Salads don't get much crunchier than this Asian Slaw! It is bursting with vegetables, but it is far from boring. Zesty lime juice, fresh mint and coriander, salty soy sauce, a kick of chilli and some sweetness from the honey bring together the carrot, cabbage and apple for a vibrant side dish.
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Coleslaw is the ultimate side salad isn't it? I mean, a burger is incomplete without some on the side and you wouldn't even think of hosting a BBQ without a big bowl of coleslaw for everyone to dig into.
It's the simplicity of some crunchy veg in a creamy dressing that everyone loves and it's indulgent whilst still feeling like you are eating something healthy. This is our Asian twist on coleslaw, that is a great side dish to chicken and fish.
If you want to try more Japanese inspired recipes, try our delicious Yaki Udon, easy Salmon Stir-Fry or why not try making Homemade Sushi?
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Why You Will Love It
- A twist on traditional coleslaw
- A great way to increase your veggie intake
- Delicious with chicken and fish
- Great for feeding a crowd at a BBQ
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Carrot - We used standard orange carrots, which makes this a budget friendly side dish. However, you could use purple or yellow carrots to mix things up a little.
- Cabbage - We used red cabbage in this recipe, but there is no reason why you couldn't use white cabbage for a pop of colour, or use a mixture of the two.
- Garlic - You need to use fresh garlic for this recipe. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how garlicy you like your food.
- Ginger - Fresh ginger is a must for this slaw. Top tip - you can easily peel ginger using a teaspoon and scrapping the skin off.
- Lime - This adds so much freshness to the slaw. You may need to use more or less, depending on how juicy your lime is.
- Herbs - We used fresh mint and parsley for a real burst of flavour.
- Soy sauce - A must in Asian inspired dish. You can reduce the salt by using low salt soy sauce.
- Sesame oil - This adds so much flavour to the slaw, and helps to loose it up too.
- Honey - This adds a nice sweetness and cuts through the spiciness of the chilli (if using). You could swap it for maple syrup if you want this to be vegan.
- Cashews - These add a nice extra crunch to the slaw. You could swap them for flaked almonds if you prefer.
- Chilli - Some slices of red chilli added just before serving add real kick of heat. You could chop them up and mix them in, but we prefer to make them visible on top so they can be picked off for those that don't like spice.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Asian Slaw
One: Using the grater attachment of a food processor, feed the carrots, cabbage and apple through the food chute and use the food pusher to make sure they all go through. You could thinly slice everything instead. Add to a large bowl.
Two: Add the lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, chopped mint and chopped coriander.
Three: Add the sesame seeds, chopped chilli, garlic, ginger and cashew nuts. Mix well so everything is combined.
What Vegetables to Use
This Asian slaw is still made up with mostly carrot and cabbage, but we have added in some grated apple too for extra crunch and some added sweetness. You will find even more crunch from the cashew nuts and sesame seeds, so it's a bit of a crunch sensation really.
Asian Marinade
You don't really think of coleslaw when thinking of Asian food, but this Asian Slaw has some of our favourite Asian flavours in it. Sesame, chilli, ginger, honey, garlic, soy - they are all really bold flavours but they don't fight against each other in this dish.
Instead they work really well together and create a nice balance between the sweet and salty and still has a nice kick of chilli (although you can easily leave that out).
Serving Suggestions
This is definitely intended as a side salad, but equally you could serve it with some grilled salmon or chicken on top. We usually have it on the side with something like sweet and sour or a stir-fry/noodle dish. Why not try it in our Salmon Burgers.
It's great in Asian style tacos and goes well with tofu as well. We have also stirred it into our Garlic Prawn Noodle recipe, so make sure you check that one out too!
Here are some other dishes that we love serving it with:
Dannii's Top Tips
- If you don't like spicy food, leave the chilli totally out of this dish.
- This is intended as a side dish, but you could serve it with some grilled chicken or fish on top for a main meal.
