Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish for any time of year: easy sesame quinoa slaw! This slaw is a refreshing burst of flavor and crunch that you can whip up in no time. Seriously, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish! I love how the nutty sesame dressing pairs perfectly with the crispness of the veggies. It’s such a versatile dish, too—serve it as a side with grilled chicken, toss it in with some tofu for a light lunch, or just enjoy it on its own. And the best part? It’s not just delicious; it’s packed with healthy ingredients! Quinoa adds that lovely protein boost, while the shredded cabbage and carrots bring vibrant color and nutrients. Trust me, once you try this easy sesame quinoa slaw, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. You’ll be coming back for seconds, I promise!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful easy sesame quinoa slaw. I promise, it’s all super simple and straightforward!
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—this makes the whole process smoother and way more fun! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this easy sesame quinoa slaw! I’ll guide you through each step to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
Cooking the Quinoa
First things first, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness. Next, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the water is absorbed, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to fluff up. After that, use a fork to fluff the quinoa and let it cool while you prepare the veggies.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooling, grab your cabbage, carrots, and green onions. For the cabbage, I like to use a sharp knife and chop it into thin strips. The thinner, the better for that perfect crunch! For the carrots, you can either shred them using a box grater or a food processor—whatever works best for you. Finally, chop the green onions into small pieces, using both the white and green parts for flavor. Once everything is prepped, toss them all together in a large mixing bowl.
Making the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined. You want to make sure everything is mixed thoroughly so that the flavors blend beautifully. Trust me, this dressing is what ties the slaw together!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time for the fun part! Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with your veggies. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss it all together until the quinoa and vegetables are evenly coated. Don’t be shy—get in there and mix it well! Finally, sprinkle the sesame seeds on top before serving. And there you have it—your easy sesame quinoa slaw is ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This easy sesame quinoa slaw comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with nutritious quinoa, vibrant veggies, and a delicious sesame dressing, it’s a guilt-free delight.
- Versatile dish: Enjoy it as a side, or make it a meal by adding your favorite protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
- Make ahead: It stores beautifully in the fridge, getting even better as the flavors meld!
- Vegan-friendly: Suitable for all diets, making it a hit at gatherings!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy sesame quinoa slaw turns out amazing every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey based on your taste. If you want a little kick, try adding a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. For serving, this slaw is fantastic chilled, but if you enjoy it warm, it’s still delicious! You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for a serving of this easy sesame quinoa slaw. Each serving contains about 180 calories, 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also get around 4 grams of fiber, which is fantastic! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. It’s a wholesome dish that provides a nourishing punch in every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my easy sesame quinoa slaw? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! This slaw actually tastes even better after sitting for a bit in the fridge. I recommend making it a few hours in advance or even the day before your event for the best flavor.
Is this quinoa salad gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this easy sesame quinoa slaw is a gluten-free delight. Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions!
Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
For sure! Feel free to throw in any crunchy veggies you love—bell peppers, cucumbers, or even radishes work wonderfully here!
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your slaw will keep fresh for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
What can I serve this slaw with?
This slaw makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, but it’s also great on its own or as a topping for tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy sesame quinoa slaw is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. I love how the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier! If you want to enjoy it warm, just give it a quick toss in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, but honestly, it’s just as delightful cold. So, whether you’re having it straight from the fridge or warming it up, you can’t go wrong with this slaw!
Print
Easy Sesame Quinoa Slaw: 30 Minutes to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and simple slaw made with quinoa and sesame dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Combine quinoa and water in a pot, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Add cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour dressing over and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Great as a side dish or light meal.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy sesame quinoa slaw, quinoa salad, healthy slaw, vegan salad