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Home » Sides

Sesame Coleslaw

Published: Oct 31, 2025 by Grace · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This easy Sesame Coleslaw is a fresh, crunchy side dish with a light Japanese twist. It’s tossed in a simple sesame dressing that’s nutty, tangy, and just a little sweet—perfect to serve with grilled meats, rice bowls, or weeknight dinners. You can make it ahead on the weekend and enjoy it all week long—it actually tastes even better the next day!

Sesame coleslaw served on a plate with sliced mini tomatoes

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • Mayonnaise: 4 Tbsp
  • Vinegar: 2 Tbsp
  • Honey: 1 Tbsp
  • Soy sauce: 1 Tbsp
  • Ground roasted white sesame: 3 Tbsp

For the vegetables:

  • Cabbage: ½ lb (about ¼ small head)
  • Red cabbage: ½ lb (about ¼ small head)
  • Carrot: 1 (medium size)
  • Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Ingredients for sesame coleslaw: shredded cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, ground roasted sesame, honey, and soy sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and ground roasted white sesame. Whisk until smooth and evenly mixed. Set aside.

Soy sauce being added to a small bowl for sesame dressing
All dressing ingredients combined in a small bowl for sesame coleslaw

2. Shred the vegetables. Remove the core of the cabbage, then shred cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot. Using a slicer or mandoline makes it faster and gives even slices—watch your fingers! If you don’t have one, thinly slice with a sharp knife.

Removing the core from a red cabbage before shredding
Cabbage being shredded with a slicer for sesame coleslaw

3. Season the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the shredded vegetables. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and mix well.

Shredded cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot in a glass mixing bowl
Sea salt being sprinkled over shredded vegetables in a bowl

4. Add the dressing. Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Sesame dressing being poured over shredded vegetables in a bowl
Tossing and mixing coleslaw until evenly coated with sesame dressing

5. Chill and serve. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to let the flavors soak in. Toss again before serving and enjoy!

Finished sesame coleslaw stored in a glass container

Recipe Tips

  • Use a mandolin or slicer for even texture: Thin, even slices make the coleslaw light and crisp. If you’re slicing by hand, take your time and use a sharp knife for best results.
  • Don’t skip the chilling time: Letting the coleslaw rest in the fridge for a few hours helps the flavors blend together and the sesame dressing soak in—it’s worth the wait!

Sesame coleslaw served in a small bowl ready to eat

FAQ

How long does sesame coleslaw last?

It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. The vegetables will soften over time but the flavor will still be great.

What kind of vinegar works best?

I used apple cider vinegar for this recipe—it adds a gentle tang and a hint of fruitiness that goes really well with the sesame dressing. You can also use rice vinegar if you prefer a milder, more traditional Japanese flavor. Both work beautifully!

sesame coleslaw
Print Recipe

Sesame Coleslaw

Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor, this Sesame Coleslaw is an easy side dish with a light Japanese twist. Tossed in a nutty sesame dressing, it’s perfect for pairing with rice bowls, grilled dishes, or weeknight meals—and it tastes even better after chilling!
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Chilling Time2 hours hrs
Servings: 4 People
Author: Grace

Ingredients

For the dressing

  • 4 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy Sauce
  • 3 Tbsp ground roasted sesame

For the vegetables

  • ½ lb rabbage (about ¼ small head)
  • ½ lb red cabbage (about ¼ small head)
  • 1 carrot (medium size)

Instructions

  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and ground roasted white sesame. Whisk until smooth and evenly mixed. Set aside.
  • Shred the vegetables. Remove the core of the cabbage, then shred cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot. Using a slicer or mandoline makes it faster and gives even slices—watch your fingers! If you don’t have one, thinly slice with a sharp knife.
  • Season the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the shredded vegetables. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and mix well.
  • Add the dressing. Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Chill and serve. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to let the flavors soak in. Toss again before serving and enjoy!

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Hello!

I’m Grace! I share simple, beginner-friendly Japanese home cooking recipes—easy, family-friendly dishes designed to bring the harmony of umami flavors into your kitchen.

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