Name: Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (just peanuts or peanuts + salt); 1/3 cup lite coconut milk; 2 Tablespoons gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos (or soy sauce if not gluten-free); 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1-2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (or rice vinegar); 3 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix); 3 cups shredded purple/red cabbage; 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, julienned (sliced thinly into matchsticks); 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4-1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup chopped peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crave-worthy salad that brightens your meal and satisfies your taste buds, the Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly balances crunchy fresh veggies with a luscious, nutty dressing that feels indulgent yet wholesome. This slaw is not only colorful and packed with texture but also incredibly easy to make—making it an ideal go-to for quick dinners, potlucks, or as a refreshing side that complements so many dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each with different fresh vegetable ingredients. The top center bowl contains thin, long strips of bright purple cabbage with a crisp texture. To the left is a bowl filled with finely shredded pale green cabbage. The middle bowl holds bright red sliced bell peppers, cut into thick strips. Below that, a white bowl contains fresh green chopped scallions with a mix of light and dark green parts. On the bottom left is a clear bowl filled with thin orange carrot shreds. On the right side, a white bowl is filled with roughly chopped beige peanuts. The bowls are neatly spaced with clear visibility of each ingredient, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy peanut butter that brings richness to the crunchy cabbage for satisfying bite, these simple components come together beautifully to make the Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe shine.

Natural creamy peanut butter: Use one with only peanuts or peanuts and salt for the creamiest, most natural peanut flavor.
Lite coconut milk: Adds a subtle creaminess without overpowering, keeping the dressing light.
Gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos: Provides the perfect salty depth—use tamari if you want a richer soy taste or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter option.
Pure maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing savory and tangy notes.
Fresh lime juice (or rice vinegar): Adds that essential zingy brightness to awaken the whole salad.
Green cabbage: Offers crunch and a mild flavor that pairs well with the dressing.
Purple/red cabbage: Injects beautiful color and a slightly earthier bite.
Shredded carrots: Bring sweetness and vibrant orange hues for visual appeal.
Red bell pepper: Julienne into matchsticks for crispness and a touch of fruity flavor.
Green onions: Slice for a gentle onion kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Chopped cilantro: Freshens the slaw with an herbaceous lift.
Chopped peanuts: Add crunch and reinforce the peanut flavor in the dressing.

How to Make Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Start By Making The Peanut Dressing

Begin by whisking together the creamy peanut butter, lite coconut milk, gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, pure maple syrup, and fresh lime juice. The dressing should be smooth and luscious, with a balance of sweet, tangy, salty, and nutty flavors. Using an immersion blender or regular blender makes this mix perfectly creamy and light.

Step 2: Next, Build Your Slaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrots, julienned red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped peanuts. This blend of colorful, crunchy vegetables will form the delicious base of the Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe.

Step 3: Drizzle With Dressing and Toss

Pour about half of the peanut dressing over the slaw ingredients and toss everything together until all the vegetables are coated evenly. Let the slaw sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer a richer taste, add more dressing to suit your liking before serving.

Step 4: Garnish and Finish

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or even sesame seeds on top for added texture and punch. This final touch adds a lovely finishing detail that enhances the overall eating experience.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has different layers: shredded purple cabbage and light green cabbage at the bottom, thin orange carrot strips next, followed by bright red bell pepper slices. On top, there are chopped green onions and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered around. Light brown peanuts add texture, and a drizzle of creamy light tan dressing covers parts of the salad. A fork rests inside the bowl on the left side, and a small jar of the dressing stands to the right of the bowl. A white cloth is casually placed near the bowl’s bottom left edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh chopped peanuts and cilantro as garnishes not only adds wonderful crunch but also elevates the fresh, nutty flavors. Toasted sesame seeds can also add an extra layer of nuttiness and a subtle crunch that is simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This slaw pairs beautifully alongside grilled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite vegan protein for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic side for barbecue dishes or as a refreshing salad alongside spicy curries or stir-fries.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe in vibrant bowls or mason jars for a perfect picnic or potluck presentation. You can also stuff it into lettuce cups or serve it as a crunchy taco topping for a fun fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but the veggies will remain crisp if eaten within this timeframe.

Freezing

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the raw vegetables will change and become soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this dish is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not recommended. Simply give it a fresh toss before serving if it has been refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can, but creamy peanut butter blends more easily into the dressing, giving it a smoother texture that coats the slaw better.

Is this recipe nut-free if I want to avoid peanuts?

Unfortunately, peanuts are central to both the slaw and the dressing. However, you could experiment with sunflower seed butter and seeds as a nut-free alternative, keeping in mind the flavor will differ.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The peanut dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.

What if I don’t have fresh lime juice?

If fresh lime isn’t an option, rice vinegar is a great substitute that still adds brightness and mild acidity to the dressing.

How spicy is this slaw?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it friendly to all palates. To add heat, consider tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels both nourishing and indulgent, packed full of fresh flavors and textures. Whether you serve it as a main event salad or a side for your next meal, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Thai Peanut Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe