Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad (Fresh, Crunchy & Takeout-Inspired)

Sarah Smith
Jan 25
2 min read

Colorful Asian salad with cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sesame seeds in a large white bowl with a wooden serving spoon.

This Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad is fresh, crisp, and tossed in a creamy sesame-ginger dressing that tastes just like your favorite takeout salad. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions, it’s an easy side or light meal that pairs perfectly with Sesame Chicken, Sweet Chili Shrimp, or a cozy Ground Pork Noodle Bowl for a balanced Asian-inspired dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold sesame flavor with irresistible crunch
Comes together in minutes with simple ingredients
Perfect balance to noodles and skillet dinners
Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize
Great make-ahead salad that holds up well

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4–6

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~210 per serving
Protein: ~4g
Carbohydrates: ~16g
Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~3g
Sodium: varies based on the soy sauce used

Ingredients

Salad

6 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Sesame Dressing

¼ cup neutral oil (avocado or canola)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 small clove of garlic, finely minced

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to mix.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until fully emulsified.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Toss again just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add crispy wonton strips or crushed ramen noodles for extra crunch
Top with shredded chicken or shrimp to make it a meal
Swap almonds for peanuts or cashews
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Use purple cabbage for extra color and crunch

Make-Ahead & Storage

This salad holds up well thanks to the sturdy cabbage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQ

Does this salad get soggy? No. Cabbage stays crisp much longer than lettuce, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes. The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Is this salad sweet? It’s lightly sweet and well-balanced. You can reduce the honey slightly if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the spotlight. Crisp, refreshing, and packed with sesame flavor, it’s the perfect contrast to saucy noodles and skillet dinners. Whether you serve it alongside takeout-style favorites or enjoy it on its own, this salad brings freshness and crunch to any cozy Asian-inspired meal.