Vegan Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw
on May 31, 2021, Updated Jan 09, 2024
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Sesame, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, honey combine in a slaw dressing that is both nutty and vibrant at the same time.
This cabbage slaw is a menu planning dream in that not only can it be made ahead, but it is best made ahead. One day is perfect, but I have certainly happily eaten leftovers for a couple of days after that.
The day of soaking in the dressing allows the crunchy vegetables — napa cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots — to soften slightly and absorb some of the lovely flavors. Sesame, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and honey combine in a dressing that is both nutty and vibrant at the same time.
Table of Contents
This vegan napa cabbage slaw recipe can be made ahead. Serve with any simple main dish or with any Asian dishes.
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Variations
The colors are terrific, but you can change things up, such as using a different color bell pepper, skipping the shallots in favor of half of a red onion, thinly sliced (or yellow, your choice), or using multicolored carrots. If you don’t have napa cabbage, use whatever cabbage you have.
And while this salad is vegan, you could add some shredded or diced cooked chicken to make it a more robust main course salad.
What to Serve Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw With
This goes with anything simple or anything Asian — it’s sort of a medley of Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian inspired.
- Southwestern Vegan Black Bean Burgers
- Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Simple Asian Salmon
- Miso Salmon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Chicken Yakitori
More Slaw Recipes
- Kohlrabi, Green Cabbage, and Broccoli Rabe Slaw
- Carrot, Cabbage and Kohlrabi Slaw with Miso Dressing
- Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw
- Creamy Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- ¼ cup less-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon agave or honey (some vegans don't eat honey, so choose the best option for you!)
- 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1 head Napa cabbage
- 4 carrots (peeled and grated)
- 1 red bell pepper (cored and thinly sliced)
- 3 shallots (halved and thinly sliced)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and ginger. Add the cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and shallots and toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 day. If you didn't plan ahead, let it sit in the fridge or at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving so the vegetables soften slightly and absorb the dressing.