Easy Asian Salad {Quick Side}

It’s crispy Asian Salad It is the garnish you need when you want great flavor with almost zero effort. When using bagged cole slaw mix, skip the cut entirely!

Tossed with a quick and flavorful sesame dressing with hints of garlic and honey, this 10 minute recipe It’s the best fresh side for grilled chicken, salmon, stir-fries, or busy weeknight dinners.

Easy Asian Salad with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Asian Coleslaw

Flavor: Crispy, fresh and dressed with a spicy and flavorful sesame dressing.

Why do it: Just one bowl and use bagged coleslaw mix so you don’t chop and use fewer plates.

Service Suggestions: It’s delicious piled on top of burgers or pulled pork sandwiches for extra flavor and crunch.

Total time: 40 minutes (only 10 practical minutes!) Serves: 8 Difficulty: Easy

Notes on Asian Salad Ingredients

Coleslaw mix, oil, green onions, honey, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce with labels to make easy Asian salad

Coleslaw: A tricolor mix adds extra color. Feel free to swap it out for freshly shredded green and purple cabbage.
Bandage: This easy dressing uses pantry ingredients for a bright, fresh salad. In a pinch, store-bought sesame dressing can be used.
- Rice vinegar: It 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: If necessary, you can use maple syrup or a little brown sugar.
Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delicious nutty flavor and a little extra crunch. They are optional, but they add the perfect finishing touch to the salad.
Variation: This is easy to customize with ingredients like shredded carrots, bell pepper, peas, cilantro, or mandarin oranges. You can also make it spicier with sriracha or crunchy chili, or finish with crunchy toppings like sliced almonds or wonton strips.

How to make Asian slaw

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

Add the coleslaw mixture, green onions, and sesame seeds, then stir. Let cool.

Let it cool: Chilling it for 30 minutes gives it better flavor, but don’t let it sit overnight unless you like a softer slaw.
If using thinner slaw: Start with less dressing as it is absorbed faster.
For a more intense nutty flavor: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan.
Add crunchy toppings: Add almonds or wontons only at the end for crunch.

Leftovers that last

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

Crispy Side Dishes for Takeout-Style Dinners

Did you enjoy this Asian slaw recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

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

Preparation time 10 minutes

Relaxation time (optional) 30 minutes

Total time 40 minutes

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

Store-bought sesame dressing can be used in place of homemade dressing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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

Course Salad

Kitchen Asian

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