Best Asian Coleslaw Dressing

The first time I made this dressing, I was rushing to pull together a last-minute summer barbecue spread. My friend Sarah had just dropped off a massive bag of coleslaw mix from her garden, and I realized halfway through prep that I had zero traditional dressing ingredients. Desperation led me to the Asian pantry staples, and honestly, I have never looked back.

Last summer, my neighbor asked what I had done differently with my coleslaw at the block party. When I told her it was just the dressing, she literally wrote down the recipe on a paper napkin right there at the picnic table. Now half the neighborhood makes it, and someone always brings it to our monthly potlucks.

Ingredients

• Rice vinegar: Unseasoned gives you the cleanest flavor foundation without competing with the other bold ingredients
• Soy sauce or tamari: This brings the essential savory depth that ties everything together
• Toasted sesame oil: Do not skip this, it is what gives the dressing its signature nutty aroma
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oils like canola let the other flavors shine without overpowering
• Honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the sharp vinegar and heat
• Fresh lime juice: Adds that bright citrus note that wakes up the whole bowl
• Fresh ginger: Grating it fresh instead of using powder makes a huge difference
• Garlic: One clove is perfect, anything too much will dominate the other flavors
• Sriracha: Totally optional, but I always add it for that gentle warmth
• Salt and pepper: Season to your taste since soy sauce already brings saltiness

Instructions

Whisk the base liquids together:

In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until the mixture looks thick and slightly cloudy, about 30 seconds.

Add the aromatic ingredients:

Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha if using, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is fully incorporated and the dressing looks smooth and glossy.

Taste and tweak to your liking:

Dip a clean spoon in and adjust the balance. Need more brightness? Add lime. Want it sweeter? More honey. Like it spicy? Another drop of sriracha.

Dress your slaw or store for later:

Pour it over your coleslaw mix right before serving, or transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to a week. Always give it a good shake or whisk before using again.

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My daughter now requests this dressing on everything, not just coleslaw. She puts it on salad, drizzles it over roasted vegetables, and even uses it as a marinade for grilled chicken. Seeing the empty jar in the fridge always makes me smile.

Make It Your Own

Fresh cilantro or minced green onions stirred in right before serving add beautiful color and herbal brightness. You can also swap peanut oil for the vegetable oil if you love that nutty flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

This dressing works magic on any crunchy vegetable blend. Try it with shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or sugar snap peas. The crispier the vegetables, the better they hold up to this bold dressing.

Storage Tips

Keep your dressing in a glass jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and get more complex after a day or two. I like to make a double batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week for quick lunches and side dishes.

• Let refrigerated dressing sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using
• If it looks separated, give it a vigorous whisk or shake in the jar
• The dressing tastes best when used within a week but will keep longer

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This is the kind of recipe that makes everyday cooking feel special. I hope it becomes a staple in your fridge like it has in mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What oils are used in this dressing?

Toasted sesame oil and a neutral vegetable oil like canola or grapeseed are combined for a balanced nutty and smooth texture.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dressing gluten-free without compromising flavor.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, add or reduce the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to reach your desired heat intensity.

→ Is it possible to add fresh herbs?

Finely chopped cilantro or green onions can be stirred in to enhance the depth and freshness of the dressing.

→ How long does the dressing keep?

Stored covered in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to one week. Give it a good whisk before use.

→ Can I substitute the sweetener?

Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option without altering taste significantly.