Name: Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1” piece Ginger, minced; 1-2 cloves Garlic, minced; ¼ cup Toasted Sesame Seeds; ¼ cup Tamari; 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar; Juice of 1 Lime; Optional: Toasted Sesame Oil, to taste; Optional: Chili Oil, to taste; ¼ head Purple Cabbage, shredded; 3 large Carrots, cut into thin matchsticks; 1 large Seedless Cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks; 1 Green Onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup Thai Basil, loosely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 47 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, refreshing side that pairs crunch with a hint of zing, this Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with color and texture, this salad marries shredded purple cabbage, crisp carrots, and cool cucumber with a lively dressing made from fresh ginger, lime, and tamari. It’s a light, no-cook dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour, perfect for those days when you want something satisfying but simple. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to slaw for every picnic, barbecue, or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden board holds various fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, a clear glass bowl is filled with thin, bright orange carrot sticks, next to it on the right is a quarter of purple cabbage with white veins. Below the cabbage is a small white bowl filled with dark soy sauce. To the left of that, a glass bowl contains light beige sesame seeds. In the center lower part of the board is a large piece of pale beige fresh ginger root. A halved green lime and two garlic cloves are beside the ginger. Near the bottom left, another glass bowl has thin light green cucumber sticks. Fresh green basil leaves appear beside the cucumber. Two green onions lie diagonally on the right side of the board. There is a small white bowl of light yellow oil near the top center. Wooden chopsticks rest on the upper right corner on the white marbled surface, and a black and white striped cloth is partially under the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in crafting that well-balanced flavor and texture you want from the Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe. From the aromatic ginger to the toasted sesame seeds, every bite is a celebration of freshness and crunch.

1” piece Ginger, minced: The star of the dressing, providing a warm, zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds.
1-2 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds savory depth that complements the ginger beautifully.
¼ cup Toasted Sesame Seeds: Brings nutty crunch and a toasty aroma that enhances every forkful.
¼ cup Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that lends umami richness and saltiness.
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that brightens the salad and balances the flavors.
Juice of 1 Lime: Adds fresh acidity and a citrusy punch that invigorates the veggies.
¼ head Purple Cabbage, shredded: The crunchy, colorful base packed with vitamins and fiber.
3 large Carrots, cut into thin matchsticks: Sweet and crisp, they add vibrant orange color and natural sweetness.
1 large Seedless Cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks: Provides a refreshing, cool bite with subtle moisture.
1 Green Onion, finely chopped: Injects a mild onion flavor that rounds out the fresh ingredients.
¼ cup Thai Basil, loosely chopped: Adds an herbal, slightly spicy lift for complexity.
Optional: Toasted Sesame Oil and/or Chili Oil, to taste: Perfect for adding a fragrant shimmer or a hint of heat if you like things spicy.

How to Make Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by combining the minced ginger, garlic, toasted sesame seeds, tamari, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice in the bottom of a large bowl. Whisk them all together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. If you want a touch of deeper flavor or heat, drizzle in some toasted sesame oil or chili oil now and stir to incorporate. This dressing is bursting with tang and spice, setting up the perfect partner for your crunchy veggies.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, toss in the shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrots, thin matchstick cucumbers, finely chopped green onion, and freshly chopped Thai basil. Using a gentle folding motion, mix all the vegetables thoroughly with the dressing so every piece is coated lightly but evenly. This step ensures each bite delivers a refreshing harmony of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Let It Rest

Patience pays off here! Let your created slaw sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften just enough without losing its essential crunch. The longer you let it rest, the better it gets, so if you can, prepare it ahead of time and give those flavors a chance to deepen.

How to Serve Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe

A bowl of colorful shredded vegetable salad with layers of thin orange carrot sticks, purple cabbage strips, and light green cucumber sticks mixed together in the center of a white bowl with a brown rim. Two lime wedges sit on the left side inside the bowl, and toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled throughout the salad. A pair of brown chopsticks rests on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a black and white striped cloth over a light wooden round board, all set on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving to add a hint of crunch and a gorgeous finishing touch. A few thin slices of fresh chili or a scattering of chopped cilantro can also brighten the appearance and layer in an extra flavor pop.

Side Dishes

This vibrant slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish thanks to its refreshing tang and crisp texture. It’s also a fabulous side for Asian-inspired dishes or as a topping for tacos and sandwiches, bringing a fresh crunch that balances richness and heaviness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe in colorful bowls or on rustic platters to showcase the vibrant hues. You can even turn it into a crunchy topping for rice bowls or grain salads, or stuff it into lettuce wraps for a playful, hand-held meal option that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slaw keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because it’s tossed in a delicate dressing, the cabbage may soften slightly over time, but it remains deliciously flavorful and crunchy enough to enjoy as a quick snack or side.

Freezing

Since this slaw relies on fresh, crunchy vegetables, freezing is not recommended. The texture would become mushy and lose that crisp snap that makes this dish special.

Reheating

This slaw is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a quick toss before serving if it’s been sitting for a while to redistribute the dressing evenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Absolutely! Tamari is a gluten-free alternative with a smoother taste, but regular soy sauce works perfectly fine if gluten is not a concern.

Is there a way to make this slaw vegan?

Great news — this Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe is naturally vegan since all the ingredients come from plants, making it a perfect choice for vegan and vegetarian diets.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Thai basil?

If Thai basil is not on hand, regular sweet basil or even fresh mint can provide a lovely herbal note that complements the slaw well.

Can this slaw be made spicier?

Definitely! Adding more chili oil or finely sliced fresh chilies will give the dish a punchy heat that contrasts beautifully with the cool vegetables.

How long does the dressing keep if made separately?

You can prepare the ginger-lime dressing up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar. It’s handy for quick assembly on busy days!

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe is one of those joyous dishes that feels like sunshine in a bowl. Its crisp textures and lively flavors come together effortlessly, making it a brilliant no-fuss side that livens up any meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your favorite go-to salad, whether for casual dinners or special occasions.

Crunchy Ginger Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need