Crunchy Asian Slaw with Peanut Dressing

This crunchy Asian slaw is the kind of side dish that brings plenty of texture and big flavor without a complicated prep. Coleslaw mix, bell pepper, scallions and cilantro are tossed with a creamy peanut dressing built from lime juice, tamari, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, sesame oil and honey.

The dressing balances savory, tangy and lightly sweet flavors, while crushed roasted peanuts add extra crunch at the finish. Because everything is mixed in one large salad bowl, this is an easy way to turn a bag of slaw mix into a colorful homemade side.

Dr. J’s Kitchen

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Peanut Dressing

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Fresh, crunchy Asian-style slaw tossed with a sweet, tangy and savory homemade peanut dressing.

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Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients

  

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• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 1 yellow bell pepper (or any color), thinly sliced
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed lightly salted roasted peanuts
• Toasted sesame seeds, optional, for topping
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Method

 

1. Whisk peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and salt in a large salad bowl until smooth.
2. Add coleslaw mix, bell pepper, scallions and cilantro. Toss well with salad tongs.
3. Top with crushed peanuts and toasted sesame seeds, if using. Serve and enjoy.

Video

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Why you'll love this Asian slaw

The shortcut coleslaw mix keeps the prep simple, but fresh bell pepper, scallions and cilantro give the finished slaw plenty of color and crunch.

Peanut butter gives the dressing body while lime, rice vinegar and tamari create the sweet-tangy-savory balance that makes this slaw stand out.

How to get the peanut dressing smooth

Whisk the dressing ingredients together before adding the vegetables. Starting with the peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, ginger and sesame oil lets the dressing become smooth enough to coat the slaw evenly.

Finishing the slaw

Add the crushed roasted peanuts after tossing the vegetables with the dressing so they keep more of their crunch. Toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes are optional finishing touches if you want them.

Watch Dr. J Make Crunchy Asian Slaw with Peanut Dressing

Watch Dr. J make Crunchy Asian Slaw with Peanut Dressing and see how it comes together.