This Easy Asian Slaw is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing salad that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Featuring crisp cabbage, carrots, and colorful veggies tossed in a zesty sesame-ginger dressing, this slaw is a wonderful side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. The toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts add an extra layer of crunch, making every bite satisfying.

Unlike traditional coleslaw, this Asian-inspired version is light, fresh, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, using it as a taco topping, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this slaw is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still indulging in something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Slaw

Quick and Easy – Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats.
Versatile – Perfect as a side dish, taco topping, or light meal.
Crunchy and Flavorful – The combination of crisp veggies, sesame dressing, and crunchy toppings makes it irresistibly good.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and crisp in the fridge for days.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Easy Asian Slaw, you don’t need any complicated equipment—just a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything comes together effortlessly.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – A sharp knife is essential for finely shredding cabbage and slicing veggies evenly. A sturdy cutting board will give you enough space to work efficiently.
Mandoline Slicer (Optional) – If you want perfectly thin and uniform slices, a mandoline slicer can be a great time-saving tool.
Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a large bowl to toss the slaw together and a smaller one for whisking the dressing.
Whisk or Small Jar with Lid – A whisk helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly, but shaking them in a small jar works just as well and minimizes cleanup.
Toasting Pan (Optional) – If you’re using sesame seeds or peanuts, toasting them in a small dry pan enhances their flavor and crunch.

Having the right tools ensures that you can prepare this slaw quickly while keeping all the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Preparation Tips

Shred the Cabbage Finely – The thinner the cabbage, the better it absorbs the dressing and retains its crunch. If using a knife, slice it as finely as possible.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables will make the slaw taste crisp and flavorful. Avoid pre-packaged shredded cabbage if possible, as it can be drier.
Toast the Nuts and Seeds – Lightly toasting sesame seeds and peanuts brings out their nutty aroma and makes the slaw even more delicious.
Mix the Dressing Separately – Always whisk or shake the dressing ingredients together before adding them to the slaw to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Let It Rest – For the best flavor, let the slaw sit for at least 15–20 minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the veggies crisp.

Ingredients for This Easy Asian Slaw

For the slaw:

4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts (optional)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For the dressing:

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons olive oil

This combination of fresh veggies and a flavorful dressing creates a well-balanced, crunchy, and satisfying slaw. The optional nuts and seeds add texture and extra depth, making it even more irresistible.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, finely shred the green and red cabbage. Julienne or shred the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and chop the green onions and cilantro (if using). Place everything in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts and Seeds (Optional)

If using almonds, peanuts, or sesame seeds, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This enhances their nutty flavor and crunch. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using). Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well combined. Alternatively, place all dressing ingredients in a small jar, seal, and shake vigorously.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables in the mixing bowl. Toss everything well to ensure the slaw is evenly coated. Use tongs or clean hands to mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Let It Rest

For the best flavor, let the slaw sit for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to absorb into the vegetables while keeping them crisp.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the toasted nuts and sesame seeds over the slaw just before serving. Give it a final toss and enjoy it fresh as a side dish, taco topping, or light meal.

Notes

Make it ahead – This slaw tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
Customize the vegetables – Feel free to add shredded daikon, snap peas, or edamame for extra texture and nutrition.
Adjust the dressing – If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add more honey or maple syrup. For a tangier taste, increase the rice vinegar.
Make it nut-free – Simply omit the peanuts or almonds, or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Double the batch – This slaw keeps well in the fridge, so making a larger portion can save time for meal prep.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overdressing the slaw – Adding too much dressing can make the vegetables soggy. Start with less and add more if needed.
Skipping the resting time – Letting the slaw sit for at least 15–20 minutes enhances the flavor and texture.
Not slicing thin enough – Thick cabbage pieces won’t absorb the dressing well. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for fine shredding.
Using old cabbage – Fresh, crisp cabbage is key. Avoid pre-shredded store-bought versions if they look dry.
Forgetting to taste and adjust – Before serving, taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little more soy sauce, vinegar, or spice can make a big difference.

What to Serve With Easy Asian Slaw?

This crunchy and flavorful slaw pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it as a side or using it as a topping, here are some delicious options:

8 Great Pairings:

Grilled Chicken or Teriyaki Chicken – The freshness of the slaw balances the savory, caramelized flavors of grilled or teriyaki-glazed chicken.
Fish Tacos – Use this slaw as a topping for fish tacos to add crunch and a tangy bite.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The slaw’s acidity cuts through the richness of slow-cooked pulled pork, making for a perfect combo.
Asian-Inspired Rice Bowls – Serve it alongside jasmine rice, tofu, or grilled shrimp for a balanced meal.
BBQ Ribs or Brisket – The bright flavors contrast beautifully with smoky, tender barbecue meats.
Spring Rolls or Lettuce Wraps – Use the slaw as a crunchy filling for homemade fresh spring rolls or lettuce wraps.
Burgers or Sliders – Add a scoop of this slaw to burgers for extra texture and a punch of flavor.
Stir-Fried Noodles – Serve it as a side to balance the richness of soy-based stir-fried noodle dishes.

This slaw is so versatile that it works as both a standalone dish and a flavorful addition to other meals.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration – Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the veggies may soften over time.
Dressing Storage – If you plan to make the slaw ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss it with the vegetables just before serving to keep the slaw crisp.
Freezing? Not Recommended – Due to the high water content in cabbage and other vegetables, freezing will make the slaw soggy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)

Calories: ~120
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~300mg (varies with soy sauce used)

These numbers are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. For a lower-calorie option, reduce the sesame oil and nuts, or use a light dressing alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes! This slaw actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. However, if making it a day in advance, store the dressing separately and toss it in just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.

2. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?

Absolutely! A pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp, and consider adding extra shredded carrots or bell peppers for color and texture.

3. How do I make this slaw spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes in the dressing. You can also toss in thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it completely gluten-free.

5. What can I use instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, but the flavor will be slightly different. Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty taste that enhances the dish.

6. How do I keep the slaw from getting soggy?

The key is to avoid overdressing it. Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. Also, store the dressing separately if making the slaw ahead of time.

7. Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Definitely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even edamame for a protein boost.

8. What can I substitute for peanuts or almonds?

For a nut-free version, try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy wonton strips for added crunch.

Conclusion

Easy Asian Slaw is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish that fits into a variety of meals. It’s quick to prepare, full of crunchy textures, and packed with a delicious sesame-ginger dressing. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, topping for tacos, or part of a main course, this slaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with its versatility and meal-prep-friendly nature, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!