Cabbage Core Slaw Salad (Printable)

Crunchy cabbage cores mixed with carrot and green onions, dressed in toasted sesame oil and topped with seeds.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups shredded cabbage cores (from approximately 1 medium cabbage)
02 - 1 cup 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 freshly grated ginger
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

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms leftover cabbage cores into something genuinely crave-worthy and fiber-packed.
  • The sesame dressing is nutty and balanced, making this feel more like a celebration than just salad.
  • Everything comes together in 15 minutes with just a knife and a bowl, no cooking required.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time—those 10 minutes completely transform how the vegetables taste, making them tender and flavorful instead of just crunchy.
  • Toasting your own seeds instead of using raw ones changes everything about the slaw; the warmth brings out oils and flavors that make the whole dish feel intentional.
03 -
  • A microplane grater makes ginger disappear into the dressing without any fibrous pieces, creating a smoother, more refined flavor that feels professional.
  • If you can't find toasted sesame oil, you can lightly toast raw seeds separately and add them to regular sesame oil, though the bottled version saves you time and tastes incredible.
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