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Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ginger Dressing

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This Crunchy Asian Slaw is addictive! It comes together quickly, it's super colorful, and it's about to become your new favorite! Made with cucumber, carrots, red pepper, red cabbage, edamame, cilantro, almonds, and a sweet-savory asian ginger dressing. It’s fresh, satisfying, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep, summer BBQs, picnics, or easy lunches.

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The BEST Crunchy Asian Slaw

If I had to eat one cuisine for the rest of my life, it would be Asian food without hesitation.

Give me anything with ginger, garlic, sesame, lime, a little heat, and a ton of crunch, and I am a happy girl. Pair all of that with the fact that I could genuinely eat a giant salad every single day, which is why this crunchy asian slaw is pretty much my dream meal!

It’s fresh, colorful, incredibly satisfying, and somehow gets even better after it sits in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep, BBQs, picnics, or easy lunches throughout the week.

The crisp vegetables, protein-packed edamame, fresh herbs, and creamy crunch from the almonds all get tossed in the most addictive sweet, savory, gingery dressing that you will absolutely want to drizzle on everything.

Whether you serve it as a light lunch, alongside grilled tofu, or bring it to your next BBQ, this is one of those recipes everyone ends up asking for. It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, loaded with fresh veggies, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Asian restaurant. Except it comes together in just a few minutes right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ginger Dressing

The dressing for this salad is more than you can even imagine. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together so quickly and honestly tastes delicious on everything. It quite literally makes this salad. The flavor is bold but easy, with the perfect amount of tang and just a touch of heat. It’s perfect for Asian-inspired salads because it has all the necessary elements: ginger, umami, sesame, and a touch of heat!

Crunchy Asian Slaw Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe brings texture, crunch, and nutrients! Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few substitution options.

Cucumber: adds cool crunch and freshness. Slicing it into thin half moons makes it easy to scoop up with the rest of the salad and gives every bite a refreshing snap.
Carrots: add sweetness, color, and texture. They also hold up well in the fridge, which makes this asian slaw salad great for meal prep.
Red Bell Pepper: for the juicy sweetness and undeniable crunch. You could use any bell pepper of your preference.
Red Cabbage: necessary for any crunchy salad, if you ask me! Green cabbage would also work well for this Asian cabbage slaw, and it holds up beautifully once dressed.
Green Onions: add mild onion flavor and freshness without overpowering the salad.
Edamame: plant-based protein, fiber, and a satisfying bite. It turns this from a simple side salad into something that can actually work as lunch.
Cilantro: brings freshness and that bright herby flavor that pairs so well with lime, ginger, and sesame.
Sliced Almonds: crunch, richness, and a little creamy nuttiness. They make this salad feel more satisfying and add that extra textural element.

Asian Ginger Dressing Ingredients

The entire reason this salad works as well as it does is because of this addictive salad dressing!

Coconut Aminos: create the dressing’s salty-sweet base and add the necessary umami and depth. You could use soy or tamari if you want, but perhaps a little less since they are much saltier.
Rice Vinegar: adds tang and brightness while balancing the sweetness from the other ingredients.
Sriracha: a little heat and a little garlic-chili flavor. Use more if you love spice or less if you want it milder.
Fresh Lime Juice: acidity and freshness. It helps make this feel like a true asian vinaigrette instead of a heavy dressing.
Fresh Ginger: takes a dressing to another level. It adds warmth, brightness, and that slightly spicy flavor that makes the dressing so addictive.
Garlic: gives the dressing savory depth, and you really only need one clove for the flavor to balance and not overpower.
Maple Syrup: adds just enough sweetness to balance the vinegar, lime, ginger, and sriracha.
Sesame Seeds: add texture and nutty flavor. They also make the dressing feel more complete.

How to Make This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad

This salad comes together quickly and easily, is on the table in minutes, and is perfect to make ahead if you want to enjoy it later.

Prep the Veggies

Start by slicing the cucumber into thin half moons, shredding the carrots and red cabbage, slicing the red bell pepper, chopping the cilantro, and slicing the green onions. Add everything to a large salad bowl with the thawed edamame and sliced almonds.

Make the Asian Ginger Dressing

Add the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sriracha, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, maple syrup, sesame seeds, and salt to a jar. Stir with a fork or shake until combined. Taste and adjust before adding it to the salad. More lime for brightness, more maple for sweetness, more sriracha for heat, or more ginger if you want it extra gingery.

Toss Until Everything Is Coated

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss really well. Take your time here so the ginger dressing reaches every little piece of cabbage, cucumber, carrot, pepper, edamame, and almond. The salad should look glossy, fresh, and evenly coated.

Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds if desired, then serve right away or let it chill for a bit so the flavors can settle.

Crunchy Asian Slaw Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to serve this slaw! It’s perfect as a light lunch or side dish, so if you want to bring it to a BBQ or serve it alongside other things, it’s a great option. If you want to make a whole spread with other recipes that are complementary, think Summer Fresh Rolls, Cucumber Boats or this delicious 15-minute Spicy Silken Tofu dish!

For meal prep, portion it into containers, then add extra almonds or sesame seeds right before serving for maximum crunch.

How Long Does Homemade Ginger Salad Dressing Last?

Homemade asian ginger dressing will last about 4–5 days in an airtight jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake or stir before using, since the sesame seeds and ginger may settle at the bottom. If it thickens slightly in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake again. You can also make the dressing ahead and prep the vegetables separately, then toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.

Crunchy Asian Slaw FAQ

Can I make this crunchy asian slaw ahead of time? Yes. This salad is great for meal prep because the vegetables are sturdy and hold up well after dressing. For the best texture, add the almonds right before serving.

Is this asian slaw gluten-free? Yes, as written with coconut aminos, this salad is naturally gluten-free. If using tamari or another soy sauce alternative, make sure it is certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage? Absolutely. Green cabbage, napa cabbage, or a bagged slaw mix can all work. Red cabbage adds beautiful color and crunch, but use what you have.

What can I use instead of almonds? Cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame sticks would all be delicious. Use whatever crunchy topping you love.

Is this dressing spicy? It has a little heat from the sriracha and ginger, but it’s not overly spicy. Use less sriracha for a milder dressing or add extra if you want more heat.

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear how you served this one up! Leave a rating and review below, and let me know, and then try these recipes next:

Vegan Sushi Bake

Sticky Maple Miso Glazed Tofu Bowls

Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Ginger Salad Dressing

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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