These vibrant Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps are a fresh, crunchy, and satisfying meal that brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. With a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, this slaw is perfect for wrapping in crispy lettuce leaves or soft tortillas, making for a light yet filling dish that’s packed with goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and crunchy: The combination of green and red cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers offers a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Flavorful and zesty: The sesame-ginger dressing ties the slaw together with its tangy, savory, and nutty notes, while optional Sriracha adds a touch of heat.
Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your dietary preferences by adding your favorite proteins, such as chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.

Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sesame Cabbage Slaw:

1/2 medium head green cabbage (about 4 cups shredded)
1/4 medium head red cabbage (about 2 cups shredded)
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1.5 cups)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, can be substituted with parsley or omitted)

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:

1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if desired, plus more for garnish)
Optional: 1 teaspoon Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes

For Assembling the Wraps:

8–12 large lettuce leaves (e.g., Butter lettuce, Romaine hearts, or Iceberg cups)
OR 4–6 large whole wheat tortillas (or other wraps of your choice, e.g., spinach, low-carb)

Optional Additions & Protein Boosters:

1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 block (14-16 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed/crumbled (pan-fried or baked)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked and shelled edamame
1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews
Sliced avocado

directions

Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions (separate the white and green parts). Add the chopped cilantro if using, and toss everything together.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and optional Sriracha or red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Toss the slaw: Pour the dressing over the prepared slaw and toss everything well to coat evenly. Let the slaw sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate and develop.
Assemble the wraps:
- For lettuce wraps: Take each lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the sesame cabbage slaw into the center. Add your choice of protein, such as shredded chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, and top with additional toppings like peanuts or avocado.
- For tortilla wraps: Lay out a tortilla and place the slaw mixture in the center. Add your protein of choice and any optional toppings, then roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling.
Serve: Garnish the wraps with extra sesame seeds, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (if preparing tofu or protein)
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use a different protein: Swap the chicken or tofu for other proteins like shrimp, tempeh, or seitan.
Make it vegan: Use maple syrup in the dressing and tofu or chickpeas as the protein source for a vegan option.
Add more crunch: Throw in some sliced almonds or crispy fried onions for an extra crunch.
Change up the greens: Instead of lettuce or tortillas, try using collard greens, rice paper wraps, or whole-grain pita.

storage/reheating

To store: Store the slaw and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The slaw may soften a bit after sitting, but it will still be delicious.
To reheat: If using a protein like tofu or chicken, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your wraps.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes! Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage can be great alternatives for a different texture or flavor.

2. How do I make this slaw spicier?

Increase the amount of Sriracha or red pepper flakes in the dressing to suit your spice preference.

3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

4. Can I make these wraps without the slaw?

Absolutely! You can use the slaw as a topping or side dish for the wraps, or substitute it with other fillings like shredded lettuce, rice, or cooked grains.

5. What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil or another neutral oil, though you’ll miss the distinct nutty flavor sesame oil provides.

6. Can I add fruit to the slaw?

Yes! Pineapple, mango, or apple slices would add a nice touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose gluten-free tortillas or wraps.

8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or tofu?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked tofu for convenience—just chop or crumble as needed.

9. Can I freeze this slaw?

It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze the slaw (without the dressing) and the protein separately for up to 1 month. Just thaw and assemble when ready to eat.

10. What other vegetables can I add to the slaw?

Shredded cucumber, bell peppers, or radishes can add additional texture and flavor to the slaw.

Conclusion

These Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps are a fresh, healthy, and customizable meal that combines the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and protein. Whether served as a light lunch or dinner, these wraps are filled with vibrant vegetables and topped with a tangy, savory dressing. They’re not only easy to make but also a fun, interactive meal that can be tailored to your tastes!