If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors, incredible crunch, and just the right touch of sweetness and tang, this Asian Coleslaw Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to whip up but feels special every time you serve it. The creamy, slightly spicy dressing blends perfectly with the fresh coleslaw mix and toasted almonds, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will quickly become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side for your barbecue or a light, flavorful lunch, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients right is key to nailing the authentic and irresistible flavors of this Asian Coleslaw Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy mayonnaise that binds everything together, to the fresh crunch of the coleslaw mix and the toasty warmth of the almonds.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Choose full fat or light according to your preference for creaminess and richness.
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and mild spice for depth.
- 1 Tablespoon honey (or agave): Balances out the sour and spicy with natural sweetness.
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium): Adds umami without overpowering the freshness.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and a bit of zing.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Imparts zingy freshness that’s signature to Asian flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small splash goes a long way with its nutty fragrance.
- 14-16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix: The crunchy vegetable base, usually shredded cabbage and carrots.
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced, green parts only): Adds mild sharpness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup almonds (coarsely chopped and toasted): Toasting these releases a delicious nutty aroma and gives a satisfying crunch.
- Garnish: Chow Mein noodles, sesame seeds, sliced green onions, extra almonds: These final touches add irresistible texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Asian Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a large bowl. This mix creates a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that’s the heart of your Asian Coleslaw Recipe. Whisking until smooth ensures every scoop coats the slaw perfectly.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped almonds, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. This step takes just a few minutes but unlocks a delicious depth of flavor and a perfect crunch, which makes all the difference.
Step 3: Combine the Coleslaw Mix
Add the coleslaw mix, green onions, and toasted almonds to the bowl with the dressing in thirds. Stir well after each addition to make sure every strand of cabbage and every bit of crunch gets thoroughly coated with that luscious dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about an hour. This chill time lets the flavors mingle beautifully, while the slaw retains its fresh, crisp texture—trust me, this patience pays off.
Step 5: Add Garnishes and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle on crunchy chow mein noodles, sesame seeds, extra toasted almonds, and some sliced green onions for color and texture. These garnishes add eye-catching appeal and make the dish that much more exciting to dig into.
How to Serve Asian Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like crunchy chow mein noodles, nutty sesame seeds, more toasted almonds, and fresh green onions not only make the dish pop but also bring additional layers of texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step—it’s what takes this coleslaw from tasty to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This Asian Coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. Think teriyaki chicken, Korean BBQ ribs, or even a simple grilled salmon. It also works well alongside rice dishes or as a refreshing side for spicy noodle bowls, adding a crisp, cooling contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve this coleslaw in small lettuce cups for a fun appetizer, or layer it in mason jars for a picnic-ready meal. You can even toss it into a wrap with grilled protein for a portable, flavorful lunch. Its versatility makes the Asian Coleslaw Recipe a favorite for many occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Asian Coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep garnishes separate if possible, to maintain their crispness and added texture when you serve it again.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will change the texture of the crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing. For best results, avoid freezing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, give it a good stir and add fresh garnishes to refresh the flavors before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make this Asian Coleslaw Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan version or use a creamy plant-based yogurt. Make sure your sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious vegan Asian coleslaw in no time.
What can I substitute for almonds if I have a nut allergy?
If nuts are off-limits, try toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergy worries. Just toast them gently in a skillet before adding them to your slaw.
Is this Asian Coleslaw Recipe spicy?
It has just a gentle warmth thanks to the sweet chili sauce and fresh ginger, so it’s mildly spicy and very approachable. You can always adjust the amount of chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dressing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing with the slaw ingredients to ensure everything blends beautifully.
How crunchy will the coleslaw stay after chilling?
If you mix everything and chill for about an hour, the slaw will remain delightfully crisp. Any longer and it might start to soften, so plan to serve it within this timeframe for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about this Asian Coleslaw Recipe that makes it a standout side dish—fresh, crunchy, sweet, tangy, and a little bit nutty, all wrapped into one bowl. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to brighten up your meals with a quick, easy, and deeply satisfying salad. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite go-to!
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Asian Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Coleslaw featuring a flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This easy-to-make slaw is enhanced with toasted almonds, green onions, and garnished with crunchy chow mein noodles, sesame seeds, and extra almonds for an irresistible texture and taste. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for any meal or barbecue.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full fat or light)
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey (agave works too)
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Slaw
- 14–16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions (green parts thinly sliced)
- 1 cup almonds (coarsely chopped and toasted)
Garnish
- Chow mein noodles
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Extra toasted almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended and the dressing is smooth.
- Toast the almonds: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the coarsely chopped almonds. Stir frequently to ensure even toasting and cook until the almonds turn golden brown. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and transfer to a plate to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Mix the slaw: Gradually add the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and toasted almonds to the bowl with the dressing, adding about one-third at a time. Stir each addition thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the slaw to develop a refreshing taste.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top the coleslaw with crunchy chow mein noodles, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, additional sliced green onions, and extra toasted almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise instead of full-fat mayonnaise.
- Toasted almonds can be substituted with toasted cashews or peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Allowing the coleslaw to chill for longer than one hour can enhance the melding of flavors.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or agave syrup.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
- Chow mein noodles can be found in most Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of supermarkets.
