Thai Coleslaw
Fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Thai Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts, meal prep, or weeknight dinners.
GLUTEN FREE SIDEAPPETIZERS & SALADS
Lauren Vasnelis
7/7/2026
Thai Coleslaw
Fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Thai Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts, meal prep, or weeknight dinners. Crisp cabbage, creamy dressing, sweet honey, bright lime juice, crunchy almonds, and protein-packed edamame come together in just minutes for a colorful salad that's anything but ordinary. I used green onions for freshness and finished mine with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for even more delicious Thai-inspired flavor.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Ingredient Breakdown
Coleslaw Mix
Using a bagged coleslaw mix makes this recipe incredibly quick while providing the perfect crunchy base. Feel free to chop up cabbage, red cabbage and carrots though.
Edamame
Edamame adds plant-based protein, beautiful color, and a satisfying bite that makes this slaw hearty enough for lunch or dinner. I recommend using steamed, chilled edamame so the salad stays crisp and cold. I've definitely used frozen, microwaved steamer bags for this recipe and they truly work great too.
Green Onions
Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor that complements the sweet and tangy dressing.
Sliced Almonds
Sliced almonds provide a delicious crunch and pair perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Honey & Lime Juice
Honey balances the fresh lime juice to create a sweet, tangy dressing that coats every bite. Maple syrup works well too isn't quite as bright as honey.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
1 (8-ounce) bag steamed edamame, chilled
5 green onions, sliced
½ cup sliced almonds
⅔ cup mayonnaise
6 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Optional Garnish
Sesame seeds
Drizzle of sesame oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chilled steamed edamame, sliced green onions, and sliced almonds.
Add the mayonnaise, honey, fresh lime juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats all of the ingredients.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
If desired, finish with sesame seeds and a light drizzle of sesame oil for even more Thai-inspired flavor.
For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, if time allows.
Notes
Chilled edamame helps keep the salad cold and crisp.
Sesame oil is optional but adds a wonderful authentic Thai-inspired flavor.
Toasted sliced almonds provide the best crunch and flavor.
Feel free to adjust the honey or lime juice to make the dressing sweeter or tangier.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it's even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely. Chopped peanuts or cashews would both be delicious substitutions. Great seed optional might be sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Can I leave out the edamame?
Yes. The salad will still be delicious, although the edamame adds protein, texture, and color.
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Definitely. Simply shred green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots yourself for the same result.
Is this a side dish or a meal?
It works beautifully as either. Serve it as a refreshing side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
What pairs well with Thai Coleslaw?
It's fantastic alongside grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork, shrimp, sandwiches, fish tacos, or even tucked into wraps for extra crunch.
