Name: Asian Slaw
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 to 8 cups coleslaw mix; 2 green onions (thinly sliced); sesame seeds (for garnish); ¼ cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons honey; 1 clove garlic (finely minced, optional)

This crunchy Asian Slaw is the side dish you need when you want big flavor with almost zero effort. By using a bagged slaw mix, you skip the chopping entirely!

Tossed in a quick, savory sesame dressing with hints of garlic and honey, this 10-minute recipe is the ultimate fresh side for grilled chicken, salmon, stir fry, or busy weeknight dinners.

Easy Asian Slaw with sesame seeds and green onions

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Asian Slaw

Flavor: Crisp, fresh, and tossed in a tangy-savory sesame dressing.

Why Make It: Only one bowl and uses bagged coleslaw mix for no chopping and fewer dishes.

Serving Suggestions: It’s delicious piled onto burgers or pulled pork sandwiches for extra crunch and flavor.

Total Time: 40 minutes (only 10 minutes hands-on!) Serves: 8 Difficulty: Easy

Ingredient Notes for Asian Slaw

coleslaw mix , oil , green onions , honey , rice vinegar , sesame seeds , sesame oil , garlic , soy sauce with labels to make Easy Asian Slaw

Coleslaw: A tri-color mix adds extra color. Feel free to swap in freshly shredded green and purple cabbage.
Dressing: This simple dressing uses pantry ingredients for a bright and fresh salad. In a pinch, store-bought sesame dressing can be used.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a light, tangy flavor that keeps the dressing fresh and balanced.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works well here, and tamari is a great gluten-free option.
- Honey: Maple syrup or a little brown sugar can be used if needed.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delicious nutty flavor and a little extra crunch. They’re optional, but they give the salad the perfect finishing touch.
Variation: This is easy to customize with ingredients like shredded carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, cilantro, or mandarin oranges. It can also be made spicier with sriracha or chili crisp, or finished with crunchy toppings like sliced almonds or wonton strips.

How To Make Asian Slaw

Whisk the dressing in a large bowl (full recipe below).

Add the coleslaw mix, green onions, and sesame seeds, then toss. Let chill.

Let it Chill: Chilling for 30 minutes gives better flavor, but do not let it sit overnight unless you like a softer slaw.
If Using Finer Slaw: Start with less dressing, since it absorbs faster.
For a Deeper Nutty Flavor: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet.
Add Crunchy Toppings: Add almonds or wontons only at the end so they stay crisp.

Leftovers that Last

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It will soften as it sits, but it is still good for lunches and rice bowls. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. If already dressed, give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. This recipe is not ideal for freezing.

Crunchy Sides for Takeout-Style Dinners

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

5 from 36 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

Asian Slaw

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 8 servings

This Asian slaw is crisp, colorful, and tossed in a quick sesame-soy dressing. It is an easy make-ahead side dish for weeknights, cookouts, and bowls.

Save Rate Print

Servings 8 servings

Prep Time 10

Chill time (optional) 30

Total Time 40

Ingredients

▢ 6 to 8 cups coleslaw mix
▢ 2 green onions thinly sliced
▢ sesame seeds for garnish

Sesame Dressing

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk dressing ingredients.
Add the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions. Toss well to coat.
If time allows, refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Store bought Sesame Dressing can be used in place of homemade dressing.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

5 from 36 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad

Cuisine Asian

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