Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad | It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

This crunchy sesame cabbage salad is fresh, vibrant, super flavorful, and very crunchy. Loaded with crisp veggies, edamame, and a tangy sesame dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks, BBQs, or easy meals.

This crunchy sesame cabbage salad is one of those salads that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. It’s colorful, crunchy, and loaded with fresh veggies tossed in a tangy sesame dressing that clings to every bite. I love using a mix of green and red cabbage because it makes the salad extra rainbow pretty, but you can absolutely use all one color if that’s what you have on hand. Every bite is packed with crunch, color, and delicious sesame flavor. It’s hearty enough for lunch, perfect for potlucks, and one of my favorite ways to pack a whole rainbow of vegetables into a meal!

Bowl of sesame cabbage salad, rice, and tofu.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad

Incredibly crunchy: Every bite is packed with crisp vegetables, sesame seeds, wonton strips, and roasted cashews.
Loaded with color: A rainbow of vegetables makes this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
Great for meal prep: Unlike delicate lettuce salads, cabbage stays crisp for days, especially if you add the dressing just before serving.
Restaurant-worthy: This colorful salad reminds me of those crunchy sesame salads you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients for crunchy sesame cabbage salad.

Ingredients for Sesame Cabbage Salad

For the Salad

Cabbage: I use a combination of green and red for variety.
Edamame: Frozen shelled edamame thaws quickly. I usually just rinse it under warm water while I prep the other ingredients.
Red bell pepper: Yellow or orange bell peppers would also work.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and extra crunch.
Green onions: For a mild onion flavor that doesn’t dominate.
Fresh cilantro: Not a cilantro fan? Feel free to leave it out or swap it for parsley.
Roasted cashews: Sliced almonds or peanuts also work well.
Sesame seeds: Add nutty flavor and texture. You can use white, black, or a combination.
Wonton strips or crispy noodles (optional): For that restaurant-style finishing touch.

For the Sesame Dressing

Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Rice vinegar: Adds tangy brightness.
Maple syrup or agave: To balance the vinegar.
Sesame oil: For nutty sesame flavor.
Neutral oil: Helps the dressing cling to the vegetables, but you can omit it for an oil-free dressing.
Sriracha (optional): You can add as much or as little as you like depending on your heat preferences, or leave it out altogether.
Fresh ginger and garlic: Finely mince these or grate them on a microplane.

How to Make Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, neutral oil, Sriracha (if using), ginger, and garlic until well combined.

Rainbow of vegetables arranged on cutting board with knife.

Prepare the Vegetables: Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, edamame, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and cilantro to a large salad bowl.

Tossing crunchy sesame cabbage salad in bowl.

Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well until everything is evenly coated.

Finish and Serve: Just before serving, top with the cashews, sesame seeds, and wonton strips or crispy noodles if using.

Tips and Variations

Make prep easier: I love using my food processor with the slicing blade for the cabbage and then switching to the grating attachment for the carrot. It makes this salad come together in minutes.
Shortcut: No need to shred your own cabbage if you don’t want to. A bag of coleslaw mix works beautifully and makes this salad come together in no time.
Slice the bell pepper by hand: I’ve found that food processor slicing blades often make bell pepper slices too thin and soft. A sharp knife gives the best texture.
Add more protein: Top with crispy air fryer tofu for an even heartier meal.
Save the crunchy toppings for serving: If making ahead, wait to add the cashews, sesame seeds, and wonton strips until just before serving so they stay nice and crisp.

Bowl of crunchy sesame cabbage salad with wonton strips.

Ways to Serve Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad

Serve this cabbage salad:

Storage

Store leftover crunchy sesame cabbage salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cabbage softens slightly as it sits, giving it a different texture, but the salad remains delicious. Give it a quick toss before serving.

Bowl with crunchy sesame cabbage salad, rice, and tofu.

More Vegan Cabbage Recipes

Bowl of salad with text overlay that reads sesame cabbage salad.

Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad | It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken