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Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno Recipe

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Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno recipe is full of flavors and texture. It’s herby, crunchy, slightly sweet with a subtle kick of heat.

Top view of two wooden bowls heaped with Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw dotted with cucumbers sitting on a white napkin. Chopsticks and that basil sit off to the side.


Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno recipe has something for everyone unless you’re looking for fat and calories. It’s not there!

A wooden bowl heaped with Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw dotted with cucumbers and jalapenos.

Not long ago, we joined friends for a weekend get-away. When we getaway, we don’t do is a lot of cooking or anything that may resemble work!

Like a lot of tourist areas, restaurant-quality is very hit or miss. However, we had a meal that I just knew was going to have me playing mad scientist in the kitchen as soon as I got back home.

Angle view of two wooden bowls heaped with Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw dotted with cucumbers and jalapenos sitting on a white napkin. Chopsticks and that basil sit off to the side.

We had a slaw with one of our meals that came almost as an after thought. However, it was so fresh and flavorful with a kick that we wouldn’t soon forget.

By the time our experiment was over, however, we had something totally different.

We made this slaw two separate ways.

  1. In the first version, I used all green cabbage. If you’ve made slaws you know that they reduce in volume after they are allowed to sit for a bit.
  2. In the second version, I added purple cabbage, red onion, and another jalapeno. They were both delicious and you can choose your favorite. Since John loves a good kick he liked the second version.

They were equally delicious in my opinion.

Since John loves a good kick he liked the second version.

A close up of a bowl of Thai Basil Cabbage slaw with purple cabbage and carrot sticks.
Thai Basil Salad with Purple Cabbage

What is Thai Basil?

When a recipe calls for Basil, it’s generally referring to sweet basil. Thai Basil has a licorice flavor that works beautifully in Asian Salad Recipes. It’s also a very pretty herb with greens and tints of purple.

Thai Basil is readily available in most Asian markets and I’ve found the plants easy to grow.

We used Thai Basil in our Thai Basil Chicken recipe. It’s over-the-top delicious!

Bowl filled with Thai Basil Chicken Noodle recipe and garnished with Thai Basil. A set of chop sticks sit behind the bowl.

Entries to serve Thai Basil Salad with

This dish would be a great addition to a great burger or your favorite Asian dish.

Since I didn’t use any dairy, this dish is perfect for a make-and-take since it can sit out for your potluck or picnic!

If you liked this recipe you may enjoy these Asian Salad Recipes too

A wooden bowl heaped with Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw dotted with cucumbers and jalapenos. A second bowl sits to the back and Thai basil sits next to it.

Have you ever eaten something that you just had to recreate? Please share in the comments below.

If you like this recipe, we would appreciate your comment and a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!

A wooden bowl heaped with Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw dotted with cucumbers and jalapenos.

Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw With Jalapeno Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno recipe is full of flavors and texture.  It’s herby, crunchy, slightly sweet with a subtle kick of heat.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side
Cuisine American, Asian
Keyword: Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw Jalapeno
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients
  

Slaw

  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 14 oz bag of classic slaw mix
  • 14 oz bag of shredded purple cabbage
  • 2 jalapeno diced finely (use one if you don’t like heat)
  • 1/4 cup thai basil chiffonade
  • 1 red onion diced
  • 3/4 cup cilantro chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • 2/3 cup orange juice I like fresh squeezed – not from concentrate
  • 1 lime juiced and zested
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt kosher
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the salad ingredients.
  • Mix dressing ingredients together. Dress the salad ingredient and stir until just combined. I apply just enough to coat the salad but not to drench it.

Video

Notes

For a green slaw recipe don’t include purple cabbage, onion, and add only 1 jalapeno.  The dressing volume doesn’t change.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 225mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 555IUVitamin C: 46mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.7mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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We love to travel. Where is your favorite place to go to decompress and to just have a great time?

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5 from 2 votes

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35 Comments

  1. I have many good memories of the lake of the Ozarks! I love Missouri! Your salad looks so delicious, Julie:)

  2. This is something I would really love to add to my salad repertoire! The dressing sounds absolutely wonderful, Julie

  3. What fresh, delicious and crispy flavors in this slaw Julie. Will definitely try the dressing too, the addition of citrus flavors, definitely adds a zing to it! The purple adds such a gorgeous splash of color.

  4. This sounds awesome! It’s the perfect summer side–crunchy and refreshing! Love it!

  5. I love all kinds of slaw and I frequently have some version as a side with something grilled or maybe by itself for lunch. This recipe looks really tasty, especially the dressing. Thumbs up for 2 jalapenos! I have lots of regular basil but no Thai this year – I do miss having it for other recipes too 🙂

    1. Thank you, Judi! I had never used Thai Basil before and can’t believe how different it is from sweet basil. I’ll definitely be using it again and love that it’s only 92 calories a serving.

  6. One of the best things about travel is that we often discover something new. Julie, this beautiful slaw sounds absolutely wonderful! I’ve Pinned it to two different boards and can’t wait to try it.

    1. Thank you so much, Michele! I think as foodies we’re always creating or thinking of what we would create too.

  7. Love fresh Thai Basil. Your salad looks so crispy and delicious and perfect pairing with fish or meats. Are you growing your own Thai Basil? You most certainly will have to make GAI PAD KRAPOW, one of our favorites! Sharing, of course!

    1. Thank you so much Bobbi! I will definitely check out some Gai Pad Krapow. I’ve got some left and need recipes to use it.