Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ginger Dressing – Refreshing & Flavorful

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ginger Dressing is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying salad that’s perfect for lunches, dinners, or as a side for your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. The combination of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty ginger dressing makes it irresistible.

This slaw is quick to prepare, colorful, and nutrient-packed, making it ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or a light, healthy side dish. You’ll love the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with every bite.


Why You’ll Love This Asian Slaw

  • Crunchy, refreshing, and colorful
  • Quick and easy – ready in 15 minutes
  • Healthy – loaded with fresh vegetables and vitamins
  • Versatile – great with rice bowls, sandwiches, tacos, or as a side
  • Flavorful – tangy ginger dressing adds a punch

Ingredients

Slaw

  • 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Ginger Dressing

  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2–3 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, scallions, and cilantro. Toss lightly.

2. Make the Ginger Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and neutral oil until emulsified.

3. Combine Slaw and Dressing

Pour the ginger dressing over the slaw and toss thoroughly until all vegetables are coated.

4. Add Toppings

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch.

5. Serve

Serve immediately for the crunchiest texture, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.


Tips for the Perfect Asian Slaw

  • Use fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum crunch.
  • Toast sesame seeds lightly for extra flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness, salt, or acidity of the dressing to taste.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly for even texture and presentation.
  • Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a complete meal.

Variations

  • Spicy Slaw: Add 1 tsp of chili flakes or Sriracha to the dressing.
  • Peanut Ginger Slaw: Stir in 2 tbsp peanut butter to the dressing for a creamy version.
  • Noodle Slaw: Mix in cooked soba noodles for a hearty salad.
  • Herb Boost: Add mint or basil along with cilantro for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
  • Use as a topping for tacos, rice bowls, or sandwiches.
  • Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep lunches.

Fun Facts

  • Asian slaws are inspired by East and Southeast Asian cuisines, where fresh vegetables and bold dressings are staples.
  • Ginger not only adds flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
  • Slaws like this are a great way to enjoy raw vegetables in a flavorful, easy-to-eat form.

Storage

  • Store slaw and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain crunch.
  • Combine before serving for the best texture.

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ginger Dressing

A vibrant, crunchy slaw with fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy ginger dressing. Perfect as a side or main salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Healthy
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Slaw
  • 3 cups green cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup carrots julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Ginger Dressing
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2-3 tbsp neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, scallions, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and neutral oil.
  3. Pour dressing over slaw and toss thoroughly until all vegetables are coated.
  4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Store slaw and dressing separately for up to 2 days to maintain crunch.