Delicious & Easy Asian Coleslaw Recipe: A Fresh Napa Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Soy Dressing

Embark on a culinary adventure with this vibrant and refreshing Asian Coleslaw recipe! This delightful side dish elevates classic coleslaw to new heights with its unique blend of crisp textures and bold, savory-sweet flavors. Featuring tender Napa cabbage, crunchy snow peas, and zesty radishes, all coated in an irresistible creamy soy dressing, it promises a perfect balance in every refreshing bite. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and aromatic Asian-inspired tastes, making it an ideal companion for any meal or gathering.

A close up of a bowl of salad, with Cabbage

Drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Asia, this coleslaw transforms a familiar side into an extraordinary taste experience. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly spectacular. The vibrant hues of the vegetables alone are enough to brighten any table, hinting at the refreshing flavors to come.

At its heart, this colorful medley boasts crisp Napa cabbage, offering a mild, slightly sweet base that perfectly absorbs the dressing. Unlike the denser, tougher leaves of common green cabbage, Napa cabbage features crinkled, tender leaves that are ideal for slaws, ensuring a delicate crunch that never feels heavy. Sweet snow peas contribute a delightful snap and a touch of natural sweetness, providing an essential textural contrast and a beautiful pop of vibrant green color. Thinly sliced peppery radishes introduce a refreshing bite and a subtle spicy kick that brilliantly cuts through the richness of the dressing. Their slightly pungent yet earthy flavor perfectly balances the other ingredients, adding depth and visual appeal.

The true star, however, is the utterly irresistible creamy soy dressing. This masterful concoction is a balanced blend of umami-rich soy sauce, bright white wine vinegar for a tangy lift, and fragrant sesame oil, which imparts a distinctive, nutty aroma quintessential to Asian cuisine. What truly sets it apart are the aromatic additions of freshly minced garlic and zesty ground ginger, which infuse the dressing with layers of complex flavor that are both comforting and exciting. Each ingredient in the dressing plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor profile that is sweet, tangy, savory, and just a little bit spicy.

Beyond its incredible taste, this Asian slaw is remarkably easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It’s also a lighter and incredibly nutritious choice, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, especially when served alongside your favorite lean protein. While some minimal chopping is involved to get those perfect bite-sized pieces, the effort is handsomely rewarded with a dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. And when it comes to leftovers, this slaw is a gift that keeps on giving! The fresh flavors hold up well, and any additional cabbage can be transformed into delicious Asian Chicken Wraps or tossed into a hearty Chicken Lo Mein, extending your healthy and flavorful meal options throughout the week.

Why This Asian Coleslaw Will Become Your New Favorite

This isn’t just any coleslaw; it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish that consistently impresses. Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again:

Nutritional Powerhouse & Guilt-Free Goodness – Crafted with an abundance of fresh vegetables like nutrient-dense Napa cabbage (rich in vitamins K, C, and folate), vitamin-rich snow peas, and antioxidant-packed radishes, this Asian slaw is a truly wholesome and health-conscious option. It’s light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and nutritious lunch, a refreshing dinner side, or a healthy addition to any meal without weighing you down. Enjoy vibrant flavors without the guilt!
Unforgettable Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, a festive family gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, or contributing to a potluck, this unique twist on a classic coleslaw is guaranteed to be a sensational hit. Its captivating vibrant colors and undeniably delectable sweet, savory, and tangy flavors make it a standout dish that guests will rave about and eagerly ask for the recipe. It offers a fresh alternative to traditional creamy slaws.
Simple, Convenient, and Quick to Make – Don’t let the gourmet taste or impressive presentation fool you; preparing this delightful slaw is surprisingly straightforward and requires minimal culinary expertise. The most involved step is simply chopping all the fresh vegetables, which can even be done ahead of time to streamline your meal prep. With minimal cooking and simple mixing, this recipe is quick, easy, and practically effortless, fitting perfectly into any busy schedule and allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Asian Coleslaw

Before you begin, make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with precise measurements.

