Tangy, sweet and spicy, this Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing is perfect as a side dish or on top of any protein like fish, burgers, or chicken!
Now that the weather is warming up, salads and slaws are always on the menu in my house! One of the easiest (and tastiest) slaws to make is this Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing.
Nuoc Cham is found on most Vietnamese tables as a dipping sauce, but here I've made it into a super delicious dressing for this mildly spicy slaw.
How to make this slaw recipe
This slaw is so easy it barely needs an explanation! Am I right?
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cabbages, pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Mix together with the Nuoc Cham dressing until thoroughly coated.
How to make pickled onions
- Add sliced red onions to a medium bowl. Pour boiling water over the onions to cover and let sit for 20 seconds. Drain onions and place in jar or bowl.
- Heat apple cider vinegar, lime juice, ⅛ cup sugar, chili flakes, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes.
- Pour vinegar mixture over onions.
- Allow to stand at room temperature, until fully cooled. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
How to make Nuoc Cham dressing
- In a medium glass mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, sambal oelek, cilantro, mint, shallots, garlic, sugar, and salt and taste for seasoning (ie, more salt).
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or freeze for up to six months.
Nuoc Cham dipping sauce is a staple at most Vietnamese tables. This sauce compliments so many Asian dishes and we’ve prepared our own version of this versatile sauce. This magic sauce goes great with seafood, but also with steak, spring rolls, Asian salads, you name it! Easy to prepare, you can whip this up in about 10 minutes!
TIPS & TRICKS
- You can buy pre-shredded veggies for the quickest preparation. There are often a variety of cabbages in one bag, plus shredded carrots. Make it easy on yourself!
- Sometimes I like to throw roasted peanuts on top of this slaw for more texture. I have some family members with peanut allergies so I don't always add them!
- Nuoc Cham also makes a great dipping sauce! This magic sauce goes great with seafood, but also with steak, spring rolls, Asian salads, you name it!
WANT MORE?
If you like this recipe, you're going to love my Japanese Bean Sprouts Salad. It's quick and easy, and so refreshing!
Print
Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing
Tangy, sweet and spicy, this Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing is perfect as a side dish or on top of any protein like fish, burgers, or chicken!
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup shredded napa cabbage
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced
- ½ cup matchstick carrots
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
For the Nuoc Cham:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus juice from 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (red chili paste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Pinch Kosher salt
Instructions
To make the Nuoc Cham: In a medium glass mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together and taste for seasoning (more salt). Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. (This also makes a great dipping sauce for so many Asian dishes!)
To make the Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded cabbages, pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, carrots and cilantro. Toss thoroughly with the Nuoc Cham dressing. Top with roasted peanuts if desired.
Notes
- You can buy pre-shredded veggies for the quickest preparation. There are often a variety of cabbages in one bag, plus shredded carrots. Make it easy on yourself!
- Sometimes I like to throw roasted peanuts on top of this slaw for more texture. I have some family members with peanut allergies so I don't always add them!
- Nuoc Cham also makes a great dipping sauce! This magic sauce goes great with seafood, but also with steak, spring rolls, Asian salads, you name it!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Category: Salads
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 157
- Sugar: 4.8 g
- Sodium: 398.2 mg
- Fat: 14.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Asian slaw, healthy slaw, slaw, nuoc cham
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
I love the colours in this and the flavours in the dip are incredible! Definitely going to be a favourite this summer.
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
The nuoc cham goes with so many things! But, it's really perfect as a dressing in this Asian slaw salad.
Susan says
What a colorful side for a BBQ! The dressing sounds awesome, I can't wait to make this!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
This is ideal for a side of BBQ chicken, fish, beef or whatever! I love the sweet/spicy combinations of flavors in this slaw!
Jacqueline Debono says
I am dying to try this Asian slaw! It sounds so delicious! It would be such a great side dish with fish!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
It's the perfect side dish for fish, or on top of fish! I love it with a nice flaky white fish, like halibut!
Ramona says
This slaw looks gorgeous and I must make it - I 'd love this with a salmon - mmm yumm. Thank you so much for sharing 😉
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Oh yes, this slaw would be great with salmon! Or any fish for that matter! I've used it on top of a salmon burger and it's delish!
Brian Jones says
Pickles form such a huge part of what I eat in spring and summer, so you got me with that alone and that is before I got to the delicious dressing. I must try this!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
The pickled red onions are super tangy! I can eat this as a stand alone!
Joanne Barkley says
I do love a good slaw this time of year! I absolutely love the Asian twist on this slaw, can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Hope you'll love this Asian slaw as much as I do! It's so easy to make and hits all of the flavor notes!
Amy says
My mouth is watering right now! This would be delicious over salmon patties.
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Thanks, Amy! I've had this Asian slaw over salmon burgers and it's just perfect! I could also eat this right out of the bowl!
Fran Twerry says
Love this Asian salad! Looks so fresh and colorful! Can’t wait to try this recipe. 😍
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
It's so pretty and has so much flavor! I love it on top of a burger or fish. It's great as a simple side dish. So many options!