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Crunchy Asian Slaw

Flavorful & Easy Asian Cole Slaw: Your Go-To Quick Side Dish

Craving a refreshing and vibrant salad that’s both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Asian Cole Slaw! This recipe takes the guesswork out of meal prep by utilizing convenient pre-packaged slaw mixes and pairs them with a simple, yet utterly delicious, homemade dressing. Perfect for a busy weeknight, a barbecue side, or a healthy addition to any meal, this Asian Cole Slaw delivers on freshness, crunch, and authentic Asian-inspired tastes in just 10 minutes.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success. It offers a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, complemented by the crisp texture of fresh vegetables and the satisfying crunch of peanuts. It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience that brightens your palate and offers a burst of healthy goodness with minimal effort. Dive into the details below and prepare to elevate your salad game!

The Ultimate Asian Cole Slaw Recipe

Vibrant Asian Cole Slaw with shredded cabbage, broccoli, green onions, and peanuts, drizzled with a rich homemade dressing.

Asian Cole Slaw

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This Asian Cole Slaw is a true gem for its simplicity and explosive fresh flavor. Using readily available bag mixes, it minimizes chopping while maximizing taste, all brought together by a homemade dressing that’s simply irresistible. Quick to assemble, yet tastes like it took hours!

Author:

Mary Ann

Prep Time

10
mins
Total Time

10
mins
Course
Salad
Cuisine
Chinese
Servings
10
Calories
13

Ingredients

This Asian Cole Slaw recipe shines with a short and sweet ingredient list, emphasizing fresh components and a flavorful dressing. The use of pre-cut broccoli and coleslaw mixes makes preparation a breeze, cutting down on valuable kitchen time. Fresh green onions and cilantro add bright, aromatic notes, while the simple dressing provides the signature sweet and tangy punch.

  • 1
    bag broccoli slaw (approximately 12-16 oz), for extra crunch and nutrients.
  • 1
    bag coleslaw mix (approximately 12-16 oz), typically shredded green cabbage and carrots.
  • 3
    green onions, thinly sliced, both white and green parts, for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
  • ⅓
    C
    rice wine vinegar, essential for the signature Asian tang.
  • 1
    Tbsp.
    soy sauce, adding a deep umami and savory base to the dressing.
  • 1
    teaspoon
    sugar, to balance the acidity and enhance overall flavor. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
  • 1
    teaspoon
    neutral oil (e.g., canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil) for smoothness in the dressing.
  • 1
    teaspoon
    sesame oil, for that distinct, fragrant Asian aroma and nutty depth.
  • fresh cilantro,
    chopped, to taste. A generous amount adds incredible freshness.
  • peanuts,
    chopped, to taste. These provide a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor.

Instructions

Preparing this vibrant Asian Cole Slaw is incredibly straightforward. With just three simple steps, you’ll have a delightful salad ready to serve. Follow these easy instructions to achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire bag of broccoli slaw and the entire bag of coleslaw mix. Add the thinly sliced green onions and a generous amount of freshly chopped cilantro. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure an even distribution. This vibrant mix forms the crunchy, fresh foundation of your salad.
  2. Whisk the Homemade Dressing: In a separate, small bowl, combine the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, neutral oil, and sesame oil. Whisk all these dressing ingredients together thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well emulsified. This dressing is the star, bringing all the Asian flavors together. Taste and adjust for your preference – a little more sugar for sweetness, or a dash more vinegar for tang.
  3. Combine and Serve: Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the slaw mixture in the large bowl. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure every piece of vegetable is coated in the flavorful dressing. Once well mixed, transfer the Asian Cole Slaw to a serving dish and generously garnish with chopped peanuts for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Serve immediately for best crispness, or let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your effortlessly delicious and incredibly satisfying Asian Cole Slaw!

Nutrition per serving


Calories:
13
cal


Carbohydrates:
1
g


Protein:
1
g


Fat:
1
g


Sodium:
83
mg


Fiber:
1
g


Sugar:
1
g

Why This Asian Cole Slaw Stands Out

This Asian Cole Slaw is more than just a quick side dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound flavors. The beauty lies in its elegant simplicity and the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The foundation of crisp broccoli and regular coleslaw mixes provides a satisfying crunch, making every bite an enjoyable experience. Unlike traditional heavy coleslaws, this Asian version is light and refreshing, perfect for cutting through richer main courses or serving as a vibrant standalone salad.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the homemade dressing. Crafted with rice wine vinegar for a bright tang, soy sauce for a savory depth, a touch of sugar for balance, and the indispensable sesame oil for its distinct nutty aroma, this dressing elevates humble vegetables into a gourmet-like experience. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceousness, while chopped peanuts introduce a delightful roasted crunch that complements the crisp vegetables perfectly. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also a healthy choice, packed with fiber and low in calories, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

Tips for the Best Asian Cole Slaw

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: While pre-packaged slaw mixes offer convenience, ensure they are fresh and crisp. Wilted cabbage will diminish the overall texture. Similarly, use fresh, vibrant green onions and cilantro.
  • Toast Your Peanuts (Optional but Recommended): For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast your chopped peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad to maintain their crunch.
  • Balance the Dressing: The dressing is easily customizable. Taste it before adding to the slaw. If you prefer more sweetness, add a little extra sugar. For more tang, a splash more rice wine vinegar will do the trick. A pinch of salt and black pepper can also enhance the overall profile.
  • Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss. You want the slaw to be coated, not swimming. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
  • Let Flavors Meld: While delicious immediately, allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving can help the flavors deepen and meld, creating an even more harmonious dish.

Customizing Your Asian Cole Slaw: Variations & Additions

One of the best aspects of this Asian Cole Slaw recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different additions and variations to suit your taste and dietary needs:

  • Add Protein: To transform this side dish into a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast (shredded or diced), cooked shrimp, pan-fried tofu, or even edamame for a vegetarian protein boost.
  • Boost the Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and visual appeal by adding finely shredded carrots (if not already in your coleslaw mix), thinly sliced red bell peppers, cucumber ribbons, or even some shredded purple cabbage for extra color. Mandarin orange segments can add a lovely sweet and juicy element.
  • Different Nuts & Seeds: Instead of peanuts, try toasted cashews, slivered almonds, or even crunchy sesame sticks. A sprinkle of black or white sesame seeds can also add a subtle nutty flavor and visual interest.
  • Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. A tiny bit of grated fresh ginger can also add a delightful warmth.
  • Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, you can whisk in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the dressing, while still maintaining the Asian flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Asian Cole Slaw

This versatile Asian Cole Slaw pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its fresh, tangy profile complements rich and savory foods beautifully. Serve it alongside:

  • Grilled chicken, pork, or fish
  • Stir-fried noodles or rice dishes
  • Spring rolls or potstickers
  • Asian-inspired burgers or sandwiches
  • As a light lunch on its own

Make Ahead & Storage

This Asian Cole Slaw is best enjoyed fresh to maintain maximum crispness. However, you can prepare the components in advance. Mix the dry slaw ingredients (broccoli slaw, coleslaw mix, green onions) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately and store it in a sealed jar. Combine them just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days, though the vegetables may soften slightly.

This quick and easy Asian Cole Slaw is a brilliant solution for adding a burst of fresh, exotic flavor to any meal. Its minimal prep time and maximum taste make it a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on hand. Enjoy the vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and irresistible flavors that this healthy salad brings to your table!

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