If you’re craving something crisp, colorful, and impossibly moreish, bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is about to become your new go-to. This slaw isn’t just a basic salad—it’s a vibrant tangle of shredded cabbages, carrots, and herbs, tossed in the most irresistible sesame dressing you can imagine. Each bite offers a parade of textures, a zingy balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and a drizzle that will have you licking the bowl. Whether you’re serving it at a summer potluck or making a simple weeknight dinner shine, this dish is the upgrade your meals deserve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is how such simple ingredients come together to create something so much greater than the sum of their parts. Each element plays its role—whether it’s adding crunch, color, or depth of flavor—so don’t skip out on anything if you can help it!

Green cabbage: Provides bulk and crunch, soaking up all that delicious sesame dressing.
Red cabbage: Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color brighten up the slaw beautifully.
Scallions: Offer a gentle oniony bite and fresh, green flavor.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Herbs add freshness—cilantro gives a punchy, aromatic note that brings the salad alive.
Toasted sliced almonds or cashews: For irresistible crunch and a rich, nutty note in every bite.
Toasted sesame oil: The backbone of the addictive dressing, lending bold, earthy, unmistakably Asian warmth.
Soy sauce: Provides deep umami and brings all the flavors together.
Rice vinegar: Its mild tang keeps everything bright without overpowering the dish.
Honey or maple syrup: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the savory and tart flavors.
Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle these for a subtle crunch and nutty finish throughout.
Garlic: One clove is plenty for a flavor boost—fresh and finely minced for max impact.
Fresh ginger: That signature zingy heat only fresh ginger can deliver.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat guaranteed to please spice lovers.

How to Make bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start your slaw by prepping all the gorgeous fresh vegetables. Thinly slice the green and red cabbages—try to keep the slices as fine as you can for that classic slaw crunch. Shred the carrots (a box grater makes quick work of these), slice the scallions on the diagonal, and chop the cilantro if you’re using it. Gather everything in a large mixing bowl, so it’s ready and waiting for that addictive sesame dressing to make an entrance.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Addictive Sesame Dressing

In a separate small bowl or a handy jar with a lid, combine the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, grated ginger, and (if you’re feeling bold) red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and everything is well blended. This is where the magic in bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing really happens—taste a drop and you’ll see why!

Step 3: Toss It Together

Pour the beautifully fragrant sesame dressing right over the bowl of veggies. Toss everything together, making sure every strand and slice is well coated. Let the slaw sit for about 5 to 10 minutes—this gives the cabbage time to soften just slightly and all those flavors to really get cozy with each other.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Nuts

Right before serving, scatter the toasted sliced almonds or cashews over the top. Don’t add them too soon or they could lose their crunch! The nuttiness partners perfectly with the addictively tangy, savory-sweet dressing in every forkful.

Step 5: Taste and Tweak

Give your slaw a taste. Want a little more tang? Drizzle in extra rice vinegar. Missing some crunch? Toss in another handful of nuts. Maybe just a pinch of salt to bring all the flavors into sharper focus—this is your moment to make it perfect before serving.

How to Serve bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds, more fresh cilantro, or even a handful of finely sliced scallion greens across the top. These little pops of flavor and color make the bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing as irresistible to look at as it is to eat!

Side Dishes

This slaw partners beautifully with just about everything. Pile it next to grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a healthy, complete meal. It’s also fantastic tucked into sandwiches or tacos, adding a crunchy, tangy counterpoint to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks, try serving bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist. Or, for a dinner party, plate it up in individual bowls with a scattering of nuts and fresh herbs for a more elegant feel. The colors—and flavors—make it a showstopper no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing keeps surprisingly well! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, and the cabbage retains a nice bit of crunch, making it a great make-ahead option.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for this slaw. The crisp fresh vegetables lose their lovely texture when thawed, and the dressing can separate. Stick to making fresh or storing in the refrigerator for the best results.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this slaw—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, simply give it a quick stir before serving to revive the flavors and redistribute any dressing that’s settled.

FAQs

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

Definitely! You can prep the veggies and the sesame dressing separately ahead of time, then toss them together just before serving. If you let it sit a bit, the flavors deepen even more, but wait to add the nuts until right before eating so they stay crunchy.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan! Simply swap the honey for pure maple syrup in the addictive sesame dressing—you’ll get the same wonderful balance of flavors.

Can I use different nuts or seeds?

Absolutely. Toasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, or even pepitas work beautifully in place of the almonds or cashews. Feel free to use what you have on hand or tailor the recipe to your taste.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger gives the dressing its signature zing, but if you’re in a pinch, a small pinch of ground ginger can substitute. Start with a little and adjust to your liking—just know that fresh is always best for maximum flavor.

How spicy is the dressing?

The sesame dressing is mostly savory and lightly sweet, with just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out for a mild version, or add extra if you like things spicy!

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a recipe that’s both effortless and unbelievably tasty, and that’s exactly what you get with bage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing. It’s crunchy, vibrant, and guaranteed to disappear whenever you serve it—so go ahead and give it a try. I can’t wait to hear how it brightens up your table!