Asian Coleslaw

Asian Coleslaw with Vegan Fish Sauce is a vibrant and crunchy salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This vegan twist on a classic dish features a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy and savory dressing, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck favorite, this Asian coleslaw is sure to impress.

Table of Contents

About Asian Coleslaw

Coleslaw, derived from the Dutch term “koolsla” (meaning cabbage salad), has been a popular dish in many cultures. Asian coleslaw is a fusion of traditional coleslaw with Asian flavors, creating a unique and refreshing salad.

In many Asian cuisines, fresh vegetables and tangy dressings play a crucial role. This dish combines the crunchy textures of cabbage and carrots with the umami flavors of vegan fish sauce, reflecting the harmonious balance of taste and texture in Asian cooking.

The use of fish sauce in Asian dishes adds depth and umami, but to keep this recipe vegan, we’ve used a vegan fish sauce alternative. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors of this coleslaw without compromising on dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love Asian Coleslaw

  • Refreshing Flavors: The combination of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing is light and invigorating.
  • Healthy: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this coleslaw is a nutritious addition to any meal.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan fish sauce, it’s suitable for all dietary preferences.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Versatile: Great as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution.

What Is In our Asian Coleslaw Recipe?

This vibrant coleslaw features a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients:

  • Cabbage: The base of the coleslaw, providing a crunchy texture.
  • Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and color.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Offers a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
  • Green Onion: Adds a sharp, fresh taste.
  • Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note.
  • Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty flavor and slight crunch.
  • Roasted Peanuts: Add a boost of protein, and crunch.
  • Vegan Fish Sauce: The key to the umami-rich dressing.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami flavor.
  • Agave Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
  • Sesame Oil: Gives a rich, toasty flavor to the dressing.
  • Lime Juice: Adds freshness and acidity.
  • Thai Basil: Adds a bold, vibrant, slightly spicy flavor.
  • Mint: Adds a cool, sharp, and sweet flavor that lingers.

Key Ingredients

These are must haves for a Asian Coleslaw

  • Cabbage: Crunchy and refreshing, forms the bulk of the salad.
  • Carrots: Sweet and colorful, they enhance the coleslaw.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Green Onion: For a sharp, fresh flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Thai Basil, Mint, Cilantro etc to add an aromatic element.
  • Vegan Fish Sauce: Provides the essential umami flavor.
  • Rice Vinegar: For tanginess in the dressing.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami.
  • Sweetener: Sweetens and balances the dressing.
  • Sesame Oil: For a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh and tangy, perfect for the dressing.

How To Make This Recipe

  1. Over low heat, add peanuts to a small frying pan and toast until lightly golden. Set aside to cool down.
Toasting Peanuts on a hot pan

  1. Cut all the vegetables and place them in a large salad bowl.
Cutting all vegetables for Asian Coleslaw

putting all cut vegetables in a brown wooden bowl

  1. Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar, and shake well.
adding ingredients in a glass jar to make a salad dressing for Asian Coleslaw

  1. Add the dressing to the salad bowl with all the ingredients, and toss gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
adding dressing on the vegetables on a wooden bowl
  1. Garnish with Fried Shallots, Crispy Garlic, Roasted Peanuts, sesame seeds, and more green onions.
Garnish salad with peanuts, fried  shallots, fried garlic, sesame seeds and Green onions a while bowl

  1. Serve immediately as a salad, side, or an appetizer.
serving Salad on a While bowl

  1. Enjoy 🙂
enjoying Asian Coleslaw in a white bowl and black Chopsticks

Have It Your Way!

  • Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste.
  • Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha for some heat.
  • Add Crunch: Include chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds.
  • Extra Freshness: Add more lime juice or zest for a zesty kick.
  • Use Different Veggies: Substitute or add vegetables like snap peas, daikon radish, or purple cabbage for variety.

Nutritional Facts

  • Low in Calories: A healthy, low-calorie dish.
  • High in Fiber: Rich in dietary fiber for digestive health.
  • Packed with Vitamins: Full of vitamins A, C, and K.
  • Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that support cellular health.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Asian Coleslaw on a white bowl

Asian Coleslaw

Berry Berry Life
Asian Coleslaw with Vegan Fish Sauce is a vibrant and crunchy salad that's perfect for any occasion. This vegan twist on a classic dish features a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy and savory dressing, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your meal. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck favorite, this Asian coleslaw is sure to impress.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine Asian, Thai
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Green Cabbage shredded
  • 2 Cups Purple Cabbage shredded
  • 1 Cup Carrots julienne
  • 1 Long Red Hot Pepper sliced thinly
  • 1 Cup Bean Sprouts
  • 4 Green Onions pipes
  • 1 Cup Thai Basil Leaves roughly chopped
  • ½ Cup Mint Leaves roughly chopped

Dressing:

Instructions
 

  • Over low heat, add peanuts to a small frying pan and toast until lightly golden. Set aside to cool down.
  • Cut all the vegetables and place them in a large salad bowl.
  • Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar, and shake well.
  • Add the dressing to the salad bowl with all the ingredients, and toss gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
  • Garnish with Fried Shallots, Crispy Garlic, Roasted Peanuts, Sesame seeds, and more Green Onions.
  • Serve immediately as a salad, side, or an appetizer.
  • Enjoy 🙂

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time.
  • Make-Ahead: This coleslaw can be made a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and toss it together before serving.
  • Vegan Fish Sauce: Ensure you use a good-quality vegan fish sauce to maintain the umami flavor.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 180kcal
Keyword 15 minutes, Asian Dressing, Cabbage, Cold Salad, Coleslaw, Salad
Tried This Recipe?Mention us @Berry_Berry_Life or #berryberrylife

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Asian Coleslaw salad vertical poster for pinterest


2 thoughts on “Asian Coleslaw”

  • 5 stars
    I’ve made this recipe 5 times this summer from your YouTube Channel, have have passed along the recipe about 5 times! I love it so much, and the colors are so satisfying. I use red cabbage, carrots, and jalapeño.

5 from 1 vote

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