Asian Coleslaw with Honey Sesame Dressing is tangy, sweet, and the perfect addition to fried chicken sliders, BBQ, and more. Simply toss the colorful ingredients in the umami-packed dressing and add some crunch to your plate!
We love this coleslaw on fried chicken sandwiches. It's sweet tanginess balances the rich and savory fried chicken. This dressing also features fresh and nutrient rich ingredients so it much healthier than typical coleslaw. Give it a try for a weeknight dinner or family get together, you won't be disappointed!
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Why You'll Love Asian Coleslaw
- Taste - This coleslaw is a rich flavor medley. The cabbage and carrots are earthy and slightly peppery. The honey sesame dressing is sweet and tangy.
- Texture - The cabbage and carrots are firm and crunchy while the dressing adds moisture.
- Effort - This easy Japanese slaw is perfect for a large batch for a get together.
- Time - It only takes 10 minutes to prep and can be made while your other dishes cook.
Key Ingredients
- Greek yogurt - Greek yogurt is a healthy base for the slaw that adds probiotics to the dish.
- Apple cider vinegar - Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess and prevent the veggies from browning.
- Honey - Honey provides a light sweetness.
- Garlic powder - Garlic powder adds the quintessential aroma without overpowering the other rich flavors.
- Sesame seeds - We add white and black sesame seeds for a little nuttiness.
- Sesame oil - Sesame oil gives the slaw a toasty, nutty flavor.
- Napa cabbage - Napa cabbage adds a mild and lightly sweet crunch.
- Radicchio - Radicchio is stronger and more bitter than napa cabbage.
- Carrots - Carrots are a sweet root vegetable.
- Fuji apples - Fuji apples add a little crunch and sweetness.
- Cilantro - Cilantro adds a fresh brightness to the slaw.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sugar - You can use sugar instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
- Maple syrup - Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer sweetness.
- White wine vinegar - Use white wine vinegar for a less fruity vinegar flavor.
- Ginger - Add some grated ginger for a pungent spice.
- Spicy - Add a little Sriracha or pepper sauce to make this coleslaw spicy.
- Green onion - Add chopped green onion for a light oniony flavor.
- Pepper - Add some freshly cracked black pepper for a light spice.
- Nuts - Add honey roasted cashews or slivered almonds for extra protein and crunch.
- Ramen - Add chilled al dente ramen noodles to the mix for a heartier dish.
Instructions
- Make dressing - In a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Then mix until combined. (Photo 1 and 2)
- Mix all ingredients - In a separate mixing bowl, add napa cabbage, radicchio, carrots, apples, and chopped fresh cilantro in a large mixing bowl and toss. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and use tongs to mix until the vegetables are coated. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy as is or chill in the refrigerator. (Photo 3 and 4)
Pro tip - Let the slaw rest for a few minutes before serving so the dressing and veggie flavors meld together.
What to Serve With Asian Slaw
This Japanese coleslaw goes perfectly with fried chicken or fried fish sliders. It is also delicious on cast iron burgers or pulled chicken sandwiches. Finally, it goes great as aside for grilled chicken, beef, and rice.
Recipe FAQs
Of the dressings we have tried, we like our honey sesame dressing best because it is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Yes, all of the ingredients in this recipe are healthy, including the creamy Greek yogurt salad base.
No, this asian slaw is mild. If you want to make it spicy, you can add a little Sriracha or hot sauce.
This slaw recipe is vegetarian but not vegan because it contains Greek yogurt, which is made from cow's milk.
Coleslaw Tips
- Make this crunchy Asian slaw ahead of time - just keep the dressing separate from the cabbage, apples, and carrots. Then mix everything together when you are ready to enjoy it. This ensures the coleslaw stays crunchy.
- Save time and energy by shredding the cabbage and carrots in a food processor. Just remember to use a chopping blade and to cut the cabbage into thin wedges before adding it to the food processor.
Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Asian Coleslaw With Honey Sesame Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon white or black toasted sesame seeds
- 2 cups napa cabbage shredded
- 1 cups radicchio shredded
- 1 cup carrots shredded (2 medium carrots)
- 2 fuji apples peeled, cored, and julienned
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Make dressing - In a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix until combined.½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ cup sesame oil, 1 tablespoon white or black toasted sesame seeds
- Mix all ingredients - In a separate large mixing bowl, add napa cabbage, radicchio, carrots, apples, and cilantro and toss. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and use tongs to mix until the vegetables are coated. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy as is or chill in the refrigerator.2 cups napa cabbage, 1 cups radicchio, 1 cup carrots, 2 fuji apples, ½ cup cilantro
Video
Notes
- Refrigerate leftover slaw in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. When you are ready to enjoy it, remove it from the fridge and eat it cold or let it get closer to room temperature.
- Let the slaw rest for a few minutes before serving so all the dressing and veggie flavors meld together.
- In order to make this slaw ahead of time, keep the dressing separate from the cabbage and carrots to ensure the coleslaw stays crunchy Then mix everything together when you are ready to enjoy it.
- Save time and energy by shredding the cabbage and carrots in a food processor. Just remember to use a chopping blade and to cut the cabbage into thin wedges before adding it to the food processor.
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