Colorful vegetables and protein-rich edamame are tossed with a creamy, sweet-savory peanut dressing in this quick and crunchy Thai-inspired coleslaw.

A bowl of colorful Asian-inspired salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell peppers, edamame, peanuts, and sesame seeds on a round wooden board—this vibrant Thai coleslaw with peanut sauce is as beautiful as it is delicious. Spoons, green onions, and more salad are nearby.

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Featured Review

Excellent…This will definitely be made again and again and again!

Tamara
(4.93 stars) 14 ratings
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Meet the coleslaw that refuses to play backup. This Thai-Inspired Coleslaw with Peanut Sauce is piled high with shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, edamame, scallions, and cilantro, then coated in a creamy dressing that hits all the right notes. Finish it with a scattering of chopped peanuts and sesame seeds, grab a fork, and dig into that glorious crunch.

I especially love how much goodness is packed into one vibrant bowl. The vegetables provide filling fiber and vitamin C, while edamame and peanuts add plant-based protein and healthy fats. Serve it as a hearty side alongside grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu, or burgers—or pile it into wraps for a quick lunch.

The Sriracha is optional, but I recommend adding at least a small squirt. A teaspoon brings extra depth without setting your mouth on fire, and you can always stir in more after tasting. For the best texture, let the finished coleslaw chill for 30 minutes, then toss it again before serving.

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Why This Slaw Earns Repeat Status

  • Crunch in every forkful: Cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, scallions, peanuts, and sesame seeds create layers of texture.
  • A sauce worth celebrating: Peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic whisk together into a rich dressing using simple pantry staples.
  • Plant-based protein built right in: Edamame and peanuts make this more satisfying than your average slaw.
  • Shortcut friendly: A bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix keeps active prep to about 10 minutes.

And calling all peanut-sauce fans: you’ll also want to try my Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Sandwich and Grilled Pineapple Salad. For more colorful slaws that shine at cookouts and weeknight dinners, check out my Tex-Mex Coleslaw, Mango Cashew Coleslaw, Green Goddess Coleslaw, and Peach Pecan Coleslaw.

Try my Edamame Crunch Salad next!

A colorful thai coleslaw with peanut sauce featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, red peppers, and greens in a large patterned bowl, served with two wooden serving spoons.
(4.93 stars) 14 ratings

Thai-Inspired Coleslaw with Peanut Sauce

This slaw slays— it brings together the crispness and nutrition of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, along with edamame, scallions, and cilantro.
Yield: 6 servings (makes 6 cups)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Ingredients
 

Coleslaw

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage, white and purple (or 12 to 14-ounce prepackaged coleslaw mix)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots, or matchstick carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup shell-off frozen edamame, thawed
  • 2 to 4 scallions, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro, optional
  • ½ cup peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, optional

Peanut Dressing

  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, softened*
  • 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ginger powder
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • Sriracha, optional for heat
Ingredient Details to Know
* You can soften the peanut butter in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. This will make it much easier to mix with the other sauce ingredients.

Instructions
 

  • Add the coleslaw ingredients (except optional sesame seeds) to a large mixing bowl and toss. Set aside.
  • In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by adding all ingredients (except water) and mixing until it becomes thick and smooth. Add in the 3 tablespoons of water and stir until you create a creamy dressing consistency. If you’d like a thinner consistency, add an additional tablespoon of water. Add a squirt of Sriracha sauce for heat, if you’d like (see notes below).
  • Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss until the mixture is well coated in peanut sauce.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors. Before serving, give it a good stir, then taste and add a dash of salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with additional peanuts and optional sesame seeds and dig in!

Notes

• The Sriracha sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you only add one tablespoon, it will not make this coleslaw spicy, instead it just deepens the flavor. If you’re worried about heat but would like to try some, start off with just one teaspoon, then taste and decide if you’d like to add more.  You can also add more once the coleslaw is fully mixed together… just squirt some into the mix and give it a good toss.
Allergies, Food Sensitivities, or Dietary Restrictions
• For those with peanut allergies, feel free to substitute any nut or seed butter and nuts/seeds of your choice.
• If you’re following a strict vegan diet and avoiding honey, replace it with sugar or maple syrup for a similar sweetening effect.
• Soy sauce contains gluten, so if you’re following a gluten-free diet, use tamari instead. That being said, always carefully read the packaging.
Storage
• This slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving leftovers.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1 cupCalories: 230Carbohydrates: 18gProtein: 10gTotal Fat: 14g— Unsaturated Fat: 11.5g— Saturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 469mgFiber: 4gTotal Sugar: 10g— Natural Sugar: 5g— Added Sugar: 5gVitamin A: 3533IUVitamin C: 55mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!