Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
1. Introduction
Asian Slaw is a refreshing, colorful, and flavor-packed salad that brings together crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a bold sesame-ginger dressing. It’s versatile enough to use as a side dish for grilled meats, a topping for tacos and burgers, or even as a light lunch on its own. While traditional coleslaw relies on creamy mayo-based dressings, Asian Slaw offers a lighter, brighter option that highlights tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
What makes this recipe stand out is the contrast in textures and the balance of flavors. Crunchy cabbage pairs beautifully with carrots, bell peppers, and green onions, while the dressing—featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil—adds depth without feeling heavy. The addition of herbs like cilantro or mint brings freshness, and the optional toppings, such as toasted sesame seeds or peanuts, introduce a satisfying crunch.
Asian Slaw is also incredibly customizable. Whether you want it spicy, nutty, sweet, or extra crunchy, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. It stays crisp for hours, making it perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, picnics, and busy weeknights. In this guide, you’ll learn not only how to prepare the perfect slaw but also how to tweak the flavors to match any meal.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Cabbage
A combination of green and red cabbage provides color, crunch, and structure. Green cabbage is mild, while red cabbage adds vibrancy and slight bitterness.
Carrots
Shredded carrots add sweetness and bright color, balancing the savory dressing.
Bell Peppers
Red or yellow bell peppers bring sweetness and juicy texture.
Green Onions
They provide mild onion flavor without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables.
Cilantro or Mint
Herbs brighten the slaw, adding a fresh and aromatic finish.
Sesame-Ginger Dressing
A mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates the signature Asian flavor profile.
Optional Add-Ins
- Edamame
- Shredded snap peas
- Napa cabbage
- Sliced chili or sriracha for heat
- Crushed peanuts or cashews
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Ramen noodles (for extra crunch)
Substitutions
- Soy sauce → Tamari or coconut aminos
- Honey → Maple syrup or sugar
- Sesame oil → Avocado oil + extra seeds
- Rice vinegar → Apple cider vinegar
- Cilantro → Parsley or mint
- Cabbage mix → Pre-shredded coleslaw blend
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Vegetables
Thinly slice the cabbage into fine shreds. Shred carrots using a grater or food processor. Slice bell peppers into thin strips and chop the green onions.
2. Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until fully combined.
3. Toss the Slaw
Add all chopped vegetables to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top.
4. Mix Thoroughly
Use tongs or clean hands to toss until the vegetables are coated evenly with the dressing.
5. Add Fresh Herbs
Stir in chopped cilantro or mint for freshness.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or chili flakes if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
4. Tips and Variations
- Slice vegetables as thinly as possible for the best texture.
- Add ramen noodles or crispy wonton strips for crunch.
- For a spicy version, add sriracha, chili oil, or sliced jalapeños.
- Swap the honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.
- Add grilled chicken or tofu to turn it into a full meal.
- For a nutty flavor, mix in peanut butter or tahini into the dressing.
- Use napa cabbage for a softer, more delicate slaw.
5. Serving Suggestions
Asian Slaw pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp
- Stir-fried noodles or fried rice
- Asian-inspired tacos
- Burgers (especially teriyaki or Korean BBQ)
- Bento bowls or rice bowls
- Dumplings or potstickers
Garnish Ideas
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Chili flakes
- Extra cilantro
Drink Pairings
- Green tea
- Coconut water
- Crisp white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling)
- Sparkling water with lime
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Asian slaw stores well for 2–3 days in the refrigerator.
- Store the dressing separately for maximum freshness.
- If dressing is added, the slaw will soften but still taste great for meal prep.
- Do not freeze; cabbage loses texture after thawing.
7. Recipe Notes
- For the crunchiest texture, add dressing right before serving.
- Always use fresh ginger for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust sweetness or acidity in the dressing based on your preference.
- Add nuts or seeds right before serving to maintain crunch.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Vitamin C | High |
| Iron | Moderate |
Nutrition varies depending on modifications and add-ins.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Salad / Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
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
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well.
- Add cilantro and mix again.
- Garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve fresh or chilled.
Notes
- Add edamame, chili flakes, or peanuts for extra flavor.
- Store dressing separately for crisp texture.
Diet Tags
- Dairy-free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan-friendly (with maple syrup substitution)
- Low-fat
Health Benefits
- High in fiber for digestion
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Low in calories but filling
- Healthy fats from sesame oil support heart health
- Cabbage supports immunity and detoxification
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store vegetables and dressing separately for best texture.
2. Can I make it spicy?
Add chili oil, sriracha, or fresh chilies.
3. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Absolutely—it saves time and works perfectly.
4. How do I keep the slaw from getting soggy?
Dress right before serving or add crunchy toppings last.
5. What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or edamame all work well.
11. Final Thoughts
Asian Slaw is a bright, crunchy, and versatile dish that works with nearly any meal. Its bold sesame-ginger dressing elevates simple vegetables into something vibrant and irresistible. Whether you serve it with grilled dishes, use it in tacos, or enjoy it as a refreshing side, this slaw always hits the mark. If you’d like a spicy version, peanut-style version, or Thai-inspired twist, just let me know!