If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad to brighten your table, this Asian Coleslaw Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with crunchy coleslaw mix, toasted almonds, and a zesty, sweet, and savory dressing that perfectly blends mayonnaise, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, it’s a harmonious explosion of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, as a lunch salad, or bringing it to a potluck, this Asian Coleslaw Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Asian Coleslaw Recipe means gathering simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the creamy mayonnaise to the fresh crunch of green onions, every component plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Provides a creamy base that holds the salad together with richness and smoothness.
- Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, tangy lift to balance the creaminess and sweetness.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a gentle kick of spice combined with sweet undertones for depth.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Enhances natural sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully (agave works as a great substitute).
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces umami and saltiness, helping to tie the dressing together.
- Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): Adds a punch of aromatic savoriness that wakes up the palate.
- Freshly Grated Ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle zing that complements the other Asian-inspired flavors.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a nutty, toasty note that feels quintessentially Asian and luxurious.
- Coleslaw Mix (14-16 ounce bag): Combines shredded cabbage and carrots for a colorful, crunchy foundation.
- Green Onions (4, thinly sliced green parts): Provide freshness and a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
- Almonds (1 cup, coarsely chopped and toasted): Deliver a satisfying crunch and slightly sweet nuttiness.
- Garnish – Chow Mein Noodles, Sesame Seeds, Extra Almonds: These final touches add both texture and eye-catching appeal when serving.
How to Make Asian Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by adding the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil into a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and fully combined. This dressing is the heart of your Asian Coleslaw Recipe, blending creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory notes perfectly.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
To unlock the rich flavor of the almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and toast until they turn a beautiful golden brown, releasing their natural oils and aroma. Once done, transfer them to a plate to cool, preventing them from overcooking. This simple step takes your Asian Coleslaw Recipe’s crunch to the next level.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the pre-washed coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and cooled toasted almonds gradually to the dressing. Toss in thirds to ensure every shred is luxuriously coated with that flavorful dressing. This gentle mixing keeps the veggies crisp and evenly flavored.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Fusion
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. Allowing the salad to chill lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, ensuring each bite bursts with exceptional taste.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the salad generously with crispy chow mein noodles, a scattering of sesame seeds, and an extra handful of toasted almonds. These garnishes add delightful texture and make the presentation pop, showcasing this Asian Coleslaw Recipe’s irresistible charm.
How to Serve Asian Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds not only enhances the texture but also elevates the visual appeal. A few extra sliced green onions sprinkled on top provide a splash of color and fresh flavor, making each bite exciting and satisfying.
Side Dishes
This Asian Coleslaw Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It is a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, fish, or pork, where its fresh crunch offers a refreshing contrast. It’s also a star at picnics or barbecues, balancing out richer, heavier main courses effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out cucumbers for handheld appetizers. You can also layer it in a glass jar for an elegant picnic-ready salad. These creative presentations make enjoying the Asian Coleslaw Recipe feel a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Asian Coleslaw Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay crisp and flavorful for up to two days. However, because of the fresh veggies, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain that perfect crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Asian Coleslaw Recipe as the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing, compromising the texture and taste.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary and would diminish its fresh appeal. Simply stir and serve chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar in this Asian Coleslaw Recipe?
While rice vinegar is ideal for its mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed. Just reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overpowering the salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan version or use mashed avocado for creaminess. Also, ensure the honey is replaced with agave or maple syrup to keep it fully plant-based.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, making the dressing a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before mixing with the veggies.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
Your best bet is to combine a bit of sriracha with honey or sugar to replicate the sweet-spicy flavor. Adjust amounts to your taste to maintain that perfect balance in the Asian Coleslaw Recipe.
How can I add protein to this salad?
Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp are fantastic protein additions that pair wonderfully with the crunchy, flavorful Asian Coleslaw. Toss them in or serve alongside for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Coleslaw Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that impresses every single time. With its perfect blend of crunchy veggies, toasty nuts, and a tangy, sweet dressing, it’s so much more than just a side salad. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how quickly it becomes a favorite go-to for meals, gatherings, or whenever you want a taste of something fresh and exciting.
Print
Asian Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This vibrant Asian Coleslaw combines crunchy fresh vegetables with a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing accented by garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Toasted almonds add a satisfying nutty crunch, while chow mein noodles provide a delightful textural contrast. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, it’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full fat or light)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup)
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salad
- 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
- Additional toasted almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined and smooth.
- Toast the Almonds: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the coarsely chopped almonds, and toast them while stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer the almonds to a plate to cool and prevent further cooking.
- Combine the Salad: Gradually add the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and toasted almonds to the dressing in thirds, stirring thoroughly after each addition to evenly coat the vegetables with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, sprinkle chow mein noodles, sesame seeds, additional toasted almonds, and sliced green onions over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use light mayonnaise or a mayonnaise alternative.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or agave depending on your taste preference.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free and omit chow mein noodles or substitute with a gluten-free crunchy topping.
- This coleslaw is best served chilled and can be prepared a few hours ahead of time to enhance flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
