Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw Recipe
This Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring shredded cabbage, fresh scallions, and cilantro, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a refreshing accompaniment to any meal or as a light stand-alone salad, this recipe balances crisp textures with savory notes of sesame, ginger, and garlic.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Slaw Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/4 lb cabbage, shredded (about 6–7 cups)
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped (or substitute Italian parsley)
Asian Slaw Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (start conservatively and adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar, maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative like Bragg’s or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or ginger paste)
- 1 garlic clove, grated or garlic paste (optional, for punchy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or chili paste (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Roasted, crushed peanuts or cashews
- Prepare the Slaw Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced scallions, and chopped cilantro or parsley, tossing them together to mix well.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, toasted sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, your choice of sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar), soy sauce or alternative, grated fresh ginger, garlic (if using), salt, and chili flakes or chili paste if desired.
- Toss and Adjust: Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, sweetener, or sesame oil according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and/or crushed roasted peanuts or cashews on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, shred the cabbage roughly to keep some crunch.
- Adjust the toasted sesame oil gradually to avoid overpowering the dressing.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce alternatives if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Garlic and chili elements are optional but add depth and a little heat to the dish.
- Optional toppings add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut allergies.
Keywords: Asian slaw, crunchy slaw, cabbage salad, easy slaw recipe, Asian salad dressing, gluten-free slaw option, healthy side dish, vegan slaw