Summer barbecues are just better with a crisp, refreshing slaw on the table. This Asian Slaw is my family’s go-to recipe, made with simple ingredients and a bright, tangy dressing. It’s also incredibly versatile, a delightful side for almost any grilled meat, or a fantastic topping for burgers and sandwiches!
I love that this ASIAN SLAW takes only minutes to put together, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and add-ins. Let me walk you through how to make it!
Why This Recipe Shines
This Asian Slaw is a winner for so many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: It takes only minutes to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing is incredibly refreshing.
- Versatile: It’s delicious as a side dish, a topping for burgers and sandwiches, or even a light lunch on its own.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or nuts for a personalized touch.
Asian Slaw
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This vibrant Asian Slaw is a quick and easy side dish, perfect for summer barbecues or a light lunch. It combines crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing flavor explosion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and red mix recommended)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Consider toasting the sesame seeds for enhanced flavor. This slaw can be prepared a day in advance. Store the dressing and slaw separately in airtight containers, then combine before serving. Adjust the honey and soy sauce to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toss
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful slaw:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage: I like a mix of green and red cabbage for extra color, but feel free to use all green. For convenience, use a pre-shredded bag of coleslaw mix from the produce section.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: You can shred your own carrots or buy pre-shredded to save time.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: These add a nice mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note. If you aren’t a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute parsley.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the slaw.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For that classic umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way; it has a distinct nutty aroma.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch.
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For extra flavor: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This enhances their nutty taste.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dressing and the slaw separately up to a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine just before serving. This is a great tip for busy weeknights or potlucks! Check our other Desserts for something sweet to bring along.
- Adjust to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce in the dressing to suit your taste.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Slaw: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Peanut Slaw: Toss in some chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch and protein.
- Mandarin Orange Slaw: Add a can of drained mandarin oranges for a burst of citrusy sweetness. Consider adding a different twist with our delicious Breakfast recipes to your morning routine.
- Ginger Slaw: Grate a small piece of fresh ginger into the dressing for a warm, zesty flavor.
- Noodle Slaw: Add some cooked and cooled rice noodles or thin egg noodles for a heartier dish.
How long does this Asian Slaw last in the fridge?
This slaw is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage may soften slightly over time.
Can I add other veggies to this slaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or edamame. You can also add some crunch with chopped peanuts or cashews.
What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What should I serve with Asian Slaw?
This slaw pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. It’s also great on burgers or sandwiches, or as a side for tacos.
Pairs & Plates
This Asian Slaw is a versatile side dish that goes well with all kinds of grilled proteins: grilled chicken, fish, or pork chops. It’s also a great addition to burgers or sandwiches for a touch of freshness and crunch. Try it alongside some grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory combination. For more delicious dinner ideas, browse our Dinner recipes. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light lunch!
That’s a Wrap
This Asian Slaw is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for summer cookouts or a light lunch. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and packed with flavor. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to share your slaw creations – tag us on Instagram! Or, if you’re looking for more simple side dish inspiration, check out our Lunch category page. You can also find us over on Facebook and Pinterest. Happy cooking!
