Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and refreshing texture
- Sweet, tangy, and savory dressing
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect side dish for many meals
- Packed with colorful fresh vegetables
- Great for meal prep and gatherings
- Light yet flavorful
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the slaw:
- green cabbage
- purple cabbage
- carrots
- green onions
- cilantro
For the dressing:
- soy sauce
- rice vinegar
- sesame oil
- honey
- lime juice
- garlic
- ginger
Optional additions:
- sliced almonds
- sesame seeds
- peanuts
- edamame
- red bell peppers
- crushed ramen noodles
Directions
- Thinly slice the green cabbage and purple cabbage.
- Shred the carrots and slice the green onions.
- Add the vegetables and cilantro to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture.
- Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add any optional toppings like sesame seeds or almonds.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Toss again before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Use napa cabbage for a softer texture.
- Add spicy chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Include mango or mandarin oranges for sweetness.
- Use peanut butter in the dressing for a creamy variation.
- Add crispy wonton strips for crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best texture:
- Add crunchy toppings just before serving.
This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
What type of cabbage works best?
Green and purple cabbage create the best color and crunch combination.
Can I make Asian slaw ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling briefly.
Is this slaw spicy?
No, but spice can be added with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes, it’s a great time-saving option.
What proteins pair well with Asian slaw?
Chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, and grilled meats pair wonderfully.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be stored separately for several days.
Is Asian slaw healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and light dressing.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What toppings add crunch?
Sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, and crispy noodles all work well.
What dishes pair well with Asian slaw?
Tacos, grilled meats, burgers, rice bowls, and barbecue dishes pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Asian Slaw is a fresh and flavorful salad filled with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a vibrant sweet and tangy dressing. Easy to prepare and versatile enough for many meals, it’s the perfect refreshing side dish for gatherings, barbecues, or everyday dinners. With its crisp texture and bold flavor, this colorful slaw is always a delicious addition to the table.
PrintAsian Slaw Recipe
Asian Slaw is a crisp and colorful salad made with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs tossed in a sweet, tangy, and savory dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish, taco topping, or light lunch, this vibrant slaw is packed with bold Asian-inspired flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup edamame (optional)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed ramen noodles (optional)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the green cabbage and purple cabbage.
- Shred the carrots and slice the green onions.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture.
- Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add optional toppings like sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, or crushed ramen noodles.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Toss again before serving.
Notes
- Pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be used for convenience.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or salmon for extra protein.
- Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Crunchy toppings should be added just before serving for the best texture.
- The dressing can be prepared ahead and stored separately.
- This slaw pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, and rice bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg