Experience bright flavors with this Asian Cabbage Slaw. Finely shredded red and green cabbage combine with carrots, green onions and cilantro, all tossed in a tangy, Asian-inspired dressing. This colorful, crunchy slaw makes a refreshing side or a vibrant filling for tacos and wraps.
Vibrant and Flavorful Asian Cabbage Slaw
This Asian Slaw celebrates crisp texture and bright color. Shredded red and green cabbage provide a satisfying crunch, while shredded carrots add natural sweetness. Green onions and cilantro contribute fresh, aromatic notes. The dressing balances savory, tangy and slightly sweet elements to enhance the vegetables without overpowering them.
Make it ahead for easy weeknight meals: the slaw benefits from a short rest in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld, but keep the resting time short enough so the vegetables remain crisp.
Ingredients For Asian Slaw
- Red & green cabbage
- Carrots
- Green onions
- Cilantro
How To Make Asian Cabbage Slaw
- Shred the red and green cabbages and the carrots as finely as you prefer. Thin shreds absorb the dressing better and are easier to eat.
- Slice the green onions and roughly chop the cilantro. Combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Whisk the dressing: olive oil, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, sugar, minced garlic and a touch of chili hot sauce if you want heat. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for 20 minutes up to 1 hour to let flavors meld, then toss again and serve.
How To Shred Cabbage
- Preparation: Remove any damaged outer leaves.
- Cut: Slice the cabbage in half through the core, then into quarters.
- Remove Core: Trim out the hard core from each quarter.
- Shred: Slice each quarter across the width into thin strips. Use a sharp knife, a box grater, or a food processor with a shredding disc for speed.
What To Serve With Cabbage Slaw
This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon and adds crunch to tacos, sandwiches and wraps. It also works well as a light, standalone salad. For extra texture and flavor, top with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts or an extra sprinkle of cilantro. To make it a main dish, toss in grilled shrimp, tofu or sliced chicken.
Enjoy this crunchy, colorful slaw as an easy, fresh addition to weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Quick Salad Recipes
- Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing
- Avocado Tomato Salad
- Shrimp Salad with Avocados
- Easy Steak Salad
- Quinoa Salad
Asian Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
For The Asian Slaw
- 6 cups shredded red and green cabbage
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For The Asian Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
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Combine the cabbage, carrots, green onions and cilantro in a large bowl and set aside.
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Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and taste, adjusting sweet, salty or tangy elements as needed.
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Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.
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Cover and chill for 20 minutes up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld, then toss again before serving.
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Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Equipment
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Box grater
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Salad hands or tongs
Notes
- Shred thin: Thinly shredded vegetables absorb dressing and are easier to eat.
- Use fresh produce: Fresh cabbage and carrots give the best crunch.
- Balance the dressing: Adjust vinegar, sugar and soy sauce for your preferred tang, sweetness and saltiness.
- Short rest: Let the slaw sit briefly to develop flavor but not long enough to lose crunch.
- Make it a meal: Add cooked chicken, tofu or shrimp for protein.
- Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds or peanuts add extra texture.
- Leftovers may soften over time; for best texture enjoy within a day.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
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