Simple Asian Coleslaw Recipe (Easy Dressing!)

Name: Simple Asian Coleslaw Recipe (Easy Dressing!)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ cup rice vinegar; ¼ cup neutral oil; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 lb shredded cabbage and carrots mix; 2 green onions (sliced); ¼ cup cilantro (chopped); ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted); 2 tbsp sesame seeds ((optional) )

Updated: Sep 30, 2025 · Written by Danielle · This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please see our terms for more information.

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This simple Asian Coleslaw Recipe is the easiest side salad you'll make all week. Just shredded cabbage tossed in a 5-ingredient sesame dressing. Ready in 15 minutes with very little chopping, it's packed with flavor, light, crunchy, and goes with just about anything. Perfect for busy nights, BBQs, or when you need a quick, delicious veggie side without the fuss.

For more incredible, healthy sides, check out our whole collection of Vegetable Side Dish Recipes!

A large serving bowl of asian slaw salad.

The humble, crunchy cabbage is the perfect vehicle for carrying the flavors of this simple slaw dressing. I buy it in a big bag at Sam's Club for about two dollars, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping a batch for lunch all week, or just adding an inexpensive, nutrient dense side dish to the meal plan.

Flavorful salad recipes are great for adding a fresh, easy side dish to almost any meal. Nothing beats the combination of crispy greens tossed in a tasty dressing with all the tasty add-ins!

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Why this recipe is great
Ingredients for Asian coleslaw recipe
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make Asian coleslaw recipe
Variations and substitutions
What to serve with
For a crowd
FAQs
Tips & Tricks
More salad recipes
Recipe
Comments

Why this recipe is great

Simple: Absolutely nothing fancy here! Just a few ingredients and just a few minutes and bam, slaw salad done!
Holds well: Sometimes you need a dish that can be prepped and hold well for several days. Just keep the dressing on the side until it is time to eat.
Inexpensive: Budget-friendly recipes that are easy on the wallet are always a win!

Yum yum yum. This was the easiest slaw I've ever made. I served it with grilled chicken and it was a hit!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Charlotte

Ingredients for Asian coleslaw recipe

This recipe only requires a few ingredients! Ingredient quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.

Coleslaw, green onions, cilantro, almonds, sugar, sesame seed oil, sesame seeds, soy sauce, olive oil, and rive vinegar on a white surface.

Shredded Cabbage and Carrot Mix: Buy a bag of coleslaw mix ready to go in a bag or shred it yourself.
Green onions: Sliced bits of freshness. Use both the green and white parts.
Cilantro: Only use fresh cilantro here.
Toasted Sliced Almonds: Adds the perfect crunch.
Sesame Seeds (optional): Compliments the oil in the dressing and adds a touch more crunch.
Soy sauce: Adds the perfect saltiness and essential Asian flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: Do not substitute this ingredient. It has a strong nutty flavor and a little goes a long way.
Rice vinegar: You may substitute with white vinegar, but rice vinegar has a more subtle flavor.
Canola oil: Feel free to use whatever neutral oil you have on hand.
Sugar: For just a touch of sweetness.

Helpful kitchen tools

How to make Asian coleslaw recipe

A sheet pan of cooked seeds and almonds.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the almonds and sesame seeds on a cookie sheet. Cook in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until the nuts are just starting to brown and just begin to smell toasted.

Sesame dressing for slaw salad in a glass bowl with a whisk.

Add the sesame dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk it vigorously to combine. Alternatively, this can be made in a jar. Make sure the lid is on tight and shake to combine.

An array of glass dishes full of asian slaw salad ingredients.

Place the shredded cabbage mix in a bowl and top with sliced almonds, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Add half the dressing and toss to combine. Add more sesame dressing as needed for flavor.

Variations and substitutions

Slice your own green cabbage or napa cabbage.
For color add in bits of thinly-sliced red cabbage, also known as purple cabbage.
Add in a little garlic or ginger to the dressing to change it up a bit.
Toss in a little broccoli slaw for an even hearty mix.
Add in sunflower seeds, wonton strips, chow mein noodles, or ramen noodles for a bit more crunch.
If you are in a real time crunch, any asian-style dressing will work.

What to serve with

For a crowd

To serve to a crowd, just double or triple this easy recipe as needed. It really is as easy as that. Combine the slaw and toppings in a large bowl, then make the dressing in a large jar on the side. Wait to dress the salad until serving time to avoid it getting soggy. Also keep in mind that this salad doesn't hold well after dressed, so only add dressing to the amount you anticipate being eaten.

A glass bowl of asian slaw salad with a spoon.

FAQs

Can I make this salad a main dish?

Yes! Adding protein makes this a substantial meal. Try adding shredded rotisserie chicken, chicken fingers from the deli, or chopped leftover grilled chicken.

Can this be made ahead?

Yes, if you are wanting to prep ahead, mix the slaw with the toppings and store in the fridge for 1-2 days. The dressing can be made in a jar and stored for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Dress the salad right before serving.

Closeup of finished asian coleslaw salad in a white serving dish.

Tips & Tricks

If you have the time, make the dressing a day ahead to give the flavors a chance to meld. So good!
Toast the almonds and sesame seeds until just golden, but not burnt. Toasting them really add a lot of flavor and crunch to the salad.
Don't dress the salad until right before serving. It will get soggy if it sits in the dressing too long.