Vibrant Sesame Ginger Slaw

Asian Slaw: A Burst of Flavor and Color for Any Meal

Discover the vibrant simplicity of Asian Slaw, an effortless and refreshingly colorful side dish that promises to elevate your culinary experience. Featuring crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, pungent green onions, and a delectable sesame oil dressing, this slaw is a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of Asian-inspired dishes, from succulent takeout chicken to tender pork. Its bright flavors and satisfying crunch make it a beloved staple for quick weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend gatherings alike.

More than just a side, this versatile Asian Slaw can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Transform it into a hearty lunch by incorporating crunchy ramen noodles and cooked protein like our Sticky Asian Chicken. It also serves as an excellent, lighter alternative to traditional vegetable sides in recipes such as our Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls, adding a dynamic layer of flavor and texture that perfectly complements rich main courses.

Overhead shot of Asian cabbage slaw with carrots and edamame in a white bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Slaw Recipe

In a world of complex recipes, sometimes all you need is a dish that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This Asian Slaw perfectly fits the bill. It’s not just a beautiful dish; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Quick: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this slaw comes together faster than most takeout orders. It’s the ideal last-minute addition to any meal.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of crisp vegetables and a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet dressing creates an irresistible flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Vibrantly Colorful: The medley of purple and green cabbage, bright orange carrots, and emerald edamame makes for a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress. Eating the rainbow has never been so delicious!
Incredibly Versatile: Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a larger meal, this slaw adapts beautifully. Add your favorite protein or crunchy toppings to make it your own.
Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables, this slaw is a fantastic way to boost your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy often.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The slaw holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping throughout the week. The flavors even deepen over time!

Nothing truly compares to a homemade salad that’s vibrant, bursting with flavor, and loaded with exciting textures. This Asian Slaw achieves just that, thanks to its thoughtful combination of ingredients and a dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Asian Slaw

Crafting the perfect Asian slaw begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each component contributes to a harmonious blend of taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

For the Slaw Base:

Purple Cabbage: Provides a gorgeous pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Rich in antioxidants, it’s not just pretty but also incredibly healthy. Shred it thinly for the best texture.
Green Cabbage: Offers a slightly milder flavor and complements the purple cabbage beautifully, adding another layer of texture and volume.
Carrots: Sweet and earthy, carrots add natural sweetness and an appealing orange hue. Thinly sliced or julienned carrots integrate seamlessly into the slaw.
Green Onions: Also known as scallions, these contribute a fresh, mild oniony bite without overpowering the other flavors. Chop them finely for even distribution.
Edamame Beans: A fantastic addition for both color and protein. These vibrant green soybeans offer a slightly firm, chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp cabbage. You can use shelled frozen edamame, simply thaw them before adding.

For the Irresistible Sesame Oil Dressing:

The dressing is truly the heart of this Asian Slaw, infusing every bite with its characteristic sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s incredibly easy to whisk together.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Forms the savory backbone of the dressing. Opting for low-sodium helps control the saltiness, allowing other flavors to shine. For a gluten-free option, tamari works perfectly.
Olive Oil: While sesame oil provides the signature Asian flavor, a neutral olive oil helps emulsify the dressing and adds a smooth mouthfeel.
Sesame Oil: This is the star! Toasted sesame oil is highly recommended for its intense, nutty, and distinctly Asian aroma and flavor. While you could technically substitute with olive oil, using sesame oil is crucial for achieving that authentic taste profile that pairs so well with Asian cuisine.
Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the essential tanginess. Rice vinegar offers a clean, mild acidity, while apple cider vinegar can add a subtle fruity note. Both work wonderfully.
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity and saltiness, adding a mellow sweetness and depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference or use alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its aromatic punch. It’s a cornerstone of many Asian dressings.
Ground Ginger: A hint of ground ginger adds warmth and a subtle spicy kick, complementing the garlic and sesame oil beautifully. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for an even more vibrant flavor.

With these simple yet powerful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable Asian Slaw that’s both delicious and incredibly satisfying.

