Crisp Asian Slaw with Sesame-Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A revitalizing salad combining crunchy vegetables and a zesty sesame-lime dressing that awakens the senses with every bite. This Asian Fusion-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs green cabbage, red bell pepper, carrot into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1 medium julienned red bell pepper, 2 shredded medium carrots, 3 thinly sliced scallions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger until the dressing is emulsified and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss vigorously to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch.
  4. Step 4: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry and provide a lively, refreshing taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Asian Slaw with Sesame-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp Asian Slaw with Sesame-Lime Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green cabbage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Asian Slaw with Sesame-Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp Asian Slaw with Sesame-Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crisp Asian Slaw with Sesame-Lime Dressing?

Asian Fusion salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.