Thai Peanut Cabbage Slaw
I have a confession that’s probably not going to be terribly surprising given the collection of recipes that you’ll find on this site. I find main dishes to be terribly overrated. I would much rather create a meal out of appetizers, side dishes and dessert than waste precious stomach space filling up on one big item. As a result, I love collecting not only dessert recipes, but easy appetizers, snacks and side dishes as well. When I saw a friend of mine post something on Facebook about a Thai peanut slaw a few months ago, I couldn’t wait to get the recipe from her. Based on how much I love Chinese coleslaw, I knew it would be right up my alley. It turned out to be a big hit, and something I already can’t wait to make again.
The Chinese coleslaw is always a fan favorite at family get togethers, and I imagine that this Thai riff on coleslaw would be no different. I love the combination of ingredients and the sesame, soy, apple and peanut butter dressing. The flavors are just so fantastic together. There is a small amount of cayenne pepper in the dressing that gives it just a tiny kick, but you can easily omit it if  you don’t like kicks or spice. In addition, you can add some cooked, shredded chicken to the mixture for a fabulous main dish as-is, or as a wrap. I’m thinking of doing that for some easy lunches throughout the week.
This is a perfect side dish for cookouts, so if you’re hosting one or going to one for Labor Day weekend, definitely put this on your list! If you save extra for me, you can have my hamburger ;-)
One year ago: DIY: Homemade Yellow Cake Batter Mix
Two years ago: Garden Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Three years ago: Monkey Bread
Four years ago: Fontina-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Five years ago: Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Thai Peanut Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored & chopped
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1½ tablespoons (1.5 tablespoons) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon (0.13 teaspoon) cayenne pepper
For the Coleslaw:
- 16 ounce (453.59 g) bag cole slaw mix, or 5 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ (0.5) red bell pepper, thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 cup (145 g) green peas, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup (73 g) roasted salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Puree all of the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor (the consistency will be like applesauce); set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss together all of the coleslaw ingredients. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw ingredients and mix until all of the coleslaw is evenly coated with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
Oh my gosh, this a great slaw. I made it for a small get together at my brothers house about 18 people, I served this and your patato salad along with burgers and hot dogs ,sausages, fruit salad and a dessert table. The salads were a huge hit. everyone loved them. Will make these again and again…….Thank you
I could eat this as a meal…..
Where did you get the bowl for this slaw?
Hi Martha, I’ve had that for quite awhile, most likely either Crate and Barrel or somewhere like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s.
It’s great to see you trying out more Asian dishes. I live in Thailand and this is one of my favourite thai dishes. I like seeing people from around the world interpreting our dishes and seeing the difference between the local and the international recipes. I want to try out the “Americanized” Asian dishes you have made so far.
Your blog is great! Thanks for sharing all these recipes and keeping me updated about what goes on on the other parts of the world! :)
Love different kinds of slaw. Also agree that side dishes are the best. I had guacamole for dinner which left me with plenty of room for dessert :D
I made a similar salad (with chicken added) recently and loved it!
Does any one have suggestions on a substitute for green peas? It’s the one vegetable I dislike but wouldn’t want to omit them without adding another veggie.
Thoughts?
What about green beans?
Great idea… Love green beans!! Thanks!
That looks so crunchy & delish. I wanna HUGE bowl now, please.
Never had chinese slaw but this looks fabulous!
I am definitely making this dish on the weekend. I just going another head of cabbage in the CSA. I was done with cabbage for the year until I saw this.
I totally agree with you – sides are so much better than main courses!! This slaw looks amazing. I love thai peanut sauce!
I love the Thai flavors!! Can’t wait to make this!
This sounds delicious, especially with that Thai peanut sauce! I always love a good slaw.
This sounds like a great summer salad. Fresh, crisp and tasty! I have to give this a try. Thank you for sharing.
Love the flavors in this slaw!
Oh, love the colors! Not big on slaw, but this sounds very intersting, especially paired with chicken as you suggested.
I can’t wait to hear how Einstein’s little brother is doing! :)
Love the Thai flavours here!
Love the wrap idea with rotis chicken or maybe even shrimp or shredded pork – Thanks
Michelle, are you really not going to post any wedding pictures on here so we can see how adorable you looked for your wedding and meet your Chief Culinary Consultant? I think I speak for others when we say we’d love to see at least a picture or two. Please?
Mmmm! I love thai peanut sauce! This slaw looks perfect!
I’m right there with you- main dishes can be totally boring… these fabulous side dishes are where it’s at… especially if you eat them as main dishes!
A good asian slaw is needed in every home! Love the apple in this!
This is a great slaw. Love that you don’t have to have a lot of extra ingredients to make this!
We love this now, I often shred chicken into it too!
This looks scrumptious, going to make it this weekend!
i make a very similar thai inspired cabbage salad – can’t wait to try yours as well :) nom nom!
Mmm love all the colours! Bet the flavours taste and smell great together, too :)
“I would much rather create a meal out of appetizers, side dishes and dessert than waste precious stomach space filling up on one big item” – Amen! And my blog is 90% desserts with the rest being drinks, apps, and sides. I think in 4.5 yrs of blogging I have less than 10 main dishes. Whoops. But not really. :)
I love peanut sauce, peanut noodles, cabbages and slaws and this would be right up my alley!
wow,loved this nutty twist with the slaw,will make for such a spicy nutty salad…gorgeous snaps of this favorite treat :-)
I have a nice head of garden cabbage I picked that I wasn’t sure what to do with.. but now I know exactly what I’m going to make! Thanks for this healthy cabbage dish!