This spicy-sweet Coleslaw With Asian Dressing is the perfect summer side!

What if I told you this refreshing coleslaw is so good you might just find yourself eating it straight out of the mixing bowl? Like, before it even makes it to the table. No judgment—I’ve done it. But really, it is that good.
Packed with crisp, fresh veggies and tossed in a kind of spicy, kind of sweet Asian-inspired dressing, it’s the kind of dish that demands your full attention. One bite in, and you’re hit with creamy, nutty almond butter, the zing of fresh ginger, a salty kick of soy sauce (or coconut aminos, if you prefer), and a tangy lime punch that makes your mouth do a happy dance.
I love this recipe because it’s a total scene stealer on its own, but it’s also the perfect sidekick for just about anything. Pile it high on a sandwich, spoon it onto a burger, stuff it into a Thai-inspired wrap with cauliflower rice—it’s an easy way to upgrade whatever you’re eating. And let’s not forget those bold, gorgeous colors and crunchy textures. It’s like a party for your eyes and your palate, all while sneaking in a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals.

Is This Coleslaw With Asian Dressing Healthy?
When you think about coleslaw, recipes with a heavy dose of mayonnaise or even sugar might come to mind. This is a much healthier alternative that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
They say it’s healthy to “eat the rainbow,” and this is basically a rainbow in a bowl. Napa and red cabbage are loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help your body fight off all the things you don’t want. Bok choy contains vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, and even more vitamin C, while carrots are full of beta-carotene—the pigment precursor to vitamin A that’s great for glowing skin and good eyesight. And then there’s the red bell pepper—yet another vitamin C-rich superfood.
The dressing eschews the traditional mayo base and uses heart-healthy almond butter and avocado oil instead. I could go on, but the main takeaway here is that this recipe offers up some real health benefits. Eat it up, feel good, repeat.

A Multi-Purpose Dressing
I happen to think the real star of this dish is the dressing. Creamy, tangy, a little bit spicy, just a tad nutty, and so addictive you could eat it with a spoon; you may just want to whip up a double batch and use it on everything else.
You can use it as a delightful dip for your next crudités platter. Thin it out with a little extra oil and vinegar and drizzle it over roasted veggies for an easy side dish. Toss it with Asian noodles for a quick weeknight dinner. Heck, it would even make the perfect sauce for dunking spring rolls into. The sky’s the limit!

How To Make Ahead And Store
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. That said, if you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container, and they will last for about 3-5 days in the fridge. On account of the high water content of the cabbage and other veggies, I don’t recommend freezing the slaw. It will turn to mush upon thawing it.

Serving Suggestions
This coleslaw serves as a versatile side dish for so many other recipes. Enjoy it alongside a Thai Veggie Burger With Curry for a truly flavorful bite. It would be a refreshing accompaniment to a flavor-packed Asian Salmon With Soy And Ginger. Finally, some Shrimp Spring Rolls would be a perfect pairing—you could even double the dressing recipe to use as a dip.
Recipe

Ingredients
The Coleslaw:
- 2 cups napa cabbage shredded (about 1/4 of a cabbage)
- 2 cups red cabbage shredded (about 1/4 of a cabbage)
- 1 1/2 cups bok choy leaves shredded
- 3/4 cup carrot grated and tightly packed (about 1 large carrot)
- 3/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped and lightly packed
- 1/2 large red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts diced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots diced
- 1/2 cup green onions sliced
- sea salt to taste
The Dressing:
- 1/2 cup natural creamy almond butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons honey (or agave to make vegan)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix all the coleslaw ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with sea salt.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and stir until well mixed and coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Up to 4 hours is best.
- Once chilled, season to taste with salt and enjoy.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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