Close up on bowl with purple cabbage, carrots, green cabbage, edamame beans and dressing pouring from a glass cup.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Asian Cabbage Slaw

Making this Asian cabbage slaw is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

The foundation of this simple Asian slaw is a vibrant mix of purple cabbage and carrots. You could certainly make a delicious salad with just these two ingredients! However, to enhance both color and texture, we’ll add green cabbage, finely chopped green onions, and shelled edamame beans. This combination transforms the slaw into a veggie-packed, flavorful side dish that is truly gorgeous on any plate. Ensure all vegetables are thinly shredded or sliced for a consistent texture that absorbs the dressing beautifully.

Start by shredding your purple and green cabbage. A sharp knife can be used for thin slices, or for ease and uniformity, a mandoline slicer or food processor with a shredding disc works wonders. Aim for delicate, thin ribbons.
Next, prepare your carrots. You can grate them, julienne them into matchsticks, or thinly slice them into rounds.
Chop the green onions, using both the white and green parts for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
If using frozen shelled edamame, make sure they are thawed before adding them to the bowl.
Combine all the prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl. Ensure the bowl is spacious enough to allow for easy tossing.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

The dressing is where the magic happens, transforming simple vegetables into an extraordinary dish. This simple Asian Slaw dressing is made with just a few ingredients, each playing a crucial role:

In a small bowl, Mason jar, or 1-cup measuring cup, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar), minced garlic, brown sugar, and ground ginger.
Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Taste and adjust if necessary – you might want a little more sweetness, tang, or a touch more sesame oil depending on your preference. Remember, the sesame oil adds a very characteristic, toasted, nutty flavor that makes this salad perfect alongside takeout chicken, beef, or pork, and rice.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large salad bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece of cabbage and carrot is coated in the flavorful dressing. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables, especially the cabbage and carrots, to slightly soften, enhancing the overall texture and taste. This waiting period is truly worth it for the best possible experience!

Tips for the Best Asian Slaw

Achieving a truly exceptional Asian Slaw is simple when you keep a few key tips in mind. These insights will help you maximize flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment:

Don’t Skip the Chill Time: While tempting to serve immediately, allowing the slaw to chill for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) in the refrigerator is essential. This crucial step allows the dressing to fully penetrate the vegetables, softening the cabbage and carrots slightly, and ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully. The result is a much more cohesive and flavorful slaw.
Thinly Shred Your Vegetables: The texture of your slaw largely depends on how finely you shred the cabbage and carrots. Thinner pieces will absorb the dressing more effectively and provide a more pleasant mouthfeel. A mandoline slicer or the shredding attachment of a food processor can achieve consistent, delicate strands effortlessly.
Taste and Adjust the Dressing: Before pouring the dressing over the vegetables, always taste it! This allows you to fine-tune the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. You might prefer a bit more brown sugar for sweetness, an extra splash of vinegar for tang, or a dash more soy sauce for umami.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cabbage, carrots, and green onions, the crisper and more flavorful your slaw will be. Choose firm, vibrant vegetables with no wilting.
Don’t Over-Dress: While you want every piece coated, an excessive amount of dressing can make the slaw soggy. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed after the initial toss and chill.
Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add extra crunchy elements just before serving. Toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts or cashews, crispy wonton strips, or even crushed ramen noodles can provide delightful textural contrast.
Consider Fresh Ginger: While ground ginger works, fresh grated ginger can add an even more potent and zesty flavor to the dressing. If using fresh, aim for about 1 teaspoon, finely grated.

