Asian slaw with lime and chili
This Asian-inspired slaw is crisp and colorful, and takes very little effort to throw together. It’s packed with crunchy vegetables and fresh flavors — the kind of light and nourishing salad that you feel like making when the weather starts to get warmer.
We love the slightly peppery flavor and satisfying crunch of bean sprouts, and they make a welcome change from the usual cabbage in traditional slaws (plus they require absolutely no chopping). Snow peas are another favorite veggie of ours, not only because they’re so sweet and delicious to munch on raw, but they’re also super easy to prep. The yellow pepper and orange carrot are bright and vibrant, and the scallion and cilantro add a burst of fresh flavor.
The dressing is a delightfully different change from mayo-based slaws. It has a hint of heat from the chili, a zesty sourness from the lime, and saltiness from the fish sauce. The small amount of oil adds an unctuous mouth-feel and the sugar, salt and garlic bring all the flavors together.
This slaw is wonderful served alongside pan-seared or grilled fish, seafood or chicken, and makes an attractive, delicious and nutrient-rich addition to any Asian-inspired meal. You can also turn it into a more substantial salad by adding some cooked chicken or shrimp. Or, combine the slaw with canned salmon or tuna as a filling for an Asian-style sandwich or wrap.
Sometimes we also like to add an extra bit of crunch and a nutty note by throwing in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts, cashews or toasted sesame seeds.
1 carrot — peeled and grated
½ yellow pepper — cut into thin strips
1 scallion — thinly sliced on the diagonal
12 snow peas — trimmed and halved on the diagonal
A handful of cilantro (fresh coriander) leaves
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1½ tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons peanut or canola oil
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon dried chili flakes
½ teaspoon superfine (caster) sugar
½ garlic clove — minced
¼ teaspoon salt
Variations: You can turn this slaw into a more substantial salad by adding some cooked chicken or shrimp. Sometimes we also like to add an extra bit of crunch and a nutty note by throwing in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts, cashews or toasted sesame seeds.
Serving ideas: This slaw is wonderful served alongside pan-seared or grilled fish, seafood or chicken, and makes an attractive, delicious and nutrient-rich addition to any Asian-inspired meal. Or, combine the slaw with canned salmon or tuna as a filling for an Asian-style sandwich or wrap.
