Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the crunch of a fresh Asian Cabbage Slaw! I remember my family gatherings where this colorful dish would be the star of the table, bringing everyone together with its vibrant colors and zingy flavors. It’s so refreshing and light, yet packed with nutrients, making it a perfect side for any meal. The combination of green and red cabbage with the sweetness of carrots and a tangy dressing makes every bite a delight. Plus, it’s vegan and super easy to whip up, which means I can enjoy it anytime without any guilt. Trust me, once you try this slaw, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded – This gives the slaw its crunchy base and beautiful green color.
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded – Adds a gorgeous pop of color and a slight sweetness.
- 1 cup carrots, grated – Brings in a natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped – These add a nice oniony crunch with a fresh bite.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped – A must for that fresh, herbal flavor that complements the dish.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds – These add a nutty crunch that elevates the slaw.
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar – Provides the tangy base for the dressing, making everything come alive.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – For that salty, umami depth that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons honey – Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the tangy flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – This brings a rich, nutty flavor that makes the dressing irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Fresh ginger gives an extra kick and warmth.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – A little punch of flavor that rounds out the dressing beautifully.
How to Prepare Asian Cabbage Slaw
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making this delightful Asian Cabbage Slaw! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love how everything comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish in no time!
Step 1 – Combine the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds. I like to mix it up with my hands a bit; it’s a great way to get everything combined nicely! Just make sure to break up any clumps so every bite is packed with flavor. The colors will be so vibrant, it’s like a party in a bowl!
Step 2 – Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, let’s whip up the dressing! Combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and the honey is well dissolved. You’ll love the aroma—it’s tangy, sweet, and just downright delicious. This dressing is what brings our slaw to life!
Step 3 – Toss and Marinate
Now, pour that heavenly dressing over your vegetable mixture. Time to get your hands in there again! Toss everything together gently until all the veggies are beautifully coated. Here’s a little secret: let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This waiting game allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, making each bite even more scrumptious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a refreshing dish like my Asian Cabbage Slaw, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup), so you can feel good about what you’re eating:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But I think you’ll find it’s a nutritious addition to any meal, filled with vitamins and minerals from those beautiful veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: Seriously, it takes just 20 minutes! You can whip this up even on busy weeknights.
- Packed with nutrients: With all those vibrant veggies, this slaw is loaded with vitamins and minerals that your body will thank you for.
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It only gets better as it sits!
- Perfect as a side dish or light lunch: Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it solo, this slaw is versatile and satisfying.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Asian Cabbage Slaw is nothing short of amazing, here are some of my best tips! Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like your slaw on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little extra honey. Just a teaspoon at a time until you hit that sweet spot!
- Serve it chilled: For the best flavor, make sure to let the slaw chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. It really enhances the flavors and gives it that refreshing crunch.
- Make it ahead: This slaw can be made a day in advance! The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds: They add a delicious nutty crunch that complements the veggies perfectly. Toast them lightly for an extra flavor boost!
- Mix it up: Experiment with different veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even some spicy radishes to add your own twist. The base recipe is super flexible!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to slaw perfection! Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this Asian Cabbage Slaw! Here are some of my favorite variations that can add new flavors and textures to your dish:
- Add Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for an extra crunch. They bring a delightful texture that complements the slaw beautifully.
- Go Exotic: Try adding some mango or pineapple chunks for a sweet and tropical twist. The fruitiness pairs wonderfully with the tangy dressing!
- Include Proteins: For a heartier meal, add shredded chicken, tofu, or even grilled shrimp. It turns this slaw into a filling lunch or dinner option!
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It gives the slaw a nice kick!
- Herb It Up: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil to add a fresh twist. They can transform the flavor profile entirely!
- Switch the Veggies: Feel free to swap in different veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even snap peas for added color and crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to suit your taste! Each variation brings its own flair to the classic Asian Cabbage Slaw, making it a versatile dish that you can enjoy in so many ways!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this gorgeous Asian Cabbage Slaw, let’s talk about how to serve it! This slaw is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that really bring out its bright flavors:
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken complement the crunch of the slaw perfectly. Just season your chicken with a little soy sauce and grill it to perfection for a delicious pairing!
- Fish Tacos: Imagine stuffing some crispy fish tacos with this slaw. The freshness of the cabbage slaw adds a delightful crunch and tang that balances out the richness of the fish.
- Asian-Inspired Bowls: Serve the slaw atop a grain bowl with rice or quinoa, some grilled tofu or chicken, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an easy, healthy meal.
- Spring Rolls: Use the slaw as a filling for fresh spring rolls. Just add some rice paper wraps, and you’ve got a refreshing appetizer that’s sure to impress!
- As a Side to Stir-Fry: Pair it with your favorite stir-fried veggies or proteins. The crunch of the slaw contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory stir-fry.
- BBQ Dishes: It’s a fantastic side for BBQ chicken or ribs, cutting through the richness with its tangy flavor and crunchy texture.
These suggestions are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and see what combinations you love the most. The freshness of the Asian Cabbage Slaw can elevate any meal, making it a go-to side dish for all occasions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers of that delicious Asian Cabbage Slaw? No problem! Storing it properly will keep those crunchy veggies fresh and tasty for days. Here’s how I do it:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover slaw in an airtight container. This helps to prevent it from wilting and keeps it crisp. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out any unwanted odors from the fridge!
- Storage Time: It’s best to consume the slaw within 3 days for the freshest taste and texture. After that, it may start to lose its crunchiness, but it can still be safe to eat for a few more days.
- Serve Chilled: When you’re ready to enjoy your slaw again, simply take it out of the fridge. I recommend serving it chilled to get that refreshing crunch back. If you feel it needs a little extra zing, drizzle a bit more dressing over it just before serving to revitalize the flavors!
- No Reheating Needed: Since this slaw is best served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Enjoy it straight from the fridge as a light snack, side dish, or even a topping for your favorite meals!
By following these simple storage tips, you’ll keep that vibrant Asian Cabbage Slaw just as delightful as the first time you made it. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Share Your Thoughts
I’d love to hear what you think about this Asian Cabbage Slaw! Have you tried making it your own with different ingredients or variations? Maybe you’ve served it alongside a favorite meal or enjoyed it as a light lunch? Please share your experiences in the comments below! Your feedback means the world to me, and it’s always fun to see how everyone puts their own twist on this recipe. If you have any questions or tips of your own, don’t hesitate to drop them too! Let’s create a little community of slaw lovers right here!
Print
Asian Cabbage Slaw: 7 Refreshing Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crunchy and refreshing Asian Cabbage Slaw.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- In a separate bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- This slaw can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Asian Cabbage Slaw, Cabbage Salad, Healthy Slaw