Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe – Cravefuly

By Kimberly Booker RD | Published on November 17, 2024

Zaxby’s Asian Slaw is vibrant, fresh, and crunchy, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Its crisp texture and zesty flavor pair beautifully with grilled chicken, where the smoky char complements the slaw’s refreshing crunch. 

Shrimp tacos also make an ideal match, as the juicy shrimp combined with the slaw creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. For a more wholesome meal, try adding Zaxby’s Asian Slaw to an Asian-inspired bowl with brown rice, grilled tofu or chicken. 

The slaw not only adds a burst of color but also a refreshing crunch, elevating the entire dish.

Best Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe

I’ll admit, back in the day, I didn’t think slaw could be anything special. I mean, how exciting can shredded cabbage really be? Well, that was before I discovered Zaxby’s Asian Slaw. 

Picture this: colorful cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a dressing that dances on your palate. When I tasted this slaw for the first time, it felt like a revelation. Each bite was refreshing and invigorating. I wondered how something so simple could bring such joy.

This is why I’m excited to share my take on Zaxby’s Asian Slaw. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Let’s explore what makes this recipe unique and how you can easily recreate it at home.

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What is Zaxby’s Asian Slaw?

Zaxby’s Asian Slaw is a colorful and zesty salad that features a combination of different cabbages, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. 

The freshness of the ingredients shines through, making it a perfect companion for any meal. The slaw is topped with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cashews, adding delightful crunch and nuttiness.

Why This Recipe Works?

1. Vibrant Ingredients: The blend of red cabbage and napa cabbage not only creates an eye-catching dish but introduces various flavors and nutrients. The crunchiness of the vegetables makes every bite exciting.

2. Versatile Dressing: The sesame-ginger dressing is a game changer. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, it enhances the natural flavors of the slaw without overpowering them. It’s a dressing you’ll want to use for other salads too.

3. Nutritional Powerhouse: This slaw is not just fun to eat; it’s packed with nutrients. Loaded with fiber from the cabbages, vitamin C from carrots, and healthy fats from the sesame seeds and cashews, it’s a dish that feels good and is good for you.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly: If you’re a busy person like me, you appreciate a dish that can be made ahead of time. This slaw holds up well in the fridge for days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Here’s a breakdown of what you will need:

  • Slaw Ingredients
  • 3 cups Shredded Red Cabbage (about ⅓ pound)
  • 3 cups Shredded Napa Cabbage or Green Cabbage (about ⅓ pound)
  • 1 cup Fluffy Cooked Quinoa
  • 1 cup Shredded Carrots (about ¼ pound)
  • 2 Green Onions, finely sliced
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves, roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup Chopped Cashews
  • ¼ cup Sliced Radishes 
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (black or white)
  • Sesame Ginger Dressing Ingredients (yields about ⅔ cup)
  • ¼ cup Mild Rice Vinegar, unseasoned
  • 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup 
  • 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce or Tamari 
  • 1 teaspoon Finely Grated Fresh Ginger Root
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dark or Light Sesame Oil
  • ½ teaspoon White Miso Paste 
  • Sea Salt, to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe

How To Make Zaxby’s Asian Slaw?

It’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

First things first. Grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded red and napa cabbage. The vibrant colors already look stunning! Add your shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and radishes. Toss everything together gently to combine.

Step 2: Cook Quinoa

If you haven’t prepared quinoa yet, it’s easy. Rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. Then, cook it according to instructions—typically 2 cups of water for every cup of quinoa. 

Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until fluffy. Once done, fluff with a fork and let it cool. Mix it into your vegetable bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, and minced garlic. Add the olive oil, sesame oil, and miso paste. Stir until everyone is well blended. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour your dressing over the slaw. Mix gently until every veggie is coated with that delicious dressing. It’s like giving your slaw a spa treatment!

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

To finish off the dish, sprinkle chopped cashews and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Tips & Tricks

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, check out these tips:

  • Prep Ahead: Feel free to chop your veggies a day in advance to save time on busy days.
  • Chill Before Serving: Letting the slaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour enhances the flavors. This makes all the difference.
  • Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to tweak the dressing according to your taste preferences. A hint of lime juice can be a welcome kick!
  • Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies will make all the difference, so try to use the best quality you can find.
  • Batch It Up: This recipe is easy to scale, so feel free to double or triple it for gatherings. Everyone will love it!
Easy Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe

Nutrition Information

zaxby’s asian slaw recipe nutrition facts

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare, but it can happen), store them in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just toss it again before serving.