- Make this salad vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
- You could even add a spoonful or almond or peanut butter for some extra flavour and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Asian slaw will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. We tend to make a big batch and then add it to meals, or to bulk out salads over the next could of days. It definitely makes lunchtime a bit more exciting.
It's easy to make this vegan. Simply swap the honey for maple syrup, or just leave it out if you don't want a touch of sweetness to the slaw.
To make this slaw gluten free, you just need to swap the soy sauce for a gluten free tamari.
Yes, you can easily give this slaw a protein boost. Simply add some cooked shredded chicken (maybe some leftovers from our Slow Cooker Whole Chicken) or even some cooked king prawns or tofu if you want to keep it veggie. We also really like grilled salmon flaked into it.
More Side Dishes
If you've tried this Asian slaw recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Crunchy Asian Slaw
Ingredients
- 2 Carrot
- 0.5 Red cabbage
- 3 Garlic clove - crushed
- 1 tablespoon of Fresh ginger - peeled and finely chopped
- 1 Apple - cored
- 1 Lime - (juice only)
- 5 g (0.25 cups) of Fresh mint
- 5 g (0.25 cups) of Fresh coriander (cilantro)
- 2 tablespoon of Low salt soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon of Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of Honey
- 1 tablespoon of Sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon of Cashews - finely chopped
- 1 Red chilli - sliced
Instructions
- Using the grater attachment of a food processor, feed 2 Carrot, 0.5 Red cabbage and 1 Apple through the food chute and use the food pusher to make sure they all go through. You could thinly slice everything instead. Add to a large bowl.
- Add juice of 1 Lime, 2 tbsp of Low salt soy sauce, 2 tbsp of Sesame oil, 1 tbsp of Honey, 5 g of Fresh mint and 5 g of Fresh coriander (cilantro).
- Add 1 tbsp of Sesame seeds, 1 Red chilli, 3 Garlic clove, 1 tbsp of Fresh ginger and 2 tbsp of Cashews. Mix well so everything is combined.
Recipe Tips
- If you don't like spicy food, leave the chilli totally out of this dish.
- This is intended as a side dish, but you could serve it with some grilled chicken or fish on top for a main meal.
- Make this salad vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
- You could even add a spoonful or almond or peanut butter for some extra flavour and texture.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest says
Your Asian slaw looks so good, Dannii. We love it as sides, and sometimes we pair it with grilled beef patties and make burgers out of it. So, so good. Can't wait for the summer to start the grill. :)
Pam Greer says
Look at that gorgeous color!! I am always looking for different slaw recipes and this one has all the ingredients that we love!
Meghna says
Love that crunch, it looks delicious. I will definitely try it out this weekend.
Veena Azmanov says
This is such a healthy dish. So colorful and crunchy. Love the combinations to it.
Robin says
Great crunchy flavor combo!
Jennifer | SavorwithJennifer says
I love everything about this! The colors, the flavors, everything. Making this weekend!
Courtney | Love & Good Stuff says
I love salads like this! Full of texture and flavour. The apple is a nice addition as well!
Sophia says
This looks so easy, healthy, and tasty! I love the additions of cashews. So delicious!
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
I've never seen more colorful slaw! Lovely photo and I'm sure spot on flavor!
Zainab says
I'd love to put this awesome slaw on fish tacos! It looks so delish and I can't wait to make it!
kim says
Loving this hearty and delicious salad idea! So easy and tasty!
Patty says
This is such a nutritious and full of vitamins salad bowl, looks really delicious with this Asian style dressing!
Kelly Anthony says
This crunchy asian slaw is beautiful with all its bright colors. I also love how fresh and light this recipe is as well.
Jacqueline Debono says
This Asian slaw is such a yummy idea. I also love traditional coleslaw with burgers and bbqs but this would be a fabulous alternative. I'm thinking with fish cakes or chicken burgers!
Neli Howard says
Simple, tasty, beautiful colors. Makes a perfect weekday lunch!