This Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing combines crunchy vegetables, nutty quinoa, and a zesty, flavorful dressing for a vibrant side dish or light meal. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side to Asian-inspired dishes. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Slaw:
- ⅓ cup cashews, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, black or white
- 3 cups red cabbage, shredded (about ⅓ pound)
- 3 cups Napa cabbage or green cabbage, shredded (about ⅓ pound)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup carrots, shredded (about ¼ pound)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing (yields about ⅔ cup):
- ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (light or dark)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slaw Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, Napa or green cabbage, cooked quinoa, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they begin to brown slightly and become fragrant. Add the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cashews to the slaw.
- Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, finely grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil and sesame oil until the dressing is well emulsified. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Slaw with Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Allow the slaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
- Give the slaw a good mix before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Tips:
- Cashew Alternatives: If you are allergic to nuts or prefer a different texture, you can use toasted almonds or peanuts instead.
- Serving Suggestions: This slaw is perfect as a stand-alone salad, or you can serve it alongside dishes like grilled meats, tofu, or as part of a wrap.
- Storage: Keep the slaw refrigerated in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days as the vegetables will start to soften and release water over time.
Conclusion:
This Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing is not only healthy and colorful but also packs a punch of flavor that can elevate any meal. The combination of crunchy vegetables, quinoa, and a tangy, sweet dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this delightful and nutritious addition to your meal repertoire!