This Sesame Almond Slaw is an exciting twist on traditional coleslaw—combining crunchy ramen noodles, shredded cabbage and romaine, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds and sesame seeds. It’s all tossed in a tangy sesame-soy dressing that’s light yet bursting with flavor.
Perfect as a side for your grilled dishes or a refreshing standalone lunch, this slaw offers the ideal mix of texture and taste. With only 20 minutes from prep to plate, it’s a go-to for busy days or impromptu picnics. Plus, it’s flexible—add chicken or tofu to make it a full meal, or swap veggies depending on what’s fresh in your fridge.
Full Recipe:
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1 package (3 oz) ramen noodles (half used)
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¾ cup shredded cabbage
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¾ cup shredded romaine
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2 tbsp sliced green onion
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2 tsp slivered almonds, toasted
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2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1½ tsp sugar
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1½ tsp canola oil
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1 tsp water
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½ tsp sesame oil
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¼ tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
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Dash salt
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Dash pepper
Directions:
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Break apart half the ramen noodles and set aside the unused portion with the seasoning packet for later use.
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In a large bowl, combine the broken noodles, shredded cabbage, romaine, green onion, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds.
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In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, add rice vinegar, sugar, canola oil, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until well mixed.
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Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.
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Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cooking Time: 0 minutes / Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 187 kcal per serving / Servings: 2 servings
A Fresh Take on Slaw: Discover the Flavor of Sesame Almond Slaw
When it comes to light, refreshing, and vibrant salads, few dishes are as satisfying and versatile as Sesame Almond Slaw. This crunchy medley brings together the best of textures and Asian-inspired flavors into a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick side to accompany a grilled main dish or a flavorful lunch that won’t weigh you down, this slaw delivers in every bite.
What sets this slaw apart is the combination of classic slaw vegetables with toasted sesame seeds, almonds, and a tangy homemade dressing that balances sweet, sour, salty, and nutty notes. It’s the kind of salad that holds its own on the table—simple in concept, but complex in flavor.
A Culinary Fusion: Asian-Inspired Meets American Comfort
Sesame Almond Slaw is a modern interpretation of traditional American coleslaw with a twist. While classic coleslaw leans heavily on creamy mayonnaise-based dressings, this version draws inspiration from Asian ingredients such as sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ramen noodles.
The result is a slaw that retains the crunch and freshness of its Western counterpart but elevates the flavor profile through layers of umami, nuttiness, and brightness. The toasted almonds and sesame seeds add warmth and texture, making it an excellent palate cleanser and a compelling side that pairs well with everything from grilled chicken and fish to tofu and rice dishes.
Texture Is Everything
One of the most compelling aspects of this slaw is its remarkable texture. The base is typically composed of shredded cabbage and romaine lettuce, which provide a crisp, fresh foundation. Layered onto this are broken pieces of uncooked ramen noodles—yes, the kind from the instant packets you may have enjoyed in college. When tossed with the dressing, the noodles soften ever so slightly while still retaining a crunch that adds serious character to the dish.
The toasted almonds and sesame seeds contribute a deep, earthy crunch and nutty undertone that enhances each bite. This harmony of crisp vegetables and crunchy toppings keeps the mouthfeel lively and makes the slaw genuinely satisfying to eat on its own or as part of a bigger meal.
The Dressing: Light Yet Flavor-Packed
At the heart of this slaw’s flavor is its dressing—light in consistency, but bold in taste. This isn’t your heavy, creamy dressing. Instead, it’s a blend of rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. These ingredients come together to create a vinaigrette that’s both sweet and savory, with a subtle tang and a depth of flavor that enhances the vegetables rather than overpowering them.
What’s particularly appealing about this type of dressing is its health-conscious appeal. It adds flavor without adding excess fat or heaviness. It’s also quick to mix and doesn’t require any cooking or emulsifying, making it accessible for even the most beginner home cooks.
Customizable and Meal-Prep Friendly
One of the reasons this dish has become a go-to for many home cooks is its incredible flexibility. You can easily modify Sesame Almond Slaw to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free ramen noodles or swap in rice noodles. Looking for extra protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame. Craving a spicy kick? Toss in some sliced chili or a dash of Sriracha to the dressing.
This dish also holds up well in the fridge, especially if you wait to add the dressing just before serving. That makes it ideal for meal prep—prepare the chopped vegetables and keep the dressing separate in a small jar. When you’re ready to eat, just shake and toss. It’s perfect for lunches, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Great for Entertaining or Everyday Eating
Sesame Almond Slaw isn’t just a healthy salad—it’s a crowd-pleaser. Its bold yet balanced flavors make it a standout dish on a potluck table, picnic spread, or barbecue buffet. Guests are often surprised by the crunch of the ramen noodles and the richness that toasted sesame and almonds bring to the mix.
Because of its broad appeal, it works well across different dietary preferences, and you can easily adapt it to be vegan or vegetarian. It’s free from dairy, can be made gluten-free, and contains healthy fats and fiber that make it a more nutritious option than traditional slaws.
Nutrition Benefits That Don’t Compromise Taste
In addition to being easy to make and delicious to eat, Sesame Almond Slaw packs a respectable nutritional punch. The cabbage and romaine provide essential vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. The almonds and sesame seeds contribute healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Even though the noodles are a processed element, using only half a pack means they contribute crunch without excessive calories or sodium.
The dressing, while flavorful, uses minimal added sugar and oils. The result is a dish that’s low in calories but high in taste, making it a smart choice for anyone trying to eat lighter without sacrificing satisfaction.
Tips to Elevate Your Sesame Almond Slaw
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Toast with Care: Always toast your almonds and sesame seeds for the best flavor. It brings out their natural oils and deepens their aroma, making a noticeable difference in the final dish.
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Use Fresh Greens: Crisp, fresh cabbage and romaine are essential. Avoid bagged slaw mix if it looks wilted or too finely shredded. The heartier the greens, the better the crunch.
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Serve Freshly Dressed: For maximum crunch, add the dressing just before serving. If you prefer the noodles to soften a bit, let the dressed slaw sit for 5–10 minutes.
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Double the Batch: This slaw tends to disappear quickly, so don’t hesitate to double or triple the recipe for larger groups or leftovers.
Cultural Appeal and Modern-Day Relevance
Today’s food culture values simplicity, flavor, and global inspiration—and Sesame Almond Slaw checks all those boxes. It reflects a broader trend of blending cuisines and creating dishes that are both familiar and novel. Its appeal transcends specific diets or meal types, making it ideal for weekday lunches, picnic baskets, or even elegant dinner parties.
This is a recipe that satisfies both the health-conscious eater and the flavor seeker, and its minimal ingredient list and prep time make it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it looks fantastic when plated—colorful, textured, and vibrant, ideal for Instagram-worthy food photos or polished food blogs.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Sesame Almond Slaw Today
Sesame Almond Slaw is more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of contrast and harmony. With a satisfying crunch, a vibrant blend of flavors, and a light yet impactful dressing, it’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet without the stress. It’s fast to assemble, easy to customize, and endlessly refreshing.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. Its adaptability, nutrition, and downright deliciousness make it a standout star at any table. Add it to your weeknight lineup, bring it to your next gathering, or enjoy it as a light lunch—the versatility is endless.
So go ahead and give this slaw a try. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s quickly becoming a modern classic.
