Asian Slaw with Peanut Sesame Ginger Dressing

I still remember the first time I tried this Asian Slaw with Peanut Sesame Ginger Dressing. I was searching for something refreshing, vibrant, and full of bold flavors. As I whisked together the ingredients for the dressing, the kitchen filled with the rich scent of sesame oil and ginger. The result was far beyond my expectations. It was a delightful combination of crisp vegetables and a creamy, savory dressing that hit all the right notes.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. Every bite of this slaw offers a satisfying crunch and a punch of flavor. The mixture of green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers creates a beautiful rainbow on the plate. It’s not just about the looks, though. The Peanut Sesame Ginger Dressing ties everything together in the most delicious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why this Asian Slaw will win your heart. First of all, it is packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The vegetables stay crisp, and the dressing coats them perfectly without making the slaw soggy.

Secondly, the recipe is quick and easy to make. Within just 20 minutes, you can have this dish ready to serve. Whether you’re in a rush or simply looking for something simple yet flavorful, this slaw is your go-to option.

Moreover, the flavors in this slaw are unique yet comforting. The nuttiness from the peanut butter, the zing from ginger, and the slight sweetness from honey blend beautifully. Every mouthful offers a balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.

Versatile
One of the best things about this slaw is its versatility. It works wonderfully as a side dish, especially with grilled meats or hearty mains. However, it also shines on its own as a light meal. You can easily pair it with grilled chicken or tofu for a more filling option.

Additionally, it adapts well to different diets. If you want to keep it vegan, you can swap out the honey for maple syrup. If you prefer extra protein, add grilled beef or more edamame.

Budget-Friendly
This recipe is also friendly on your wallet. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily available at any grocery store. Fresh vegetables, soy sauce, and peanut butter are all affordable and easy to find. Yet, the taste feels like something you’d get at an upscale restaurant.

Ingredients for Recipe
To prepare this Asian Slaw with Peanut Sesame Ginger Dressing, you will need the following ingredients:

• Rice vinegar

• Fresh ginger

• Garlic cloves

• Vegetable or canola oil

• Toasted sesame oil

• Creamy peanut butter

• Soy sauce

• Honey

• Green cabbage

• Purple cabbage

• Carrots

• Red bell pepper

• Cooked and shelled edamame

• Scallions

• Chopped peanuts

• Fresh cilantro

• Sesame seeds (optional)

This mix of ingredients creates a vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly tasty slaw that you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Asian Slaw with Peanut Sesame Ginger Dressing is a straightforward process. I always enjoy preparing it because it comes together quickly, yet the flavors are truly impressive. You’ll start by making the dressing, which is the heart of this recipe. Then, you’ll move on to assembling the slaw.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
To begin, take a medium-sized mixing bowl. Into this bowl, pour six tablespoons of rice vinegar. Then, add one tablespoon of freshly minced ginger along with two minced garlic cloves. The aroma already starts to build at this point.

Next, whisk in three tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil. Following this, add one teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. The fragrance from the sesame oil immediately adds a rich, nutty note.

Now, scoop in a quarter cup of creamy peanut butter. Add three tablespoons of soy sauce and three tablespoons of honey. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the dressing turns smooth and creamy. This step only takes a few minutes, but it’s essential for combining all the flavors beautifully.

Once the dressing is ready, set it aside for a moment while you prepare the slaw.

Step 2: Assemble the Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, combine four cups of shredded green cabbage and one cup of shredded purple cabbage. These two types of cabbage bring both color and crunch to the dish.

Then, add one cup of shredded carrots to the bowl. Next, thinly slice one red bell pepper and add it as well. The bell pepper adds a sweet and juicy bite.

Now, mix in one cup of cooked and shelled edamame. These little beans bring a delightful tender texture along with extra protein.

After that, thinly slice two scallions and add them to the mix. Toss in half a cup of chopped peanuts, but remember to reserve about one tablespoon for garnishing later.

Finally, roughly chop half a cup of fresh cilantro and mix it in. The fresh herbs lift the entire dish and add a hint of brightness.

Step 3: Combine the Slaw and Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of vegetables. Using salad tongs or clean hands, toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

At this point, you’ll notice how the slaw becomes vibrant and glossy, with every piece well coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the reserved chopped peanuts on top of the slaw. If you like, you can also add a small handful of sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Serve the slaw immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more.

Quick and Easy
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just twenty minutes, you can have a fresh, delicious dish ready to serve. It’s perfect for those busy days when you still want something satisfying and wholesome.

Customizable
Another reason I love this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have available. Don’t have edamame? You can leave it out or replace it with another protein such as grilled beef or tofu.

You can also adjust the flavor of the dressing to suit your taste. For a spicier version, simply add a bit of chili sauce or red pepper flakes. If you prefer it slightly sweeter, just increase the amount of honey.

Crowd-Pleasing
Every time I serve this slaw at gatherings, it becomes a hit. People love the bright colors, the refreshing crunch, and the rich, creamy dressing. It pairs beautifully with many main dishes and is suitable for various occasions, from family dinners to potlucks.

Plus, it’s a great way to get more vegetables onto everyone’s plate. Even those who aren’t big fans of salads find themselves reaching for seconds. The blend of nutty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors makes it truly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make this Asian Slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this slaw in advance. However, for the best texture, keep the dressing and the vegetables separate until just before serving. This way, the slaw will stay crisp and fresh.

What can I use instead of peanut butter in the dressing?
If you need an alternative to peanut butter, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options will still provide a creamy texture and a nutty taste.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. All the other ingredients are plant-based.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within one to two days for optimal freshness and crunch.

Can I add more protein to this slaw?
Certainly, you can add extra protein if desired. Grilled beef, tofu, or additional edamame are excellent choices that blend well with the flavors of this dish.

How spicy is this slaw?
This recipe is not spicy as written. However, you can easily add heat by mixing in some chili flakes or a touch of sriracha to the dressing.

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