For The Crisp & Colorful Slaw

Napa Cabbage – This tender, crinkled-leaf cabbage forms the exquisite base of our slaw. Unlike tougher green cabbage varieties, Napa cabbage is incredibly delicate, offering a crisp yet pliable texture and a subtly sweet flavor that beautifully absorbs the creamy soy dressing. Its unique structure and mild taste make it ideal for cold salads, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor without being overwhelmingly “cabbage-y.”
Snow Peas – These vibrant green pods are crucial for adding a delightful, fresh crunch and a natural sweetness to the slaw. They provide an essential textural contrast that elevates the dish beyond just shredded cabbage, and their bright color enhances the visual appeal. If snow peas are unavailable, sugar snap peas make an excellent, equally crunchy and sweet substitute.
Radishes – Don’t underestimate the power of radishes! When thinly sliced, they impart a refreshing peppery kick and a satisfying crispness that brilliantly cuts through the richness of the dressing. Their slightly spicy yet earthy flavor perfectly balances the other ingredients, adding depth and a beautiful, vibrant pop of red or pink color to the medley.
Green Onions (Scallions) – Known interchangeably as scallions, green onions offer a mild, fresh onion flavor without the sharp pungency of larger onions. Both the white and green parts are used, providing an essential aromatic element that complements the Asian flavor profile beautifully without overpowering the delicate vegetables. They add a subtle savory depth.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves – Cilantro is a powerhouse of fresh, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy flavor that brightens the entire dish and adds an authentic Asian touch. Always opt for fresh cilantro for the most vibrant taste and aromatic contribution. For those who experience the “soapy” taste due to a genetic predisposition, don’t worry! Fresh Thai basil or mint leaves are fantastic alternative herbs that will still add a burst of freshness and a distinct flavor profile.
Sliced Almonds – Toasted or untoasted, sliced almonds introduce a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying, toothsome crunch that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables. Toasting them briefly in a dry pan just until fragrant can enhance their flavor significantly, bringing out deeper, more complex notes. For variations, consider toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a different nutty dimension and texture.

For The Irresistible Creamy Soy Dressing

Granulated Sugar – A touch of sugar is vital for balancing the savory and umami notes of the soy sauce and the tanginess of the vinegar. It brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dressing’s flavor profile, creating a perfectly harmonious blend. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your personal preference for sweetness, or use natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweet nuance.
White Wine Vinegar – This mild, delicately acidic vinegar provides the perfect tanginess to brighten the dressing and awaken the flavors of the coleslaw. Its balanced acidity is less aggressive than some other vinegars, making it an ideal choice for a dressing that’s flavorful but not overly sharp. Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar are excellent substitutes if white wine vinegar isn’t on hand, offering similar bright notes.
Soy Sauce – The cornerstone of this dressing, soy sauce delivers a rich, savory umami depth that is characteristic of authentic Asian cuisine. It provides the primary savory component and a beautiful dark color. For those requiring a gluten-free option, tamari sauce is a fantastic, flavorful alternative that retains the essential umami profile. Coconut aminos also work well for those seeking a soy-free and gluten-free alternative.
Fresh Garlic – Always opt for freshly minced garlic for the most potent, pungent, and aromatic flavor. Taking an extra minute to mince a fresh clove will make a noticeable difference in your dressing, providing a vibrant, fresh garlic kick. Pre-minced garlic in a jar tends to lose some of its vibrant essence and can sometimes have an off-flavor.
Ground Ginger – This zesty and subtly spicy spice is essential for giving the coleslaw its characteristic warm, aromatic Asian kick. Ground ginger provides a delightful complexity that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. For an even brighter, more pungent flavor, freshly grated ginger can be used in place of ground ginger; simply adjust the quantity to taste.
Sesame Oil – A small amount of toasted sesame oil goes a long way in imparting a distinctive, nutty, and incredibly fragrant aroma that is quintessential to many Asian dishes. It elevates the entire coleslaw, providing an authentic and deeply satisfying flavor that makes the dressing truly special. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for maximum flavor impact.
Cayenne Pepper – For those who enjoy a little heat, cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice that complements the sweet and savory notes. The amount can be easily adjusted to suit your preferred spice level, from a tiny pinch for a hint of warmth to a quarter teaspoon for a noticeable kick. It can also be omitted entirely for a milder, kid-friendly version. Red pepper flakes or a mild chili powder can also be used as alternatives.
Mayonnaise (Mayo) – Mayonnaise forms the luxurious, creamy base of our dressing, ensuring that every vegetable piece is evenly coated with a smooth, rich, and satisfying texture. It binds all the flavors together beautifully and provides a comforting mouthfeel. For a vegan or egg-free version, consider using a high-quality vegan mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo or Just Mayo) or blending silken tofu until smooth for a similar creamy consistency with a lighter profile.

