Cabbage Core Slaw Salad (Printable)

Crunchy slaw with shredded cabbage core, carrot, and a nutty sesame dressing topped with toasted seeds.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups finely shredded cabbage cores (approximately from 1 medium cabbage)
02 - 1 cup finely shredded green cabbage leaves
03 - 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
08 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Seeds & Toppings

11 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (white or mixed black and white)
12 - 2 tablespoons lightly toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
13 - 1 tablespoon lightly toasted sunflower seeds

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, mix finely shredded cabbage cores, green cabbage leaves, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced green onions.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
04 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds over the slaw and toss gently to combine or reserve some for garnish.
05 - Allow the slaw to rest for 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cabbage cores give you serious fiber and crunch that stays even after the dressing soaks in for a few minutes.
  • This entire salad comes together in 15 minutes with zero cooking, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
  • The nutty sesame dressing tastes impressive enough to serve to guests but uses ingredients most people already have on hand.
02 -
  • If you skip toasting your own seeds, the slaw will taste flat. Toasted seeds take this from nice to unforgettable in about 3 minutes of dry pan time.
  • The cabbage core shreds need to be fine, almost lacy. A box grater on the smallest side or a mandoline works perfectly if your knife skills aren't where you want them yet.
03 -
  • Toast your seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for exactly 3 minutes, shaking frequently, until they smell absolutely nutty. This transforms them from pleasant to essential.
  • Make the dressing first so it can sit for a moment while you prep vegetables. It actually tastes better when it's had a few minutes to meld.
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