What Sides Would Complement Zaxby’s Asian Slaw?

1. Teriyaki Salmon: The rich, savory notes of teriyaki sauce drizzle down a perfectly cooked salmon, making it a superstar alongside the slaw. The fish’s natural oils mingle superbly with the freshness of the slaw.

2. Grilled Veggie Skewers: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, grilled until golden, are a sight to behold. The slightly charred flavor of the veggies perfectly balances the crunchy slaw.

3. Fried Rice: A classic choice! Whether you go for chicken, shrimp, or veggie fried rice, the flavors harmonize beautifully. It also makes for a hearty main dish alongside the refreshing slaw.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Sometimes life happens, and you don’t have everything on hand. Here’s what you can do:

1. Cabbage Alternatives: If you can’t find napa cabbage, regular green cabbage works well. It’ll give you that lovely crunch without much flavor loss.

2. Cooking Quinoa: You can use brown rice or even couscous if quinoa isn’t available. They will add a pleasant chewiness to the slaw.

3. Miso Paste Substitute: If miso paste is nowhere to be found, try using tahini or a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty taste.

4. Maple Syrup Alternative: Honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes for maple syrup. Both will add that desired sweetness to your dressing.

Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe

Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD
I’ll admit, back in the day, I didn’t think slaw could be anything special. I mean, how exciting can shredded cabbage really be? Well, that was before I discovered Zaxby’s Asian Slaw. 
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 158 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • Slaw Ingredients
  • 3 cups Shredded Red Cabbage about ⅓ pound
  • 3 cups Shredded Napa Cabbage or Green Cabbage about ⅓ pound
  • 1 cup Fluffy Cooked Quinoa
  • 1 cup Shredded Carrots about ¼ pound
  • 2 Green Onions finely sliced
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves roughly chopped
  • cup Chopped Cashews
  • ¼ cup Sliced Radishes
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds black or white
  • Sesame Ginger Dressing Ingredients yields about ⅔ cup
  • ¼ cup Mild Rice Vinegar unseasoned
  • 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce or Tamari
  • 1 teaspoon Finely Grated Fresh Ginger Root
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dark or Light Sesame Oil
  • ½ teaspoon White Miso Paste
  • Sea Salt to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • It’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • First things first. Grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded red and napa cabbage. The vibrant colors already look stunning! Add your shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and radishes. Toss everything together gently to combine.

Step 2: Cook Quinoa

  • If you haven’t prepared quinoa yet, it’s easy. Rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. Then, cook it according to instructions—typically 2 cups of water for every cup of quinoa.
  • Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until fluffy. Once done, fluff with a fork and let it cool. Mix it into your vegetable bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, and minced garlic. Add the olive oil, sesame oil, and miso paste. Stir until everyone is well blended. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Pour your dressing over the slaw. Mix gently until every veggie is coated with that delicious dressing. It’s like giving your slaw a spa treatment!

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

  • To finish off the dish, sprinkle chopped cashews and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Notes

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, check out these tips:
  • Prep Ahead: Feel free to chop your veggies a day in advance to save time on busy days.
  • Chill Before Serving: Letting the slaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour enhances the flavors. This makes all the difference.
  • Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to tweak the dressing according to your taste preferences. A hint of lime juice can be a welcome kick!
  • Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies will make all the difference, so try to use the best quality you can find.
  • Batch It Up: This recipe is easy to scale, so feel free to double or triple it for gatherings. Everyone will love it!

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal
Keyword Zaxby’s Asian Slaw Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use this slaw recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just mix it well before serving.

2. Is it possible to make it vegan?

Yes! The sesame ginger dressing is already vegan-friendly. Just ensure you use a plant-based mayo if you decide to include it.

3. How can I make this spicier?

To kick up the heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Topping the slaw with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can make it a full meal.

5. Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this slaw is suitable for a gluten-free diet.

6. Can I add fruits to the slaw?

Yes! Fresh mango or sliced apples can add a delightful sweetness to the dish.

Conclusion

Creating Zaxby’s Asian Slaw at home is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. It’s versatile, packed with flavors, and will have your taste buds singing with every bite. Whether you enjoy it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or as part of a vibrant meal prep, it’s sure to impress. 

So next time you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a topping to elevate another meal, consider whipping up this fabulous Asian slaw. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!

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