Name: Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 16 oz package Coleslaw Mix (Cabbage or Broccoli or a combo, 14 oz pack also works); 1 bunch Green Onions, sliced thinly; 1/2 cup toasted and slivered Almonds; 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds; 3 oz package chicken-flavored Ramen Noodles; 1/2 cup Sunflower or Peanut Oil; 1/3 cup Rice Vinegar or Cider Vinegar; 2 tsp Brown Sugar (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

I love sharing my personal twist on a fresh, crunchy salad that always delights guests and family alike: this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix full of crisp cabbage, toasted nuts, and that irresistible crunch from ramen noodles, all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that just pulls everything together beautifully. Every time I prepare this, it feels like the perfect balance of textures and flavors—bright, crunchy, nutty, and a little indulgent thanks to the ramen topping. Whether I’m making this for a quick weekday meal or bringing it to a potluck, it never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is how it combines such a beautiful blend of textures and flavors with minimal fuss. The crispness of the coleslaw mix—whether you use classic cabbage or a broccoli combo—pairs wonderfully with the nutty toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Then there’s that sneaky addition of crushed ramen noodles, which adds a fun, crunchy surprise that everyone loves. The dressing itself is a shining star with bright rice vinegar, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and the richness of peanut or sunflower oil, creating a harmonious balance that feels both light and satisfying.

Another thing I appreciate is how quick and easy this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe comes together. It takes about 10 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for last-minute gatherings or as a colorful side dish to liven up any meal. I often serve it alongside grilled meats, Asian-inspired dishes, or even as a refreshing contrast to rich, hearty main courses. It really stands out because it’s not your typical coleslaw—there’s a complexity and brightness here that keeps me coming back to it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl holds a salad with four visible layers: on the left, light beige broken dry ramen noodles with a curly texture; next to it, a mix of small brown sunflower seeds sprinkled over the noodles; to the right, thin, pale green shredded cabbage mixed with shredded orange carrots and bits of purple cabbage; all topped with bright green chopped scallions scattered throughout. Two wooden salad tongs with a rich orange-brown color rest inside the bowl. Below the bowl on a wooden surface sits a small clear glass pitcher filled with yellow salad dressing. The setting is on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe are simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen to create a rainbow of flavors, textures, and colors in every bite. Each element plays its part, from the crunchy coleslaw mix to the nutty toppings and tangy dressing, to craft a salad that’s flavorful and eye-catching.

Coleslaw mix (16 oz): A combination of cabbage and broccoli for crispness and color variety.
Green onions (1 bunch): Thinly sliced for a mild, fresh bite that perks up the salad.
Toasted slivered almonds (1/2 cup): Adds rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Sunflower seeds (1/2 cup): Another layer of crunch with a subtle earthiness.
Chicken-flavored ramen noodles (3 oz): The surprise crunch and seasoning boost that make this slaw memorable.
Sunflower or peanut oil (1/2 cup): A smooth base for the dressing with a slight nuttiness if you use peanut oil.
Rice vinegar or cider vinegar (1/3 cup): Provides the bright, tart contrast essential to the dressing.
Brown sugar (2 tsp): Balances the tartness and ties all the flavors together.

Directions

Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, toasted slivered almonds, and sunflower seeds. Gently toss them together to evenly distribute all the ingredients.

Step 2: In a separate container, mix together the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles with the oil, vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined. This magical mixture is what brings all the flavors of this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe to life.

Step 3: Just before serving, take half of the ramen noodles and break them into smaller pieces directly on top of the salad. Pour the prepared dressing over everything, then toss gently but thoroughly to coat each ingredient with the flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Finally, break the remaining ramen noodles and sprinkle them on top of the salad for that extra crunchy finish. If you want, garnish with some extra green onions for a lovely pop of fresh green color and mild bite.

Step 5: You can serve this salad immediately or prepare it about 15 minutes ahead of time to allow the vegetables to soak up the dressing’s delicious tanginess. Either way, it’s best enjoyed fresh and crisp.

Servings and Timing

This Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe serves about 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. The preparation time is roughly 10 minutes with no cooking involved, so it’s extremely quick from start to finish. There is no actual cook time since everything is raw and tossed fresh, but you might want to allow 15 minutes resting time for the salad to soak up the dressing before serving if you have the time. All in all, from start to plated, you’re looking at about 25 minutes max including resting.

