Say hello to the coleslaw that’s here to transform your side dish game! This isn’t your average soggy slaw. Packed with vibrant, crunchy veggies, a bold and zesty dressing, and just the right amount of sweet-salty balance, this Asian-inspired coleslaw is so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment).
It’s quick to whip up, 100% vegan, and perfect for everything from BBQs to a fresh zingy salad on Christmas day. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favourite mains or letting it shine as a light lunch, this recipe is proof that coleslaw doesn’t have to be boring. Bonus: it’s a rainbow on a plate – because who doesn’t love eating the rainbow?
How to make my Easy Crunchy Asian Coleslaw
To make my Easy Crunchy Asian Coleslaw, here’s how I do it:
- Prep the Veggies:
I start with a colourful mix of veggies to make it as vibrant as it is tasty. Shred some red and green cabbage for that classic crunch, julienne some carrots for sweetness, and add thinly sliced shallots for a pop of colour. For extra freshness, I toss in chopped fresh mint. - Make the Dressing:
The dressing is where all the magic happens. In a small bowl or jar, I whisk together vegan fish sauce, lime juice and sweet chilli sauce for a sweet-savoury-zesty balance. - Toss It Together:
I pour the dressing over the veggies just before serving to keep everything crisp. Using clean hands or tongs, I give it a good toss, ensuring every piece is coated in that flavorful dressing. - Optional Add-Ins:
Sometimes, I’ll add some crunchier toppings like toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or crushed peanuts for extra texture. If I’m feeling fancy, crispy fried shallots or wonton strips make an amazing addition. To make this a complete meal I sometimes like to add some crispy tofu or marinated tempeh, along with some mung bean noodles. - Serve and Enjoy:
It’s best served fresh, but it holds up well for a few hours in the fridge. Perfect as a side, a meal prep staple, or even as a topping for tacos or Buddha bowls.
This coleslaw is so easy and versatile – it’s my go-to when I want something quick, healthy, and irresistibly crunchy!
What are the ingredients in this coleslaw?
- Green cabbage
- Red cabbage
- Bean sprouts
- Carrots
- Fresh mint
- Spring onion
- Sweet chilli sauce
- Vegan fish sauce
- Lime juice
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this Easy Crunchy Asian Coleslaw ahead of time, but there are a few tips to keep it fresh and crisp:
1. Prep the Veggies in Advance
Chop and shred all the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days without the dressing.
2. Make the Dressing Separately
Mix up the dressing and keep it in a small jar or container. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the veggies from becoming soggy.
3. Assemble Just Before Serving
Toss the veggies and dressing together just before serving. This ensures the coleslaw remains crunchy and vibrant.
4. If You Need to Mix Ahead
If you want to assemble everything earlier, mix the coleslaw no more than 1–2 hours before serving. The cabbage holds up well, but the carrots and other veggies can lose their crispness over time.
By keeping the components separate, you’ll have a fresh, crunchy salad ready to go whenever you need it!
More recipes you might like
Crunchy Rainbow Salad
Thai Green Papaya Salad
Mango Salad
Bun Cha Gio (Vietnamese Rice Noodle and Spring Roll Salad
Crispy Rice Salad
Easy Crunchy Asian Coleslaw
4
15
0
15
This Easy Crunchy Asian Coleslaw is a vibrant mix of fresh veggies tossed in a zesty, sweet chilli dressing. Perfect as a side dish or meal prep staple it’s healthy, quick, and packed with flavour!
Ingredients
2 cups Red Cabbage
2 cups Green Cabbage
1 Spring Onion
1 Large Carrot
2/3 cup Beansprouts
1/4 cup Fresh Mint
- Dressing
1 tbsp Vegan Fish Sauce
1 Fresh Lime, juiced
2 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce
Directions
- Prep the veggies by thinly slicing the cabbage and julienning the carrot. Thinly slice the spring onion. Roughly chop the fresh mint.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together. Adjust to your preferred taste – this will depend on the brand of vegan fish sauce you use and the amount of juice in your particular lime.
- Assemble your salad and then pour over the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