Crafting Your Perfect Asian Coleslaw: Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delightful Asian coleslaw is incredibly simple and comes together quickly. Follow these straightforward steps to bring this vibrant dish to life and impress your tastebuds:

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables. Begin by thoroughly washing all your fresh vegetables. Then, thinly slice, dice, and shred all the ingredients for the slaw—Napa cabbage, snow peas, radishes, green onions, and cilantro—into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Precision in chopping not only makes for a more appealing presentation but also ensures even distribution of flavors and textures. Once prepared, combine all these vibrant ingredients into a large mixing bowl, ready for the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, white wine vinegar, and soy sauce until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth base. Next, stir in the freshly minced garlic, ground ginger, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper (if you’re opting for a hint of heat). Once these aromatic ingredients are thoroughly combined, gently whisk in the mayonnaise until the dressing is perfectly smooth, creamy, and uniform in consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more sugar, vinegar, or soy sauce to suit your preference.
Step 3: Combine and Coat. Pour approximately two-thirds of the prepared creamy soy dressing over the chopped vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Using a pair of tongs or clean hands, gently fold and toss the ingredients until the vegetables are beautifully and evenly coated. Add more dressing gradually, a tablespoon at a time, as needed, until the slaw reaches your desired level of creaminess and flavor saturation. Be careful not to overdress, as it can make the slaw soggy; a light, even coating is key.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. For an extra touch of elegance, texture, and nutty flavor, top your freshly prepared Asian coleslaw with the remaining sliced almonds. You can also add a final decorative drizzle of any leftover dressing just before serving. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispiest experience, or chill for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen further, making it even more irresistible.

A bowl of salad, with Cabbage and Napa cabbage

Enhance Your Asian Coleslaw: Tips & Creative Variations

Making this Asian coleslaw is already simple, but these tips and variations can make it even better, faster, or perfectly tailored to your taste and dietary needs:

Time-Saving Hacks: To significantly cut down on prep time, consider purchasing pre-packaged shredded Napa cabbage from your grocery store’s produce section. Alternatively, if you own a mandolin slicer, it’s an excellent tool for quickly achieving uniform, thin shreds of cabbage and other firm vegetables like radishes, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the slaw with minimal effort.
Effortless Dressing Creation: For the ultimate convenience in preparing the creamy soy dressing, utilize a small personal-sized blender (like a Magic Bullet or NutriBullet) or even a food processor. Simply add all the dressing ingredients into the blender cup and process until you achieve a wonderfully smooth, emulsified consistency in mere seconds. This method ensures all ingredients are perfectly combined and creamy.
Personalize the Spice Level: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper to match your preferred spice level. For a milder touch, substitute cayenne with a gentle chili powder like paprika or a dash of black pepper. If serving children or those sensitive to spice, feel free to omit the cayenne entirely for a delicious, family-friendly version.
Boost with Protein: Transform this flavorful side dish into a complete and satisfying main meal by adding your favorite protein. Cooked and shredded grilled chicken, succulent pan-seared shrimp, crispy baked tofu cubes, or even steamed edamame are fantastic additions that add substance and nutritional value. For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating your chosen protein in a bit of the prepared creamy soy dressing before cooking.
Add More Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to the core ingredients! Feel free to incorporate other crunchy, colorful vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile. Shredded carrots, thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers, finely chopped cucumber, or even some blanched broccoli florets can be fantastic additions, adding more crunch and visual appeal.
Nut & Seed Alternatives: While sliced almonds offer a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor, explore other options to diversify the texture and taste. Toasted cashews, roasted peanuts, or a generous sprinkle of toasted black or white sesame seeds can introduce different nutty nuances and delightful textures to your Asian coleslaw.
Chill for Flavor Development: While delicious immediately, allowing the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld and deepen. This brief resting period allows the vegetables to slightly soften and absorb the dressing even more, making it even more irresistible and refreshing.

Can I Prepare This Asian Coleslaw in Advance?

Absolutely! This Asian coleslaw is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week or for effortlessly entertaining guests. To ensure the vegetables remain crisp and fresh, the key is to prepare the chopped vegetables and the creamy soy dressing separately. Store them in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepared vegetables with the dressing and toss gently. This method prevents the slaw from becoming soggy and maintains its delightful crunch, ensuring a perfectly fresh and flavorful dish every time it’s served.