How to Serve This Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer shows green shredded vegetables mixed with small white pieces and thin orange strips. Above that, there are more green vegetables, small light brown seed-like pieces, and thin white noodle-like shapes. Scattered on top are sliced light brown nuts, small green chopped herbs, and tiny purple flower petals. Two wooden salad spoons rest inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe, I like to think of it as the perfect crunchy, tangy counterpoint to richer or grilled dishes. It pairs beautifully with barbecue chicken, grilled salmon, or even as a side to Asian-style meals like teriyaki or sweet chili glazed dishes. The fresh crunch and bright flavors balance heavier mains really well, giving your meal a refreshing contrast that your palate will thank you for.

For presentation, I often pile the salad high in a wide, shallow bowl so the colors and textures can shine. A sprinkle of extra toasted almonds or green onions on top adds a vibrant finishing touch. I also love to serve it chilled or at room temperature; it’s so refreshing on a warm day but still works well year-round as a crisp salad.

As for drinks, I find this slaw pairs excellently with both light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. For cocktails, something citrusy like a ginger-lime mojito or even a sparkling Asian pear cocktail complements the flavors beautifully. Non-alcoholic? Try iced green tea with a squeeze of lemon or a sparkling cucumber water for a refreshing match. This salad is so versatile in how it fits nicely into casual meals, family dinners, holiday spreads, or party potlucks.

Variations

I love how flexible this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe can be. You can easily swap the coleslaw mix with just shredded green cabbage or mix in shredded carrots for a pop of color and sweetness. If you want to boost the protein, adding shredded cooked chicken or crispy tofu cubes can turn this into a light main dish. For a gluten-free version, simply make sure to choose gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute with crispy rice noodles or fried wonton strips.

For those keeping it vegan, just skip the chicken-flavored ramen and opt for plain or veggie-flavored ramen, or try crispy fried garlic chips for added crunch. I sometimes like to amp up the dressing by adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil or some freshly grated ginger for a bolder flavor. If you prefer a tangier kick, a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili flakes can add excitement without overwhelming the classic balance.

For even more textural delight, you could lightly toast the ramen noodles yourself in a dry pan before adding, which adds a lovely warmth and deeper flavor to the salad. The beauty of this recipe is how small tweaks can make it feel brand new each time while keeping its signature irresistible crunch and zest.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

This Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend storing the salad without the ramen noodles on top so they stay crisp longer—add those fresh when you’re ready to serve leftovers. The salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days stored this way, though I find it’s best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crunch and flavor.

Freezing

I do not recommend freezing this coleslaw because the fresh vegetables and crunchy nuts lose their texture after thawing, and the dressing could separate or become watery. The ramen noodles would also become soggy. For the best experience, enjoy this salad fresh or store leftovers for short-term refrigeration only.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to revive the crunch after refrigeration, simply give it a gentle toss and add fresh broken ramen noodles on top to bring back that satisfying texture. Avoid microwaving or warming as it will soften the crisp vegetables and nuts, losing the salad’s signature appeal.

FAQs

Can I make the Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad base a few hours before serving and refrigerate it. Just keep the ramen noodles separate until right before serving to maintain their crunch. Adding the dressing 10-15 minutes ahead will let the veggies soak up the flavors nicely.

What can I use instead of ramen noodles for the crunch?

If you’d like an alternative, try crunchy fried wonton strips, crispy rice noodles, or even toasted chow mein noodles. Toasted nuts and seeds also help keep the texture interesting if you want to skip noodles altogether.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not as written, because standard ramen noodles contain gluten. You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free ramen or substituting with gluten-free crispy noodles or adding extra nuts and seeds.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, or tofu cubes make great additions for a more substantial meal. Just toss in your preferred protein before dressing the salad.

How spicy is this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe?

As written, the salad is not spicy—it focuses on tangy, sweet, and nutty flavors. However, if you like a little heat, feel free to add chili flakes, a dash of sriracha in the dressing, or spicy roasted peanuts for a subtle kick.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Oriental (Asian) Coleslaw Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that never fails to brighten any meal with its fresh textures and flavorful punch. It’s quick to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for both everyday lunches and special gatherings. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes your new favorite salad and all the ways you’ll make it your own!