Discover a fresh twist on a classic side with this Napa Cabbage Coleslaw for Non-Slaw Lovers—a vibrant medley of shredded Napa cabbage, crisp carrots, and sweet red bell pepper, elevated by a zesty sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for those who typically shy away from traditional coleslaw, this Asian-inspired version ditches heavy mayo in favor of fragrant sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey, ensuring a light yet flavor-packed bite. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and a hint of fresh cilantro, this slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish tacos, or as a refreshing standalone dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy, gluten-free, and make-ahead option that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or summer barbecues.
Start by preparing the vegetables: shred the Napa cabbage into thin strips, julienne or shred the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and chop the green onions and cilantro.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
In a smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are coated in the dressing.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the coleslaw and give it one final toss.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Add additional lime juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
Cover the coleslaw and let it sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, although you can serve it immediately if desired.
Serve the coleslaw chilled as a side dish, topping, or light appetizer.
Calories |
557 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1283 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.8 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.6 g | ||
| Protein | 9.6 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 360 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1387 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.