Adapting for Dietary Needs: Vegan & Gluten-Free Options

Yes, this versatile Asian coleslaw recipe can easily be adapted to suit both vegan and gluten-free dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or texture, making it accessible to a wider audience. To create a vegan-friendly dressing, simply swap traditional mayonnaise for a high-quality vegan mayonnaise, which is widely available in most grocery stores and offers a similar creamy consistency and rich taste. Alternatively, for a lighter, dairy-free, and egg-free option, blend silken tofu until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency to achieve a similar luxurious texture while adding a boost of plant-based protein. For a gluten-free version, replace conventional soy sauce with tamari sauce, which offers the same rich umami flavor but is naturally gluten-free. Coconut aminos are another fantastic gluten-free and soy-free alternative that works wonderfully in this dressing, making it suitable for a broader range of dietary needs and sensitivities.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Asian Coleslaw

This vibrant Asian coleslaw is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic side dish for almost any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to festive outdoor barbecues. Beyond being a great accompaniment to grilled burgers, steak, or chicken, here are some inspired ideas to incorporate this delicious slaw into your menu:

Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Elevate your favorite chicken lettuce wraps by adding a generous scoop of this refreshing Asian Slaw directly into them. Its crisp texture and vibrant flavors provide a perfect contrast to the savory chicken filling, or serve it on the side as a crisp, flavorful complement.
Cilantro Lime Chicken – Pair this bright, zesty grilled or pan-seared chicken with a mound of Asian coleslaw for a complete, balanced, and incredibly flavorful meal. The creamy, tangy dressing beautifully complements the citrusy notes of the chicken, creating a harmonious plate.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp – For a fantastic pescatarian option, serve this zesty, protein-packed shrimp alongside the Asian coleslaw. The fresh flavors of the shrimp and the vibrant slaw harmonize perfectly, creating a light yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm weather.
As a Topping for Tacos or Sandwiches: Use the slaw as a crunchy, flavorful topping for fish tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or even veggie burgers for an unexpected and delightful Asian twist. It adds both texture and a burst of flavor.
Alongside Grilled Fish or Pork: The sweet, savory, and tangy notes of the dressing make it an ideal accompaniment for flaky grilled salmon, tender pork chops, or even a glazed ham, providing a fresh counterpoint to richer mains.
In a Buddha Bowl: Create a wholesome and satisfying Buddha bowl by combining the Asian coleslaw with your choice of cooked grains (like quinoa, brown rice, or farro), roasted vegetables, and a lean protein source (chicken, tofu, or edamame).
With Asian-Inspired Mains: Serve it alongside dishes like teriyaki chicken, grilled bulgogi, or sesame noodles for a complete and cohesive meal with complementary flavors.

More Delightful Summer Side Dish Recipes to Explore

If you love discovering fresh, easy, and flavorful side dishes, especially during the warmer months, you’ll adore these other popular recipes that are perfect for any summer gathering, barbecue, or simple weeknight meal:

Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Zucchini Corn Fritters
Southwestern Corn Salad
Bruschetta
Grilled Zucchini
Caprese Pasta Salad
Classic Potato Salad

4.45 from 20 votes

Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw

By

Erin Sellin

Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw – a crunchy cabbage slaw salad with lots of veggies and a creamy Asian style soy dressing. Great for lunches, get togethers or with your next barbecue.

Prep:

30 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:
8

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Ingredients

Slaw

▢

1 pound napa cabbage, thinly shredded
▢

12 oz snow peas, thinly sliced
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1 1/3 cups radishes, thinly sliced
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1 cup
green onions
, thinly sliced
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3/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
▢

2/3 cup
sliced almonds

Creamy Soy Dressing

▢

1 cup
mayo
▢

3 Tablespoons
sugar
▢

3 Tablespoons
white wine vinegar
▢

1 Tablespoon
soy sauce
▢

1 clove
garlic
, minced
▢

1/2 teaspoon
ground ginger
▢

1/2 teaspoon
sesame oil
▢

1/4 tsp
cayenne pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss together all of the thinly sliced veggies for the slaw (Napa cabbage, snow peas, radishes, green onions, and cilantro). Ensure they are well mixed and evenly distributed.
To make the dressing, combine the sugar, white wine vinegar, and soy sauce in a medium bowl and whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the freshly minced garlic, ground ginger, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Finally, whisk in the mayonnaise until the dressing is perfectly smooth, creamy, and uniform in consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more sugar, vinegar, or soy sauce to suit your preference.
Pour about two-thirds of the creamy dressing over the prepared vegetables. Using a pair of tongs or clean hands, gently fold and toss the salad until the vegetables are beautifully and evenly coated. Add more dressing gradually, a tablespoon at a time, if a richer coating is desired, ensuring not to overdress the slaw to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Just before serving, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the Asian coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. You can also add a final decorative drizzle of any remaining dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispiest experience, or chill for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen further, making it even more irresistible.

Notes

This Asian coleslaw can be made ahead of time. For best results and to maintain crispness, store the prepared vegetables and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to ensure optimal freshness and crunch.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Course:
Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8

Calories:
284

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