This healthy Asian coleslaw is a bright, flavorful twist on classic coleslaw. The tangy-sweet, slightly spicy dressing pairs beautifully with mandarin oranges, shredded cabbage and crunchy sliced almonds for an excellent mix of texture and taste. This version is made without mayonnaise or refined sugar and is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and Whole30-friendly.
The dressing is the star here — earthy nut butter, umami coconut aminos, a touch of vinegar and dates blended with ginger and green onions create a creamy, balanced sauce. The mandarin segments add fresh sweetness and sliced almonds bring a satisfying crunch. This salad comes together quickly and is versatile enough for weeknight dinners, potlucks or as a light, healthy side.
Recipe highlights:
- Fantastic taste and texture: creamy, tangy dressing with sweet oranges and crunchy almonds for contrast.
- Healthy and allergy-friendly: no added sugar or mayonnaise; gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and Whole30 compatible.
- Versatile: quick enough for weeknights and attractive enough for gatherings, picnics or potlucks.
Ingredient notes:
Refer to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Liquids and nut butter: coconut aminos, coconut vinegar and cashew butter form the dressing base. Swap coconut aminos with soy sauce if you tolerate soy. Cashew butter can be replaced with almond, peanut or sunflower seed butter — use a smooth, unsweetened variety. Apple cider vinegar works in place of coconut vinegar.
- Produce: green onions, mandarin oranges, fresh cilantro, dates and shredded cabbage or a packaged coleslaw mix provide the bulk of the salad.
- Spices: fresh ginger (or ground ginger), chili flakes (adjust to taste) and garlic powder.
- Crunch: sliced almonds add texture; try pine nuts, peanuts or cashews as alternatives.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Omit cilantro if you dislike it.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, cucumber or celery.
- Reduce or omit chili flakes for less heat.
- For a sweeter dressing, add 2–3 extra dates.
- If mandarin oranges aren’t available, use another sweet orange variety.
How to make healthy Asian coleslaw:
- Step 1: Combine all dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Step 2: Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the coleslaw mix, mandarin segments, cilantro and almonds to a large bowl.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill if desired before serving.
Top tips:
- Using a pre-made coleslaw mix saves prep time; you can shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer.
- If you don’t have a high-speed blender, be sure to pit the dates before blending so no pits end up in the dressing.
- The flavors meld and intensify if the salad chills for 1–2 hours before serving.
- To make this a main-dish salad, add cooked protein such as chicken, pork or beef.
Healthy Asian coleslaw FAQs:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. After that the salad will become soggy.
Yes. Make the dressing and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Store the slaw mix separately and toss with dressing just before serving.
Other salad recipes you will love:
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Kale Slaw with Apples and Carrots (no cabbage)
-
Quick & Easy Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
-
Gluten-Free Potato Salad (dairy-free)
-
Healthy Broccoli Salad (with mayo)
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Recipe
Healthy Asian Coleslaw
Equipment
- Vitamix or other high-speed blender
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup cashew butter (or almond/peanut/sunflower seed butter)
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp coconut vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 8 dates, pitted
- 2×2 cm piece fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salad Ingredients
- 10 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
Instructions
Dressing Instructions
- Place all dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Salad Instructions
- Combine coleslaw mix, almonds, cilantro and mandarin segments in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill 1–2 hours for best flavor.
Notes
- Use a pre-made coleslaw mix to save time, or shred your own cabbage and carrots.
- Swap cashew butter for almond butter, tahini or peanut butter if needed.
- For a sweeter dressing, add 2–3 extra dates.
- Let the salad rest in the fridge for a couple of hours to intensify the flavors.
- Nutritional values are estimates and will vary with ingredient choices.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 34 g |
Protein: 11 g |
Fat: 23 g |
Fiber: 8 g |
Sugar: 12 g