High-Protein Asian Cabbage Slaw
Crunchy cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and peanuts in a sesame dressing — ready in 15 minutes
This high-protein Asian cabbage slaw piles green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrot, and cucumber, then tosses them with peanuts and a sugar-free sesame-soy dressing. The plate in the photo is the finished mound; the bowl is the mix before tossing. Each serving has 8 g of protein and 7 g net carbs.
Low carb, sugar-free, and no mayo slaw.
Why you’ll love this slaw
- 8g protein per bowl
- Only 7g net carbs
- No cooking
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Peanuts and sesame
- Stays crunchy in the fridge
Health notes
- Protein from nuts: Peanuts and sesame seeds, not meat.
- Low carb: Cabbage instead of noodle salad.
- Sugar-free dressing: Monk fruit instead of honey.
- Fiber: Two colors of cabbage plus carrot.
Key element — dress just before serving
Salted cabbage weeps. Toss the dressing through at the table so the pile stays tall like the photo.
Ingredients
Slaw (6 servings)
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- ¾ cup roasted peanuts
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar-free peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tsp monk fruit or allulose
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp chili flakes
Swaps
- Edamame: Add 1 cup for extra protein.
- Chicken: Toss in 2 cups shredded chicken to raise protein.
- Almonds: Use instead of peanuts.
- No peanut butter: Use extra sesame oil.
Instructions
| 1 | Slice the veg. Shred both cabbages and the carrot. Slice cucumber thin. Add green onion. |
| 2 | Shake the dressing. Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, peanut butter, sweetener, garlic, ginger, and chili until smooth. |
| 3 | Build the bowl. Pile cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and peanuts in a large bowl like the photo. |
| 4 | Toss and serve. Pour the dressing over and toss. Finish with sesame seeds. Eat right away for the tall crunchy mound. |
Pro tips
- Keep a few peanuts whole so they show in the bowl.
- Pat cucumber dry so the slaw does not water down.
- Taste the dressing before tossing — soy brands vary in salt.
- If making ahead, store dressing separate from the veg.
- Macros are per serving, 6 from this bowl.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Net carbohydrates | 7g |
| Total carbohydrates | 11g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Total fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Estimates based on cabbage, carrot, cucumber, peanuts, sesame, and sugar-free soy-sesame dressing, divided into 6 servings. Exact numbers vary with peanut amount.
Variations
Spicy
Add a spoon of sugar-free chili crisp.
Lime
Swap half the vinegar for lime juice.
Herb
Toss in cilantro or mint.
Meal bowl
Serve under grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Dressing separate if possible |
| Dressed slaw | 1 day | It softens after the toss |
| Peanuts | Add before serving | They stay crunchy that way |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this Asian cabbage slaw
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. What adds most of the protein?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Why dress the slaw last?
