This beautiful Asian Cabbage Slaw is made with crisp cabbage and carrots, crunchy toasted almonds, and tender edamame. It's tossed in a homemade savory dressing loaded with Asian flavors.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Asian Coleslaw Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Cabbage Asian Slaw
• 🔪 How to Make Asian Cabbage Slaw
• 💡 Tips for Making Asian Coleslaw Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with This Slaw
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Is Asian Cabbage Slaw Healthy?
• What makes Napa Cabbage a Good Choice for Asian Coleslaw?
• Is this Slaw Spicy?
• What’s the Difference Between Coleslaw and Slaw?
• Why is it Called Coleslaw?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Asian Coleslaw Recipe

• Classic blend of Asian flavors
• Colorful, crisp and refreshing shredded cabbage and carrots
• Crunchy toasted almonds and tender edamame
• Tossed in a savory homemade Asian dressing
• Perfect for potlucks or a last minute healthy side

If you're looking for the perfect salad for potlucks or a last-minute side, you're in for a real treat with this recipe. This napa and red cabbage slaw is jam-packed with contrasting textures and flavors, offering a delicious twist to traditional coleslaw recipes.

The first thing you'll notice is that this slaw is a feast for the eyes with its beautiful mix of vibrantly colored veggies. But just wait until you taste it! The Asian coleslaw dressing is savory, tangy, and nutty, with just a hint of sweetness. It's filled with classic Asian flavors and is absolutely delicious!

The great thing about this slaw is that, unlike regular salads, you can make it up to a day in advance. The flavors will get better the longer the slaw sits.

If you're looking for other amazing slaw recipes, check out these recipes for Easy Coleslaw, Buffalo Coleslaw, Bang Bang Coleslaw and Mexican Coleslaw.,

🛒 Ingredients for Cabbage Asian Slaw

• Napa cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Carrots
• Edamame
• Sliced almonds
• Scallions
• Cilantro 
• Avocado oil
• Rice vinegar
• Liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
• Sambal
• Sugar-free honey (or honey, if not low carb)
• Toasted sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Sriracha
• Optional: sesame seeds

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Serving bowl

🔪 How to Make Asian Cabbage Slaw

To Make the Simple Asian Slaw Dressing

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk until well combined.  If the dressing isn’t emulsifying, you can pop it in a bullet blender and pulse for a few seconds.  It works like a charm!

To Make the Slaw

Toast the almonds in a skillet and set them aside. Shred your Napa cabbage using a sharp knife, then add it to a large mixing bowl.

Shred your red cabbage, then add it to the same bowl with the shredded Napa cabbage.

Add in the shredded carrots, edamame, toasted almonds, scallions, and cilantro.

Pour most of the dressing over the top.

Toss to combine, and if you need to add more dressing, you can use the reserved amount.

I purposely made extra dressing because some people prefer more dressing than others. This is not the type of dressing that you’d want to have to go back and make just a little more of. 

I recommend adding about ¾ of it at first, tasting it, and seeing if you want to add more.If you end up with extra dressing, you can save it in the fridge for 5-7 days and use it on another salad.

💡 Tips for Making Asian Coleslaw Salad

• Fresh is best: You can buy cabbage mixes from the grocery store, but freshly sliced cabbage absorbs flavors better and has a fresher and crispier texture.

• Toasting almonds: When toasting the almonds, keep them moving in the skillet. The oils in nuts can cause them to burn easily. They'll only take a few minutes to toast.

• Marinating time: For best results, make this salad an hour or so before serving it. This allows the dressing time to soak into the veggies.

☑️ Storage Instructions

To store the Asian coleslaw, transfer leftovers to an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend trying to freeze this slaw.

🍴 What to Serve with This Slaw

This slaw pairs well with many dishes, like grilled steak, chicken, or fish. But if you're looking for Asian inspired main courses, check out some of these popular choices.

• Asian Glazed Salmon
• Bang Bang Shrimp
• Asian Sticky Chicken Wings

This Asian slaw would also pair perfectly with this pork stir fry or this beef and broccoli!

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Proteins: Turn this recipe into a complete meal by topping it with grilled or shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, or thinly sliced pork or beef.

• Fruits: Add a little extra sweetness with fruits, like fresh mango, pineapple, sliced apple, or mandarin oranges.

• Nuts and seeds: You can swap the almond with toasted cashews, peanuts, or walnuts. You can also swap the sesame seeds with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds.

• Added crunch: Depending on your dietary goals, feel free to give this slaw extra crunch with fried wonton strips, chow mein noodles, or crispy rice noodles.

• Cheese: Though not your typical slaw ingredient, you can give it added creaminess with crumbled feta or goat cheese.

• Other vegetables:  You can add other veggies like bean sprouts, tomatoes, red or yellow bell peppers, or snap peas.

Is Asian Cabbage Slaw Healthy?

It sure is. This coleslaw is made with nutrient-rich ingredients, including Napa and red cabbage, carrots, and edamame. The dressing, made with avocado oil provides healthy fat, while sugar-free honey adds sweetness without the added sugar.

What makes Napa Cabbage a Good Choice for Asian Coleslaw?

Napa cabbage has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a crisp and tender texture. Its leaves are more delicate compared to regular cabbage, which adds a wonderful contrast to the red cabbage.

Is this Slaw Spicy?

When tasted alone, sambal, Sriracha, and grated ginger are spicy, but when added to the other ingredients in this recipe, they do not add much of a heat factor.

What’s the Difference Between Coleslaw and Slaw?

Sometimes these two terms are used interchangeably. The techinal difference is "coleslaw" is made with cabbage. "Slaw" can be made with other primary vegetables like broccoli.

Why is it Called Coleslaw?

The term "coleslaw" originates from the Dutch word "koolsla," which mean cabbage salad.

🍽️ More Healthy Salad Recipes

• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Chickpea Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasts Salad
• Greek Quinoa Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad