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Home Quick and Easy

Asian Slaw – healthy, crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad

By:Nagi
Published:19 Jul '20Updated:9 Mar '21
160 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

This is a terrific fresh, crunchy Asian salad that I call an Asian Slaw because it has shredded cabbage and carrot like traditional Coleslaw. The fresh herbs and Asian Dressing infused with Thai flavours makes this oriental salad extra special. Delicious AND healthy!

It’s a terrific all-rounder side salad for any Asian food, including Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. Make a big batch because it keeps for days!

Close up of Asian Slaw with Asian dressing

Asian Slaw

Named as such because it’s made with shredded cabbage like traditional Coleslaw – but other than that, it couldn’t be more different! No oily mayo laden dressing, this Asian salad is fresh, bright and crunchy, but certainly not lacking in flavour. (I also have similarly slaw-like Vietnamese Chicken Salad, that uses Chinese Cabbage which you should give a go!)

The three things that makes this Asian Slaw anything but your usual boring salad are:

  • The fabulous Asian dressing – I like to give this one a Thai touch with a hit of lime and fish sauce (optional!);

  • Fresh mint and coriander/cilantro – the herbs makes all the difference in this, that element of freshness and extra flavour;

  • Sprinkle of crispy fried shallots – little salty pops of crispiness, this is an Asian garnish that goes on “everything”. A little bit goes a long way to add extra texture, flavour and interest to anything that it’s sprinkled on. I use it a lot – so it’s a familiar ingredient to regular readers! Found in the Asian section of large supermarkets but way cheaper in Asian stores! Here’s my essential Asian Market Shopping list.

Asian Slaw in a salad bowl with Asian Dressing, ready to be served

TIP: Make a big batch – use some as a side dish, then turn it into an Asian Chicken Salad for lunch! It keeps well for days.

This Asian Slaw is not an authentic recipe of any cuisine, but the flavours are reminiscent of Thai and Vietnamese salads because of the bright fresh dressing and the South East Asian herbs (mint and coriander/cilantro) in the salad.


Asian Slaw ingredients

Here’s what goes in my Asian Slaw:

What goes in Asian Slaw

Asian Dressing

The Asian dressing is made with soy, fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime, sugar, garlic, oil and optional chili.

I know it looks like there’s a lot of ingredients but don’t worry, a few of them are optional – little additions that make the dressing extra special but it’s really terrific even without:

  • Fish sauce – just a bit adds extra depth of flavour into the dressing. Just skip it if you want;

  • Lime juice – optional! Just sub with more rice vinegar;

  • Chilli – purely optional!

Pouring Asian dressing over Asian Slaw

Turn it into an Asian CHICKEN Slaw!

I like to make a big batch – and the recipe as written makes quite a lot – and use it as a side as well as turning it into a meal by adding shredded chicken.

Try cooking chicken using this Foolproof Poached Chicken method – it will be the juiciest poached chicken you will ever have!!

Two forks shredding cooked chicken

Overhead photo of Asian Slaw with chicken in a white salad bowl, ready to be served

What to serve with Asian Salad

I specifically call this an Asian Slaw as opposed to Chinese or Thai because the flavours really are a natural oriental flavour which means it will go beautifully with any Asian food, including Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Thai Red Curry or Green Curry – or any Asian curry

  • Thai Chicken Satay Skewers

  • Chinese marinated chicken or sticky Chinese Wings

  • Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls – super quick!

  • Asian Beef Bowls – also super quick!

Close up of pork mince stir fry - Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls
Close up of Thai Chicken Satay being dipped into Thai Peanut Sauce
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings on a plate, ready to be eaten
Sticky Baked Chinese Chicken Wings
Asian Beef Bowls (ground beef recipe) served over rice garnished with scallions, ready to be eaten
Asian Beef Bowls (Super Quick!)
I swear to you, my friends were actually speechless the first time I made this for them. It's that good! I BBQ'd it, but also make it on the stove and oven.
Asian Chicken Marinade
Grilled Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)
Grilled Marinated Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)
Thai Red Curry with Chicken in a skillet, fresh off the stove.
Thai Red Curry with Chicken
Thai Green Curry in a black skillet, fresh off the stove
Thai Green Curry
Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks in Massaman Curry
Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry
Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken - 7 ingredient magic. The coconut fragrance is heavenly! recipetineats.com
Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken
Chopsticks pulling up Pad See Ew
Asian

This is the sort of salad that makes people want to eat their greens. It’s strange to describe a salad as moreish – but that’s what this is.

And I love the colours – it’s so bright and cheerful, it makes me want to dive right into it. Who can resist this kaleidoscope of colours?? – Nagi x


Watch how to make it

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Asian Slaw (crunchy Oriental Cabbage Salad) in a bowl

Asian Slaw - crunchy Oriental Cabbage Salad with Asian Dressing

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Noodles, Salad
Asian, Thai, Vietnamese
4.95 from 51 votes
Servings8
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 60
Recipe video above. A light, healthy, CRUNCHY Asian salad that is a great side for all types of Asian foods. Dressing is a great salty / sour / spicy lime dressing reminiscent of Thai and Vietnamese food. Add CHICKEN if making this as a meal. Serves 8 - 10 as a side, 4 as a meal with chicken.

Ingredients

Asian Slaw

  • 3 cups green cabbage or Chinese cabbage , shredded
  • 3 cups red cabbage , shredded
  • 2 large carrots , julienned
  • 3 cups bean sprouts
  • 3 green onions , finely sliced on the diagonal
  • 1/2 cup coriander / cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup Asian Fried Shallots (optional), to garnish (Note 1)

Asian Dressing

  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar (Note 2)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (Note 3)
  • 2 tsp fish sauce , or more soy (Note 4)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice , or more rice vinegar (Note 5)
  • 3 tbsp peanut oil (Note 6)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar , any type
  • 1/2 tsp birds eye or other red chilli , finely minced (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced

Chicken option (for meal)

  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Instructions

  • Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
  • Combine the salad ingredients, except the Asian Fried Shallots.
  • Pour over dressing and toss to combine.
  • Garnish with Asian Fried Shallots. Serve!

Recipe Notes:

  1. Crunchy Fried Shallots - crispy fried shallot pieces, great garnish for Asian salads. Found in the Asian section of supermarket but cheaper at Asian stores!
  2. Rice vinegar - can sub with cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
  3. Soy sauce - ordinary all purpose or light soy. Not dark soy.
  4. Fish sauce - sub with more soy.
  5. Lime juice - Sub with more rice vinegar.
  6. Oil - sub with other neutral flavoured oil.
  7. Storage - keep dressing separate from salad. Will keep for 3 to 4 days (depending on freshness of beansprouts).
Nutrition with chicken, serving 4 as a meal:
Nutrition with chicken
Nutrition serving 8 as a side, without chicken.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 415gCalories: 313cal (16%)Carbohydrates: 21.3g (7%)Protein: 29.4g (59%)Fat: 13.3g (20%)Saturated Fat: 2.5g (16%)Cholesterol: 54mg (18%)Sodium: 1045mg (45%)Potassium: 834mg (24%)Fiber: 3.6g (15%)Sugar: 9.3g (10%)Vitamin A: 8850IU (177%)Vitamin C: 142.7mg (173%)Calcium: 150mg (15%)Iron: 3.8mg (21%)
Keywords: Asian Salad, Asian Slaw
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Originally published July 2014. Updated with new photos, new video! 

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Life of Dozer

He didn’t need this for the salad – just the chicken!

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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160 Comments

  1. sandy says

    December 6, 2023 at 1:55 pm

    This makes such a lovely alternative to the classic mayo coleslaw. Lighter, tastier and crunchier!

    Reply
  2. Arlene says

    December 5, 2023 at 11:39 am

    This is a keeper in my book – I didn’t have sprouts and green onion, so I sub’d with sliced zucchini and finely diced celery. The flavours worked and the family enjoyed it.

    Reply
  3. Tricia Nicholls says

    December 5, 2023 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    Usually not a fan of coleslaw full of mayo , so was excited to try this, it did not disappoint, fresh light and oh so tasty. Also great for work leftovers with tin of salmon on top.

