Shaved Cabbage Apple Carrot

Last summer my neighbor brought over an overflowing head of cabbage from her garden and I had no idea what to do with all of it. I started shaving it thin, tossing in whatever crisp vegetables I had in the fridge, and whisking together this sesame dressing on a whim. Now it's become my go-to when I need something refreshing but substantial.

I made this for a potluck last month and watched three different people ask for the recipe within ten minutes of arriving. Something about the combination of sweet apples and earthy sesame just works in a way that surprises people every time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups green cabbage: Shaving it paper thin rather than chopping makes all the difference in texture
• 2 medium carrots: Julienned into matchsticks for that satisfying snap in every bite
• 1 large crisp apple: Fuji or Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully and add natural sweetness
• 2 scallions: Their mild onion flavor bridges the gap between sweet and savory
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Optional but adds such a bright fresh finish
• 3 tbsp tahini: The creamy backbone that makes the dressing feel luxurious
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Provides just enough acid to cut through the rich tahini
• 1 tbsp soy sauce: Use tamari if you need this gluten free
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the tanginess and helps the dressing cling to the vegetables
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Dont skip this, its what gives the dressing its signature depth
• 1 tbsp water plus more as needed: Adjust until you reach pourable consistency
• 1 tsp fresh ginger: Grated finely so it disperses evenly throughout the dressing
• 1 small garlic clove: Minced until almost paste like for smooth integration
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle these right before serving for maximum aroma
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews: Add protein and even more crunch texture

Instructions

Build your crunchy base:

Combine the shaved cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced apple, scallions, and cilantro in your largest salad bowl, giving yourself plenty of room to toss everything together later.

Whisk up the magic dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, water, ginger, and garlic until completely smooth. Add another teaspoon of water at a time if it seems too thick to pour.

Bring it all together:

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly with your hands or tongs until every single piece is coated in that creamy sesame goodness.

Add the finishing touches:

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped nuts over the top right before serving so they stay crunchy and fragrant.

Save

My daughter who normally turns her nose up at cabbage asked if we could have this twice in one week. Watching her discover that vegetables could actually be exciting was one of those small parenting victories I'll cherish.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I'll add thinly sliced radishes or snap peas for even more crunch and color variation. The beauty of this salad is how forgiving it is with substitutions and additions.

Pairing Suggestions

Grilled chicken or marinated tofu turn this from a side into a complete meal. The sesame dressing also pairs beautifully with salmon or shrimp for a light dinner.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can prep all the vegetables and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing in a jar and give it a good shake before combining everything.

• Wait to add the nuts and seeds until serving time
• Apples may oxidize slightly but tossing them with a little extra lemon juice helps
• The cabbage actually benefits from sitting in the dressing for those 10 minutes

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about a salad that actually fills you up and makes you feel good. This one has become my answer to the question what can I bring that everyone will actually eat.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the cabbage extra crunchy?

Use very thin shavings and serve immediately after tossing. Chilling the cabbage beforehand and draining any excess liquid from sliced apple helps maintain crispness.

→ How can I thin or thicken the tahini dressing?

Add water a teaspoon at a time to thin until pourable. To thicken, reduce the water or add a little more tahini. Warm dressing slightly and whisk to loosen if it seizes.

→ What are good nut-free topping options?

Toast sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or use toasted sesame seeds alone. Crispy fried shallots also add texture without nuts.

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables separately up to a day ahead. Combine and dress just before serving to preserve crunch; if dressed early, expect a softer texture after 10–30 minutes.

→ What protein pairs well with this bowl?

Grilled chicken, seared tofu, or pan-roasted prawns complement the sesame-tahini flavors and add heartiness for a main-course meal.

→ How do I adjust flavors for a salt-free diet?

Omit soy sauce and boost acidity with extra rice vinegar and a touch of citrus. Add a pinch of toasted sesame oil and more grated ginger for depth.