It comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
The dressing is sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
It pairs well with many main dishes and cuisines.
You can easily customize it with extra vegetables or protein.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Green cabbage
Purple cabbage
Carrots
Green onions
Cilantro
Sliced almonds or peanuts
Sesame seeds
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Honey or brown sugar
Fresh ginger
Garlic
Lime juice
Directions
Thinly slice the green and purple cabbage and place them in a large bowl.
Add shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and ginger to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
Top with sliced almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Chill for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Add shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a complete meal.
Use napa cabbage for a softer texture.
Add edamame, bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for extra crunch.
Make it spicy with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Replace almonds with cashews or sunflower seeds.
Storage/Reheating
Store Asian Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the freshest texture, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
This dish is served cold and does not require reheating.
If the slaw softens over time, toss it again before serving.
FAQs
What is Asian Slaw made of?
Asian Slaw typically includes cabbage, carrots, fresh herbs, crunchy toppings, and a flavorful sesame-based dressing.
Can I make Asian Slaw ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately a day in advance.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage, purple cabbage, or napa cabbage all work well.
Is Asian Slaw healthy?
Yes. It is packed with fresh vegetables and can be made lighter by adjusting the dressing ingredients.
Can I make this slaw vegetarian?
Yes. Simply use plant-based ingredients and avoid adding meat.
What proteins pair well with Asian Slaw?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, or pork pair wonderfully with this slaw.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes. Coleslaw mix is a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
How do I keep the slaw crunchy?
Store the dressing separately until ready to serve whenever possible.
Can I make the dressing sweeter or tangier?
Yes. Adjust the honey, lime juice, or rice vinegar to your taste.
What can I serve with Asian Slaw?
It pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, tacos, rice bowls, or noodle dishes.
Conclusion
Asian Slaw is a fresh and flavorful side dish that adds crunch and brightness to any meal. With crisp vegetables and a delicious sesame dressing, this easy recipe is perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or everyday dinners.
This easy Asian Slaw recipe combines crunchy cabbage, carrots, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing for a fresh and vibrant side dish. Perfect for meal prep, tacos, rice bowls, grilled chicken, or summer gatherings.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Side Dish
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:Asian-Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
4 green onions, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup sliced almonds or peanuts
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Dressing
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Instructions
Thinly slice the green cabbage and purple cabbage and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add the shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and ginger until fully combined.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the slaw with sliced almonds or peanuts and sesame seeds.
Chill the slaw for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Coleslaw mix can be used as a quick shortcut.Napa cabbage creates a softer texture and milder flavor.Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame to make it a complete meal.For extra spice, add sriracha, chili crisp, or red pepper flakes.Store the dressing separately if making ahead for maximum crunch.