If you’re looking to brighten up your salads with a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing, this Asian slaw dressing recipe is exactly what your veg kitchen needs. This dressing perfectly balances flavors like soy, rice vinegar, sesame, and a hint of ginger for a refreshing punch.
Whether you’re tossing it with shredded cabbage, carrots, or any crunchy veggies, it adds that wonderful zing that makes every bite memorable.
Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or as a vibrant side dish addition, this dressing is easy to whip up and keeps well in the fridge. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Let’s dive into how you can make this versatile dressing that’ll quickly become your go-to for Asian-inspired dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Asian slaw dressing is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that complement crunchy vegetables beautifully. It’s:
- Quick and easy to prepare – just whisk and pour.
- Versatile – works not only on slaws but as a marinade or dipping sauce.
- Healthy and vegan-friendly – no dairy or animal products.
- Customizable – tweak the sweetness, spice, or acidity to your liking.
- Great for meal prep – can be made ahead and stored for up to a week.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like grapeseed or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin out if needed)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Microplane or grater (for ginger)
- Small jar or airtight container (for storing leftovers)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by mincing the garlic and grating the fresh ginger. Fresh ginger is key to getting that authentic flavor.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, neutral oil, maple syrup, and lime juice.
- Add aromatics and spice: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha if using. These add depth and a little kick to the dressing.
- Adjust consistency: If the dressing feels too thick, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and tweak: Taste your dressing and adjust the flavors – add more maple syrup for sweetness, lime juice for acidity, or sriracha for spice.
- Dress your slaw: Toss the dressing with your favorite shredded veggies like cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Store leftovers: If you have any leftover dressing, transfer it to a jar with a tight lid and refrigerate for up to one week. Shake well before use.
Tips & Variations
“The secret to a great Asian slaw dressing is balancing the salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts to suit your taste!”
- Make it nutty: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini for a creamy twist.
- Sweetener swap: Use honey instead of maple syrup if not strictly vegan.
- Spicy options: Replace sriracha with chili flakes or fresh minced chili for a different heat profile.
- Herbal boost: Mix in chopped cilantro, mint, or basil for fresh herbal notes.
- Ginger variations: Use ground ginger if fresh isn’t available, but reduce quantity to 1/4 teaspoon.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 70 |
Total Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Sodium | 550mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 6g |
Sugars | 4g |
Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
This Asian slaw dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Toss with shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions for a crunchy slaw side dish.
- Use as a marinade for tofu or tempeh before grilling or baking.
- Drizzle over steamed or roasted vegetables for an extra flavor boost.
- Mix into cold noodle salads for a light and refreshing meal.
- Serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.
Conclusion
Incorporating this Asian slaw dressing into your veg kitchen repertoire is a game changer. It’s a simple blend of everyday pantry staples that comes together to create a bright, flavorful dressing perfect for salads and beyond.
The balance of umami, sweetness, and spice will keep your taste buds dancing, and its vegan-friendly nature makes it accessible for everyone.
Not only does it add freshness to crunchy veggies, but it also works as a versatile sauce or marinade, elevating your meals effortlessly. For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat, or try the tangy Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe to complement this dressing perfectly.
And if you’re in the mood for something comforting, don’t miss the classic Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.
Give this dressing a try, customize it to your liking, and watch your salads come alive with flavor!
📖 Recipe Card: Asian Slaw Dressing
Description: A tangy and flavorful dressing perfect for veggie slaws. It balances sweet, sour, and savory notes for a fresh taste.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice.
- Whisk in water to thin the dressing to desired consistency.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour over slaw and toss to combine before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 4.5g | Carbs: 5g
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