Oz Rainbow Slaw with Black Sesame Dressing
A playful nod to The Wizard of Oz, featuring a color-contrast slaw with vibrant vegetables and a nutty black sesame dressing. This asian-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes blends head Napa cabbage, head red cabbage, carrots into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head Napa cabbage
- 1/4 head red cabbage
- 1 cup carrots
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup radishes
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp rice wine
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice Napa cabbage and red cabbage into fine shreds, then place in a large bowl. Julienne 1 cup carrots (matchstick size) and add to the bowl, followed by 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper and 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, toast 2 tbsp black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until golden and aromatic, then transfer to a mortar and grind with a pestle until coarsely crushed.
- Step 3: Whisk together 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp rice wine, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt, and the ground black sesame seeds until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the slaw, toss vigorously for 2 minutes until vegetables are evenly coated and the dressing begins to cling, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oz Rainbow Slaw with Black Sesame Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Oz Rainbow Slaw with Black Sesame Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oz Rainbow Slaw with Black Sesame 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 Oz Rainbow Slaw with Black Sesame 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.
Is Oz Rainbow Slaw with Black Sesame Dressing vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.