By following these simple tips, your Asian Slaw will consistently turn out perfectly balanced, wonderfully textured, and utterly delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Culinary Pairings

This vibrant Asian Slaw is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a myriad of dishes, making it a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Here are some ideas to inspire your next culinary creation:

With Grilled Meats: Its fresh, tangy profile makes it an ideal counterpoint to rich grilled chicken, pork chops, or beef skewers. The crispness of the slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky char of grilled proteins.
Alongside Takeout Favorites: Elevate your homemade takeout experience by serving this slaw with your favorite stir-fries, noodle dishes, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s much fresher and healthier than many restaurant sides.
As a Light Lunch: Turn this slaw into a complete meal by adding a source of protein. Cooked and shredded chicken breast, grilled shrimp, pan-fried tofu, or extra edamame beans can transform it into a satisfying and healthy lunch option. A handful of crispy ramen noodles or wonton strips can also add a delightful crunch.
Potlucks and Picnics: This slaw travels well and is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for gatherings. Its vibrant colors and unique flavor profile stand out among traditional picnic salads.
Fish and Seafood: The light and fresh notes of the slaw complement delicate fish dishes beautifully. Serve it alongside Baked Teriyaki Salmon or seared scallops for a truly colorful and balanced meal.
Taco Nights: Forget traditional cabbage slaw for your tacos! This Asian Slaw adds an unexpected and delicious twist to Korean Beef Tacos or any Asian-fusion taco recipe, providing a tangy and crunchy topping.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side, a light meal, or a vibrant addition to a festive spread, this Asian Slaw offers endless possibilities.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of cooking is the freedom to customize, and this Asian Slaw recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste and dietary needs:

Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and visual appeal with additional veggies like thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cucumber ribbons, shredded broccoli slaw mix, or even spiralized zucchini.
Boost the Protein: For a heartier meal, incorporate cooked and cooled shredded chicken, seared shrimp, pan-fried tofu cubes, or tempeh. Leftover roast pork or beef also works exceptionally well.
Extra Crunch Factor: Introduce a delightful textural contrast with toasted cashews, peanuts, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, crispy wonton strips, or crumbled instant ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet). Add these just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Fruity Sweetness: For a touch of natural sweetness and a tangy burst, toss in some mandarin orange segments (canned, drained, or fresh).
Herbaceous Freshness: Fresh cilantro or mint, finely chopped, can add another layer of aromatic freshness that complements the Asian flavors beautifully.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of sriracha to the dressing, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the slaw before serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari.
Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just ensure your brown sugar is vegan-certified if that is a concern.
Sweeter or Tarter Dressing: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar in the dressing to match your preferred balance of sweet and sour. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Asian Slaw truly your own!

More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you’re captivated by the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Asian Slaw, you’ll love exploring other recipes from our collection. Expand your culinary repertoire with these enticing options:

Instant Pot Rice: The perfect fluffy rice every time, an ideal base for many Asian dishes.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: A versatile sauce that’s far superior to store-bought versions.
Homemade Hoisin Sauce: Rich, sweet, and savory—essential for many Chinese dishes.
Crispy Shrimp Tempura: Lightly battered and fried shrimp, a delightful appetizer or main.
Versatile Asian Sesame Dressing: Another fantastic dressing that can be used on various salads and bowls.
Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad: A bright and tangy salad, perfect for hot days.

For even more inspiring ideas and recipes like this one, we invite you to browse our comprehensive Asian Category. You’re sure to find new favorites!

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Asian Slaw. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and memorable. Happy cooking!

If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

Asian Slaw Recipe

Author: Anna

Easy, colorful slaw with cabbage, carrots, green onions and sesame oil dressing. Enjoy with takeout chicken or pork.

More Asian recipes: www.crunchycreamysweet.com

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Course

Salad

Cuisine

Asian

Servings

5 people

Calories

116 kcal

Ingredients

For the Slaw:

2 cups shredded purple cabbage
1 cup shredded green cabbage
2 carrots thinly sliced
2 green onions chopped
½ cup shelled edamame beans

For the Dressing:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, combine shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, green onions, and edamame beans.
In a Mason jar or 1-cup measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger until well combined. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly soften, enhancing the slaw’s texture and taste.

Notes

This slaw is best served after at least 30 minutes of chilling in the fridge. This allows the cabbage and carrots to soften slightly and fully absorb the delicious flavors of the dressing. For optimal results, you can even prepare it a few hours in advance.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

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