    Reply
  4. JK says

    November 29, 2023 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    Healthy and delicious, even kids love this

    Reply
  5. Clare says

    May 9, 2023 at 7:08 pm

    Hi Dozer, sorry to comment on a recipe you do not eat, but let me be your voice! Nagi, thank you, I and everyone I have served this to love this. I add a bit more chilli and ginger, depending on guests. It is great. I can eat it all week with different proteins. I add subtle differences – sesame seeds, lemon grass, tofu marinated in the dressing or crisp fried, fish – any protein. It really is a go-to dish. Thank-you. Clare

    Reply
  6. Katy says

    April 24, 2023 at 9:38 am

    3 stars
    Hi Nagi,
    This is the first recipe on your site that didn’t knock my socks off. I’ve been looking for a really fabulous Asian slaw and had high hopes for this one. It wasn’t bad, but just felt like something was missing and the dressing was just okay. I like fish sauce, but found it to add an odd taste to the dressing. I use a high quality fish sauce, so I don’t think that was the issue. You do say it can be omitted. Maybe the additional of peanuts would have made it more what I was looking for. The herbs were a nice touch. I will continue my search. Love your website and recipes!
    Katy

    Reply
  7. Yannah says

    April 15, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    An amazing recipe for a salad!

    Reply
  8. Rosalie Walker says

    January 26, 2023 at 6:44 pm

    Was a little hesitant about taking this to our Australia Day bbq as I know how much everyone enjoys their traditional coleslaw. Shouldn’t have worried- it was a hit!

    Reply
  9. Charlene says

    January 9, 2023 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely fantastic! I topped with peanuts for a veggie-friendly protein.. cheers from Canada!

    Reply
  10. Carolyn says

    December 26, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    5 stars
    Another knock-out recipe Nagi. Made this as one of the salads for an Aussie Xmas lunch and it was a huge hit by all. Beautifully refreshing and super healthy. Your dressing is perfectly balanced. I’ve already been asked to make another batch for family who fell in love with it.

    Reply
  11. Wendy King says

    December 25, 2022 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for Christmas Day – oh my goodness!!!!! Yum-overload with the Asian Salad. Leftovers for work lunches. Thank you Nagi 🙂 x

    Reply
  12. Matt M says

    October 9, 2022 at 9:25 am

    5 stars
    Thanks a bunch! This was super tasty and my wife loved it!
    I’m going to make it again and to match my personal taste pallette, I’ll try a touch less vinegar, real sugar instead of maple syrup, and a few extra chillies (I used frozen ones).
    Such a fantastic recipe and so healthy!

    Reply
  13. Christine Saltikov says

    May 24, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    5 stars
    this recipe was so tasty , fresh and easy to make. Easily a new staple!:) x

    Reply
    • Ann says

      June 15, 2023 at 9:56 pm

      5 stars
      The best Asian Slaw ever. Perfect! I made this salad very often.

      Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 24, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      I am so glad that you enjoyed it Christine!! N x

      Reply
  14. Marion says

    March 7, 2022 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    Another winner :). This was an excellent salad. Thanks Nagi!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 7, 2022 at 12:57 pm

      I am so happy you liked it Marion! N x

      Reply
  15. Anne says

    February 10, 2022 at 3:12 pm

    Absolutely delicious- none left over!! Making again tomorrow. Yum and thanks Anne😀

    Reply
  16. Hang says

    January 12, 2022 at 9:40 am

    This is basically the Vietnamese cabbage and carrot salad with chicken called goi ga. There are many versions of this in Vietnamese cuisine such as the ones made with green mango, unripe papaya, etc. We grew up eating this often in our household. The herbs makes it…Viets are masters of fresh herbs. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Jan Trabert-Edling says

    January 6, 2022 at 9:18 am

    5 stars
    I made this last night. I have to say I was apprehensive because hubby usually likes the plain old fashion slaw. And neither of us are big mint fans. But let me tell you. The mint and cilantro MAKE this! I have NEVER been anything but THRILLED with every Nagi recipe I’ve tried so far. And I worried this one might break that record. But NOPE. This is to die for. Soo fresh and yummy. (Oh, I can never find fresh bean sprouts in my markets but everything else followed to the letter). Thank you again Nagi.

    Reply
  18. Patty Lamaro says

    December 24, 2021 at 11:39 am

    5 stars
    This is so simple, fresh & absolutely delicious! Love love love it! It goes so well with Nagi’s satay chicken skewers. Still amazing on its own too. Try this recipe, you won’t be disappointed!

    Reply
  19. Lori Johnson says

    October 13, 2021 at 7:06 pm

    Hi, sounds delicious!!! Iam allergic to nuts. Can I leave out the Peanut oil? Please let me know. Have a fantastic week!

    Reply
  20. Alison johnson says

    September 27, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    5 stars
    Lovely fresh flavours, paired with a slab of marinated salmon was a real hit. Your recipes never disappoint. Thanks!

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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