Quick, colorful, and positively addictive, this Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw brings together crunchy cabbage, protein-packed quinoa, and a crave-worthy sesame dressing to brighten up your lunch or dinner table. With its bold flavors and irresistible texture, this nutritious salad is as perfect for meal prep lunches as it is for picnics or potlucks. You’ll want to serve this gorgeous slaw on repeat, and it’s guaranteed to win over both quinoa lovers and serious slaw skeptics alike!

Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things blissfully simple, letting the fresh veggies and zippy sesame dressing do all the talking. Each ingredient builds on the others, turning an everyday slaw into a dish that absolutely sings with flavor and texture.

Cooked Quinoa (2 cups, cooled): Quinoa gives this slaw a hearty, protein-rich foundation with a nutty flavor that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
Shredded Cabbage (3 cups, green, purple, or a mix): The cabbage delivers both crunch and bright color—go for a mix to keep it extra eye-catching!
Shredded Carrots (1 cup): These add natural sweetness and even more vibrant color to the bowl.
Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly sliced): Sweet and juicy, red bell peppers make every bite pop with flavor and contrast.
Green Onions (4, sliced): They bring a gentle onion flavor without overpowering the slaw and add a lovely fresh note.
Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): The herbaceous, citrusy kick lifts all the flavors with a burst of greenery.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons): These little flavor bombs introduce a rich sesame aroma and subtle crunch.
Sliced Almonds (1/4 cup, optional): If you’re looking for extra crunch and a touch of nuttiness, toss these in.
Rice Vinegar (1/4 cup): This mild vinegar brings tang without being harsh, perfect for tying together the dressing.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari (2 tablespoons): Delivers essential salty umami depth, and tamari keeps it gluten-free.
Toasted Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Unlocks the signature, deeply aromatic sesame flavor that defines this slaw.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and rounds out the dressing.
Honey or Maple Syrup (1 tablespoon): Just a hint of sweetness balances out all the savory and tangy notes.
Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Grated ginger brings zing and brightness, making the flavors sing.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): A subtle background warmth that brings out the dressing’s savoriness.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Needed for seasoning; always taste and adjust as you prefer.

How to Make Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw

Step 1: Mix the Base

Grab your largest mixing bowl—this slaw has plenty of volume! Add the cooled quinoa, a tumble of shredded cabbage, carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, the green onions, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and almonds if you’re using them. Gently toss everything together until it’s all beautifully combined, letting the colors and textures swirl and mingle. The base is vibrant and ready for that addictive dressing.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight lid, add rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until perfectly blended, turning into a glossy, aromatic dressing that’s bursting with flavor. The ginger and sesame aromas are seriously irresistible already!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the dressing over the veggie-quinoa mix. Using salad tongs or two big spoons, toss the salad thoroughly so every ingredient gets an even coat of that savory, sweet, and tangy dressing. This is when the slaw really comes alive! Taste and tweak the seasoning if you like—a little extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of honey can work wonders.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

You can dive in right away, but for the best flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld together, transforming the Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw into something even more spectacular. Once it’s chilled, give it a light toss and serve.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw

Garnishes

Top your Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw with extra toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh, restaurant-style finish. If you love a little spicy kick, try a pinch of chili flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili—guaranteed to wake up your taste buds!

Side Dishes

This slaw easily stands as a main or a side. Pair it with grilled chicken, crispy tofu, seared shrimp, or even just a bowl of miso soup for a meal that feels both hearty and wholesome. The flavors complement so many proteins and make just about any dinner more exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw into lettuce cups for handheld wraps, tuck it inside a whole-grain pita with sliced avocado for a grab-and-go lunch, or pile it high atop grain bowls for a nutritious, colorful twist. Don’t be afraid to get playful—this slaw is endlessly versatile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This slaw is meal prep gold! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep fresh and vibrant for up to three days. Give leftovers a gentle toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that has settled at the bottom.

Freezing

Because the fresh veggies tend to lose their crunch and release water when thawed, freezing Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw isn’t recommended. You want every bite to be crisp and flavor-packed, just like when it’s freshly made.

Reheating

This slaw is made to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’re adding warm protein, just spoon the cold slaw alongside for perfect temperature and texture contrast.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this slaw gets even better as it sits for a few hours. Just store it covered in the fridge and be sure to give it a quick toss before serving to keep everything coated and fresh.

Is this slaw gluten-free?

Yes, the Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, so you can serve this to just about anyone.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, crispy tofu, or even chickpeas are all delicious on top. Just add your favorite cooked protein for a complete, satisfying main dish.

Can I swap out the veggies?

Totally! This slaw is wonderfully adaptable. Try adding thinly sliced snap peas, cucumber, edamame, or even a handful of baby spinach to keep things fresh and exciting.

What’s the best way to toast sesame seeds?

To toast sesame seeds, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Watch closely because they toast fast!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers big flavors with a healthy twist, you simply have to put Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw on your must-make list. It’s a bright, crunchy, utterly satisfying salad you’ll be proud to share—and you’ll find yourself craving it time and again!

Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (use tamari)

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Description

This Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw is a refreshing and nutritious salad that is perfect for a light meal or a side dish. Packed with crunchy vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a flavorful sesame dressing, it’s a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Quinoa Slaw:

2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
3 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Dressing:

1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and almonds if using.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.