Crunchy Asian Slaw Recipe

Zesty Asian Slaw Recipe: Fresh Crunch with Eastern Flair

Colorful, vibrant slaws packed with crisp asian slaw recipe deliver a delightful crunch that transforms any meal.

Tangy dressings and fresh vegetables create a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

Crunchy cabbage serves as the perfect canvas for a zesty blend of ingredients.

Bright herbs and a punchy dressing bring this side dish to life with bold, refreshing notes.

The combination of textures and flavors makes this slaw a standout addition to summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Prepare to be delighted by this simple yet spectacular dish that promises to awaken your taste buds and add excitement to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 100 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Asian Slaw Recipe

For Crisp Base Vegetables:
  • Cabbage: Provides a crunchy foundation with a mild, fresh flavor that absorbs dressing beautifully.
  • Carrots: Adds vibrant orange color and sweet, earthy crunch to the slaw.
  • Bell Pepper: Brings a sweet, mild pepper taste and gorgeous color contrast.
  • Green Onions: Delivers a mild, sharp onion bite with delicate green freshness.
  • Cilantro: Introduces a bright, citrusy herb note that lifts the entire dish.
For Zesty Dressing Components:
  • Rice Vinegar: Creates a tangy, light acidic base that balances the salad's flavors.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and salty complexity to the dressing.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the dressing ingredients.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes a rich, nutty aroma characteristic of Asian cuisine.
  • Olive Oil: Smooths and rounds out the dressing's texture and flavor.
For Aromatic and Crunchy Finishing Touches:
  • Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy kick and traditional Asian flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent, robust undertone that deepens the dressing's complexity.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat that tingles the palate.
  • Almonds or Sesame Seeds: Provides a delightful crunch and toasty, nutty dimension.

Tools To Mix Up Asian Slaw Recipe

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and tossing ingredients.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking dressing ingredients.
  • Whisk: Ideal for blending dressing components smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping vegetables and herbs.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Salad Tongs or Large Spoon: Great for mixing and coating slaw with dressing.

Steps To Toss Asian Slaw Recipe Fast

  • Chop Colorful Veggie Mix

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in crisp shredded cabbage, bright carrots, vibrant bell peppers, zesty green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Your salad will look like a rainbow explosion!

  • Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a separate small bowl, blend tangy rice vinegar with rich soy sauce, sweet honey, nutty sesame oil, smooth olive oil, spicy ginger, aromatic garlic, and a hint of fiery red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and glossy.

  • Combine and Toss

Pour the magical dressing over your veggie medley and gently toss until every single piece is beautifully coated. Watch the colors and flavors dance together!

  • Add Crunchy Finishing Touch

Sprinkle a handful of sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds on top for an irresistible crunch that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

  • Let Flavors Marry

Give your slaw about 10 minutes to rest and let all those incredible flavors get to know each other. The result? A seriously delicious side dish that’ll steal the show at any meal.

Zesty Twists For Asian Slaw Recipe

  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice for extra tanginess and brightness to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the slaw vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Mix just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
  • Protein Power: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a protein-packed lunch or dinner option.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance – use less for a mild version or add more for a fiery kick that will wake up your taste buds.

Serve Asian Slaw Recipe Fresh And Cold

  • Fresh Side Dish Delight: Serve this vibrant Asian slaw alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light and refreshing meal complement.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this colorful slaw in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or lunch boxes to add excitement to your meal.
  • Taco Night Twist: Use this slaw as a zesty topping for fish tacos, pulled pork, or as a crunchy filling to elevate your Mexican-inspired dishes with an Asian flair.
  • Quick Protein Booster: Toss in some cooked edamame, grilled tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this slaw into a complete and satisfying main course salad.

How To Store Asian Slaw Recipe Properly

  • Quick Chill Method: Refrigerate the slaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the crisp texture and vibrant flavors intact.
  • Flavor Boost Tip: Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving to enhance the depth of dressing and allow ingredients to absorb seasonings.
  • Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop vegetables and store separately from dressing to maintain maximum crunchiness, mixing just before serving to prevent soggy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chopped vegetables separately up to 24 hours in advance, combining only when ready to serve for the freshest, most vibrant Asian slaw experience.
Print
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Crunchy Asian Slaw Recipe

Crunchy Asian Slaw Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Crunchy Asian slaw brings together tangy cabbage, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing in a refreshing side dish. Guests will savor complex flavors that dance across their palate with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (0.95 liters) cabbage, shredded (green, red, or mix)
  • 1 cup (237 ml) carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup (237 ml) red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (118 ml) green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup (118 ml) cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup (118 ml) almonds or sesame seeds, sliced
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) ginger, fresh, grated
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

  1. Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously transform cabbage into delicate ribbons while crafting uniform julienne cuts for carrots and bell peppers, creating a visually stunning foundation for the slaw.
  2. Herb Precision: Finely chop green onions and cilantro with surgical accuracy, ensuring optimal flavor distribution and aesthetic appeal.
  3. Dressing Alchemy: Whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey into a glossy emulsion, then integrate sesame oil, olive oil, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and red pepper flakes to develop a complex, aromatic flavor profile.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Gently cascade the vibrant dressing over the vegetable medley, using tongs to ensure every strand and morsel becomes thoroughly coated and seasoned.
  5. Flavor Maturation: Allow the slaw to rest for 10-15 minutes, permitting the ingredients to intermingle and develop a harmonious taste experience.
  6. Final Flourish: Elevate the dish by sprinkling sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds across the surface, introducing a delightful textural contrast and nutty dimension.
  7. Serving Recommendation: Present the slaw chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing, palate-awakening accompaniment that promises a symphony of culinary sensations.

Notes

  • Precision in Chopping: Uniform vegetable cuts ensure even flavor distribution and an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
  • Marination Magic: Let the slaw rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, transforming the dish from good to extraordinary.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap honey with agave or maple syrup for vegan options, and use gluten-free soy sauce for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Texture Boost: Add toasted almonds or sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess, elevating the slaw’s sensory experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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