Crunchy, colorful, and dressed in a creamy, zingy peanut sauce, this Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Peanut Sauce is not just a salad—it’s a flavor experience. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish, a light lunch, or a versatile base for grilled proteins, this slaw has you covered. It’s gluten-free, vegan, budget-friendly, and comes together in just minutes with minimal equipment and prep work.
This recipe is one of those go-to dishes that effortlessly fits into everyday meals, special occasions, and even weekly meal prep. The combination of crisp cabbage, fresh vegetables, and the irresistible umami-rich peanut dressing ensures you’ll come back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down everything you need to make this slaw from scratch. The components are simple, fresh, and easy to find in most grocery stores.
For the Slaw:
- Green Cabbage – Thinly sliced for that signature crunch.
- Red Cabbage – Adds a beautiful pop of color and a slightly deeper flavor.
- Carrots – Julienned or grated for sweetness and texture.
- Red Bell Pepper – Brings brightness and a juicy crunch.
- Scallions (Green Onions) – A mild oniony bite that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift.
- Roasted Peanuts – Roughly chopped for extra crunch and nutty depth.
For the Ginger Peanut Sauce:
- Peanut Butter – The creamy base; use natural, unsweetened peanut butter.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari – Adds saltiness and umami.
- Rice Vinegar – Brightens the sauce with mild acidity.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed for citrusy zing.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – A touch of sweetness to round out the flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – Just a dash for smoky richness.
- Fresh Ginger – Finely grated to give a spicy, warming undertone.
- Garlic – Adds pungency and depth.
- Warm Water – Used to thin the sauce to a pourable consistency.
How to Make Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Peanut Sauce
This recipe is all about quick assembly with bold results. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect slaw every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the green and red cabbage into thin strips. Peel and julienne (or grate) the carrots. Slice the red bell pepper into matchsticks and chop the scallions and cilantro. Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Ginger Peanut Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a creamy but pourable consistency.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the ginger peanut sauce over the prepared vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the veggies are coated in the dressing.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Let the slaw rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and extra cilantro.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Slaw
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Freshly shredded cabbage and crisp veggies are key to a crunchy slaw.
- Slice Thinly and Evenly: Use a mandoline for consistent, paper-thin slices.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste the dressing before mixing. Add more lime for brightness, soy sauce for saltiness, or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Add Warm Water Slowly: You don’t want the dressing too thin; aim for a creamy texture that lightly clings to the veggies.
Variations to Try
This Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Peanut Sauce is highly customizable. Here are some fun twists:
- Add Protein: Top with grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or pan-seared shrimp.
- Go Spicy: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter and omit the peanuts.
- Fruity Touch: Add julienned green apple or mango for a sweet surprise.
- More Veggies: Add snap peas, cucumber, or shredded kale for extra volume.
Serving Suggestions
This slaw is incredibly versatile:
- As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or BBQ.
- As a Light Main: Serve in a bowl with added protein or over cooked quinoa.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Use it as a crunchy filler for wraps or Vietnamese-style bánh mì.
- Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days when stored properly.
How to Store and Make Ahead
- Storage: Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Slice the veggies and make the dressing up to a day in advance. Store them separately and mix just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Peanut Sauce is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—it’s quick, healthy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. With bold flavors and a delightful crunch, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep, this slaw adapts to your lifestyle while delivering big on taste. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to cabbage slaw recipe for every season.
Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Peanut Sauce Recipe
Description
This Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Peanut Sauce is a vibrant, refreshing, and nutrient-packed side dish or light meal. Loaded with crisp vegetables and tossed in a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy dressing, it's perfect for summer picnics, meal prep, or a healthy lunch. Quick to make and full of flavor, this slaw is vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
For the Slaw Base:
For the Ginger Peanut Sauce:
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the green and red cabbage. Julienne or shred the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and chop the scallions and cilantro. Place everything into a large mixing bowl.
Make the Ginger Peanut Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
Combine and Toss
- Pour the ginger peanut sauce over the prepared vegetables. Use tongs or clean hands to toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
Let It Rest (Optional)
- Allow the slaw to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly while retaining crunch.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the slaw with chopped roasted peanuts and extra cilantro before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or a light main course.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will soften slightly over time but remain flavorful.
Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing if you like heat.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and omit the peanuts.
Add Protein: Turn this into a meal by adding grilled tofu, tempeh, shredded chicken, or edamame.
Meal Prep Tip: Prep and store the sauce separately if making in advance. Mix just before serving for best crunch.
