Korean slaw is a total game-changer when it comes to salads. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s the kind of dish that makes you excited to eat your greens.
Crunchy cabbage, crisp carrots, and a zingy dressing come together for a flavor explosion that’s anything but boring. This slaw is perfect as a side or even as a main event on its own.
And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, so there’s no need to stress about dinner. Just toss everything together and let the flavors do their thing.

What You’ll Need
Ready to whip up a vibrant Korean slaw that’s as crunchy as it is colorful? Let’s get to the good stuff!
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How to Make It
Ready to whip up some Korean Slaw magic? Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, crunch-filled bowl that’ll wow your taste buds in no time. Let’s get slaw-ing!
- Shred the cabbages: Grab your green and red cabbage, and shred them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into a large mixing bowl—this is where the magic starts!
- Add the carrots: Next up, take those julienned carrots and throw them into the bowl with the cabbage. The more color, the better, right?
- Slice the green onions: Chop up your green onions and add them to the mix. They’ll bring a nice crunch and a pop of flavor.
- Chop the cilantro: Give your cilantro a rough chop and toss it in. It’s like a fresh herb party in your bowl!
- Spice it up: Slice your red chili pepper (adjust to your spice level) and add it to the salad. This will give your slaw a little kick!
- Toast the sesame seeds: If you haven’t already, toast those sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. Then sprinkle them over the salad for that nutty flavor.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. This dressing is going to bring everything together!
- Combine it all: Pour the dressing over your colorful salad and toss it all together. Make sure every crunchy piece gets coated in that deliciousness.
- Let it chill: If you have the time, let your slaw sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and makes it even tastier!
- Serve and enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your vibrant Korean slaw! It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light meal on its own.
Ready to crunch your way to happiness? You’ve got this!

How to Tweak It
Ready to take your slaw to the next level? Here are some fun tweaks to amp up the flavor and crunch.
- Switch up the cabbage: Try adding napa cabbage or bok choy for a different texture and flavor profile. It’ll keep things interesting and add a new twist to your slaw.
- Mix in some fruit: Toss in some diced apples or mandarin oranges for a hint of sweetness. The fruity addition will balance out the savory flavors beautifully.
- Bulk it up with protein: Add some shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling. This way, you can turn your slaw into a satisfying meal.
- Experiment with nuts: Throw in some chopped peanuts or cashews for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. They’ll add a delightful texture that complements the veggies.
- Change the dressing: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. You can also try a sesame ginger dressing for a different flavor kick.
- Add some crunch with seeds: Sprinkle in some pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added texture and a nutritional boost. They’re a great way to enhance that crunch factor.
- Incorporate more herbs: Fresh mint or basil can elevate your slaw with a refreshing twist. Just a handful will brighten up the whole dish.
- Top it off with avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, making your slaw even more satisfying.
- Include pickled veggies: Add some pickled radishes or carrots for an extra zing. They’ll bring a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the slaw.
And that’s a wrap on your Korean Slaw Recipe! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. If you have any questions or make any fun tweaks, drop a comment below and let me know. Enjoy the crunch and color, and happy salad-ing!
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