Name: Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup honey; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste); ¼ cup sesame oil; 1 tbsp white or black toasted sesame seeds; 2 cups napa cabbage, shredded; 1 cup radicchio, shredded; 1 cup carrots, shredded (about 2 medium carrots); 2 Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and julienned; ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 32 reviews

If you're searching for a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and texture, the Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad perfectly balances the crunch of napa cabbage, radicchio, and carrots with the sweet crispness of Fuji apples, all brought together by a luscious honey sesame dressing that's both tangy and creamy. Whether you're looking for a refreshing side or a light main, this recipe delivers a harmony of tastes that feels both wholesome and exciting.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows four steps of making a salad and dressing on a white marbled surface. In the first step, a clear glass bowl holds three layers of ingredients: golden brown liquid, a dark brown thick layer, and white sesame seeds on top. In the second step, the contents are mixed into a beige creamy sauce with small dark specks, stirred by a woman's hand holding a metal whisk. The third step shows a large clear glass bowl filled with colorful salad layers: shredded dark purple cabbage, light green lettuce, thin white sticks possibly jicama, and grated orange carrots, all being tossed with silver tongs held by a woman's hand. The fourth step displays the finished salad in a white bowl with blue stripes, topped with chopped fresh green herbs and sprinkled sesame seeds, placed next to a purple cabbage and a yellow vegetable in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

As simple as it is striking, this recipe calls for ingredients that each play a vital part in creating the perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. From the nutty richness of sesame oil to the bright freshness of cilantro, every component adds a special touch to the dish’s character.

Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing or mayonnaise for a richer, creamier texture.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness in the dressing beautifully.
Honey: Infuses subtle natural sweetness that complements the savory notes.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering the salad.

Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors; add more to taste after mixing.
Sesame oil: Brings that unmistakable nutty aroma, the heart of the Asian-inspired dressing.
Toasted sesame seeds (white or black): Adds crunch and an extra layer of toasty flavor.

Napa cabbage: Provides a tender crunch and mild sweetness, serving as the salad’s main green base.
Radicchio: Offers a slightly bitter bite and vibrant purple color that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Carrots: Shredded for sweetness and a bright pop of orange, contributing to the salad’s colorful appeal.

Fuji apples: Peeled, cored, and julienned, they add crispness and a fresh fruity note that elevates the whole dish.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped for a burst of herbal brightness that ties all flavors together.

How to Make Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Sesame Dressing

Start by combining Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, kosher salt, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended. This dressing is the soul of your coleslaw, bringing creamy, nutty, and sweet notes that will perfectly coat all the fresh ingredients.

Step 2: Toss the Vegetables and Fruits

In a large bowl, gather your shredded napa cabbage, radicchio, and carrots along with the julienned Fuji apples and chopped cilantro. These fresh components add both texture and vibrant color to the salad. Toss them gently to mix.

Step 3: Combine Dressing and Slaw

Pour the honey sesame dressing over your vegetable and fruit mixture. Using tongs, carefully toss everything together to ensure every bite is evenly coated. The dressing clings beautifully to the crisp and colorful ingredients, making each forkful a delightful experience.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can enjoy the salad right away for a fresh, crisp bite or refrigerate it for a short time to let the flavors meld together. Chilling enhances the honey sesame dressing’s infusion into the cabbage and apples, making it even more delicious.

How to Serve Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth beside it. Inside the bowl are layers of chopped leafy greens, shredded purple cabbage, orange shredded carrot, and thin yellow strips of apple or jicama. These colorful layers create a fresh and vibrant mix. Above the bowl, a woman's hand holds a silver ladle pouring a beige creamy dressing over the salad. In the background, out of focus, are a cut purple cabbage and yellow leafy greens. Small sesame seeds are scattered on the surface near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and texture, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. Adding a few fresh cilantro leaves or even thinly sliced green onions can enhance the salad's aroma and make your plate pop with color.

Side Dishes

This Asian coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki bowls or Korean BBQ ribs. Its crisp, refreshing qualities offer the perfect balance to heavier mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or picnic, consider serving the coleslaw in individual cups or lettuce wraps for easy handheld bites. You could also layer the slaw in a clear glass bowl to showcase its stunning colors or use it as a vibrant topping for crunchy tacos or sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Asian coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day to maintain its crisp texture and bright flavors.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the raw vegetables and apples can become mushy once thawed. For best results, make fresh batches as needed.

Reheating

The Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, just take it out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can shine without the chill dulling them.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! While napa cabbage is traditional for its tenderness and mild flavor, you can substitute green or red cabbage. Just keep in mind they might be a bit tougher and have a different taste profile.

Is there a vegan substitute for the Greek yogurt in the dressing?

Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt for vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep the dressing creamy while accommodating dietary preferences.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Julienned apples can brown quickly, but tossing them into the salad immediately with the tangy apple cider vinegar and honey dressing helps slow oxidation. You can also lightly coat the apple slices in lemon juice before adding them.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes pair beautifully with the bright flavors here, making the salad a more substantial meal.

What if I don’t have toasted sesame seeds?

If you don’t have toasted sesame seeds on hand, you can toast raw sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden and fragrant. This will give you the nutty flavor essential for the dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe is a wonderfully fresh and flavorful salad that’s easy to whip up anytime you need a dish that impresses with both taste and texture. Its bright colors and harmonious blend of ingredients make it a joy to eat and share. Give it a try—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one serving!

Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe