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Asian Peanut Slaw Salad
Asian Peanut Slaw brings together the perfect combination of crisp vegetables and creamy peanut dressing in one refreshing dish. This vibrant salad transforms simple cabbage and carrots into a restaurant-quality side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a light meal. The nutty, tangy flavors create an irresistible balance that will have you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick 15-minute preparation with no cooking required, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with fresh vegetables that provide essential nutrients and satisfying crunch
- Creamy peanut dressing delivers rich, complex flavors without heavy ingredients
- Stays fresh for days in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep
- Versatile recipe that works as a side dish or light main course
Why This Asian Peanut Slaw Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances textures and flavors perfectly. The finely shredded cabbage provides a satisfying crunch while absorbing the creamy peanut dressing. Fresh lime juice adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil creates an authentic Asian flavor profile. Using natural peanut butter ensures a clean taste without artificial additives. The vegetables maintain their crispness even after dressing, thanks to the quick preparation method.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Peanut Slaw Salad
You’ll appreciate how this salad brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. The creamy peanut dressing coats every strand of cabbage, creating a cohesive dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
This recipe offers incredible versatility for different dietary needs. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily accommodate various preferences. The fresh ingredients provide essential vitamins while the peanuts add healthy fats and protein.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage | ½ head, finely shredded | Main base providing crunch and volume |
| Medium carrots | 2, grated | Adds sweetness and vibrant color |
| Bell pepper | 1 (red or yellow), thinly sliced | Provides crunch and visual appeal |
| Fresh cilantro | ½ cup, chopped | Adds fresh herbaceous flavor |
| Unsalted peanuts | ¼ cup, roughly chopped | Provides texture and nutty flavor |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tbsp | Adds authentic Asian flavor |
| Creamy natural peanut butter | ¼ cup | Creates rich, creamy dressing base |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Adds umami and saltiness |
| Fresh lime | Juice from 1 lime | Provides acidity and brightness |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combines vegetables and tossing with dressing |
| Small bowl | Whisking dressing ingredients together |
| Sharp knife | Shredding cabbage and slicing peppers |
| Box grater | Grating carrots to perfect texture |
| Whisk | Creating smooth, emulsified dressing |
How to Make Asian Peanut Slaw Salad
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare vegetables | Wash and finely shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and slice the bell pepper. Combine them in a large bowl. |
| 2. Add herbs | Chop the cilantro and sprinkle it over the veggies. |
| 3. Make dressing | In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth. |
| 4. Combine | Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix and toss well to coat. |
| 5. Final touch | Just before serving, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture. |
| 6. Serve | Enjoy chilled as a side dish or main course. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Shred cabbage as finely as possible for better dressing absorption and easier eating
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together
- Add peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess
- Adjust lime juice to taste – some prefer extra brightness in their dressing
- Use room temperature peanut butter for easier whisking and smoother dressing
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve this Asian slaw chilled for the best flavor experience. The cool temperature enhances the refreshing qualities and helps the flavors shine through.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also serve it alongside your favorite chicken casserole for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will soften slightly but maintain good flavor. Give it a quick toss before serving again.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Asian Peanut Slaw
Don’t cut vegetables too thick, as they won’t absorb the dressing properly. Uniform, thin cuts ensure every bite has balanced flavor and texture.
Avoid using old peanut butter that may have separated extensively. Fresh, well-mixed peanut butter creates a smoother dressing that coats vegetables evenly.
Don’t add peanuts too early, as they’ll lose their crunch. Save this step for just before serving to maintain the textural contrast that makes this salad special.
You Must Know
- Natural peanut butter works best as it doesn’t contain stabilizers that can make the dressing gummy
- Cabbage should be dry after washing to prevent diluting the dressing
- Lime juice is essential for balancing the richness – don’t skip this ingredient
- The salad tastes better after 30 minutes of chilling, allowing flavors to develop
Tips and Tricks for Asian Peanut Slaw
For extra flavor depth, toast the peanuts lightly in a dry pan before chopping. This simple step enhances their nutty taste and adds aromatic complexity.
Try mixing different colored bell peppers for visual appeal. Red, yellow, and orange peppers each bring slightly different flavors while creating a beautiful presentation.
If the dressing seems too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water to thin it out. This technique helps achieve the perfect consistency for coating vegetables.
Suggestions for Asian Peanut Slaw Variations
Add thinly sliced snow peas or sugar snap peas for extra crunch and sweetness. These vegetables complement the existing flavors while adding nutritional value.
Include shredded purple cabbage for stunning color contrast. The mild flavor won’t compete with the peanut dressing while creating visual interest.
For protein addition, try adding cooked edamame or shredded chicken. This transforms the side dish into a complete meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Experiment with different herbs like mint or Thai basil instead of cilantro. These alternatives provide unique flavor profiles while maintaining the fresh, bright character of the salad.
FAQ for Asian Peanut Slaw
FAQs:
Asian Peanut Slaw stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vegetables will soften slightly over time but maintain good flavor.
Yes, you can prepare the peanut dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store it separately from the vegetables and whisk before using, as natural separation may occur.
Sunflower seed butter or almond butter work well as substitutes. They provide similar creamy texture and nutty flavor without peanuts.
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare everything except the peanut garnish, which should be added just before serving to maintain crunch.
Yes, try adding julienned cucumber, shredded broccoli stems, or thinly sliced radishes. These vegetables complement the existing flavors while adding variety.
Conclusion
This Asian Peanut Slaw delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. The combination of crisp vegetables and creamy peanut dressing creates a perfect balance that works for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it as a light meal, this versatile salad brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your table. The simple preparation and make-ahead friendly nature make it an ideal addition to your recipe collection.
Try this recipe today and discover why Asian Peanut Slaw has become a favorite among home cooks. For more delicious recipes, check out our creamy garlic shrimp pasta or explore more Asian coleslaw variations.
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📖 Recipe Card
Asian Peanut Slaw
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 minutes before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Asian Peanut Slaw that you’ll love making at home.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash and finely shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and slice the bell pepper. Combine them in a large bowl.
- Add herbs: Chop the cilantro and sprinkle it over the veggies.
- Make dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix and toss well to coat.
- Final touch: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled as a side dish or main course.
Notes
- Shred cabbage as finely as possible for better dressing absorption and easier eating
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together
- Add peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess
- Use room temperature peanut butter for easier whisking and smoother dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Asian Peanut Slaw, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe
