Name: Asian Slaw
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

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Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a salad that’s vibrant, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, this Asian Slaw is for you. It’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, easy weeknight dinners, or meal prep. With colorful veggies and a tangy, sesame-ginger dressing, every bite is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and zesty. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Asian Slaw

Quick and easy to make—ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.

Packed with crisp, fresh veggies for amazing texture and nutrition.
The sweet and tangy sesame-ginger dressing is irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or a healthy side any day of the week.

Entirely customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Asian Slaw Ingredients

3 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 green onions, sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the dressing:
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
1 clove garlic, minced

How to Make Asian Slaw: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Shred the green and red cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Grate the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and chop the cilantro and green onions. Place all the veggies in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Asian Slaw Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, sriracha (if using), and minced garlic until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra depth, check out this guide to making perfect sesame dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the prepared veggies. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand and slice. Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with roasted peanuts or cashews and toasted sesame seeds just before serving for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy your crunchy Asian Slaw!

Notes for Making the Best Asian Slaw

Make sure to slice the veggies thinly for the best texture. A mandoline is super helpful for this step—learn more about safe slicing with a mandoline here.
If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add an extra teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
For a nut-free version, swap nuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Asian Slaw Variations

Thai-Style Asian Slaw: Add chopped Thai basil and a squeeze of lime, and use fish sauce instead of soy for an umami kick.
Asian Slaw with Chicken: Toss in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed main.
Spicy Korean-Style Slaw: Add 1 tablespoon gochujang and swap out the sriracha for extra heat and a deeper flavor.

Required Equipment for Asian Slaw

Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Cutting board
Large mixing bowl

Small bowl or jar for dressing
Tongs or salad servers

How to Store Asian Slaw (Shelf Life & Tips)

Store leftover Asian Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the nuts and seeds separate and add them just before serving. The veggies will soften slightly over time but will still be tasty and refreshing.

What to Serve with Asian Slaw

Serve alongside grilled meats, bao buns, or fish tacos for a burst of crunch and freshness.
As a topping for sandwiches or burgers for extra flavor and texture.
It’s a tasty side for Asian-inspired dishes like Korean BBQ bulgogi or teriyaki chicken.

Pro Tips for the Best Asian Slaw

Let the slaw rest for 10-15 minutes after dressing so the flavors can fully develop.
Use toasted sesame oil for a deeply nutty, authentic Asian flavor.
Customize with your favorite crunchy veggies like snap peas or radishes—explore more slaw variations at Cooking Light.

Asian Slaw FAQ

Can I make Asian Slaw ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prep the veggies and dressing a day in advance and toss together just before serving for maximum crunch.
Is Asian Slaw gluten-free?: Yes, if you use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, this recipe is entirely gluten-free.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all delicious additions to turn this slaw into a hearty meal.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Serves: 6-8

Asian Slaw