic note, so don’t skip out on any—your taste buds will thank you!

• Green cabbage: The backbone of the slaw, shredded green cabbage lays a crisp, juicy foundation that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
• Red cabbage: Not only does it add a pop of color, but the slight peppery snap is irresistible when mixed with the other veggies.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness and brilliant orange hue make the slaw feel extra fresh and bright.
• Scallions: Both the green and white parts deliver mild onion notes and a pretty sprinkle of color.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): For an herbal burst, cilantro brings a layer of flavor and a lovely green fleck, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan!
• Toasted sliced almonds or cashews: These provide the signature crunch, and the toasting deepens their flavor.
• Toasted sesame oil: The star of the dressing, its smoky nutty aroma can’t be beat—use high quality oil for best results.
• Soy sauce: Brings the umami depth and salty tang that ties all the dressing components together.
• Rice vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and lifts all the other flavors for a light, zippy finish.
• Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the salty and sour—choose your favorite.
• Toasted sesame seeds: These tiny powerhouses add subtle crunch and extra sesame flavor—don’t skip the toasting!
• Garlic: Finely minced for an aromatic bite that infuses the dressing perfectly.
• Fresh ginger: Grated to slip seamlessly into the dressing, ginger brings both warmth and zing.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch delivers a hint of heat if you like a little excitement.

How to Make bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Grab your sharpest knife or a mandoline and slice up both your green and red cabbage into thin ribbons—aim for that feathery, restaurant-style slaw texture. Pile the shreds into a big mixing bowl where you’ll have plenty of room to toss later. Next, shred your carrots—either with a box grater or food processor—and slice those scallions thinly for a pretty green-and-white ring effect. If you’re using cilantro, give it a rough chop and toss everything into the bowl for a rainbow of flavor and color.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

The magic of this bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing comes from, well, the dressing! In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, grated ginger, and those red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Whisk or shake vigorously until everything is thick, glossy, and deeply fragrant—you’ll want to drizzle this over just about everything!

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the sesame dressing all over your vegetable mixture and dig in with salad tongs or clean hands, making sure every bit gets a glossy coat. Tossing well is key! Let the slaw sit for 5–10 minutes, which gives the cabbage a moment to soften and soak up that addictive flavor. This brief rest transforms the slaw from good to absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Nuts

Right before serving, scatter the toasted sliced almonds or cashews over the top. Not only do these provide that signature crunch, but their toasty flavor pairs beautifully with the nutty dressing. Hold off on this step until just before eating to keep the nuts crisp and fresh.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before digging in, give your slaw a taste. Maybe it needs a pinch of salt, a splash more vinegar for extra tang, or a few more nuts for added crunch. This dish is all about balancing those bright, bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to tweak to your heart’s content!

How to Serve bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle an extra pinch of toasted sesame seeds and a few more chopped scallions over the top—these accents make the slaw look as irresistible as it tastes. If you really want to take things up a notch, a few whole cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime are absolutely unbeatable.

Side Dishes

While bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is a star on its own, it’s also a team player! Pair it with grilled chicken, seared tofu, crunchy spring rolls, or wrap it into tacos for a fresh and healthy meal. It’s also fantastic as a crunchy side at summer barbecues, picnics, and potlucks—watch it disappear faster than anything else on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your slaw in lettuce cups or scooped over a bed of cooked noodles for a playful twist. You can even mound it up in mason jars for picnic-ready lunches, or pile it high in vibrant serving bowls to show off those jewel-bright colors at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing (a big if!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps its crunch and flavor for up to 3 days, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches or next-day snacks.

Freezing

This slaw is at its best fresh, as frozen cabbage and carrots will lose their lovely texture. The dressing, however, can be made in advance and frozen on its own—it’ll be just as delicious when thawed and whisked before use.

Reheating

Since bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If it has been made ahead, just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom.

FAQs

Can I make bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even bolder after a short chill in the fridge. Just wait to add the nuts until right before serving to keep them nice and crunchy.

What can I use instead of cabbage?

Feel free to swap in shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, or even broccoli stems (peeled and julienned) for a fun twist—think of this recipe as a template for your favorite crunchy veggies!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce, bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is easy to keep gluten-free. Always double-check your labels for hidden gluten just to be safe.

How can I make this slaw nut-free?

Skip the almonds or cashews and instead use sunflower seeds or extra sesame seeds for crunch, making this recipe both nut-free and still incredibly delicious.

What type of sesame oil works best?

Always reach for toasted sesame oil for that unmistakable rich, deep flavor—it’s what transforms the dressing from so-so to truly addictive!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing at home, now’s your chance to dive in and savor what just might become your new favorite crunchy salad. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and sure to have everyone asking for the recipe. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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