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.
Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno recipe has something for everyone unless you’re looking for fat and calories. It’s not there!
For the last 3 years, John and I have joined with two other couples for a long weekend at Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, MO. We share a condo and rent a boat so we can enjoy the lake and jump in when we get hot. One thing 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. We found a couple we liked but more that we didn’t. So on the last night together we decided to grill steaks and to buy our sides at a local grocery store. When I say we, I don’t mean us girls. The guys took care of everything including grocery shopping. They did an amazing job and what I loved about it is in addition to buying what we requested, they came back with this slaw.
I couldn’t get enough of it and knew I had to recreate it before it was just a memory. However, by the time I was finished, I had something totally different. I made this slaw two separate ways. 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. 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.
This video shows you how I did it!
Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!
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.
- 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
- 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
For green slaw recipe don't include purple cabbage, onion and add only 1 jalapeno. The dressing volume doesn't change.
The slaw that I’d had didn’t have the Asian kick that this Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw does. I’ve never used Thai basil before but found a beautiful bundle that I couldn’t resist. It put a twist on this slaw that we just loved, and I paired the recipe to match. 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 pot luck or picnic!
If you’re looking for a couple more salad ideas, here are a couple of my favorites!
Soba Noodle Salad
Asian Cabbage Slaw
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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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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!
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.
This is wonderful. I love the oj in the dressing! A nice citrusy twist!
Thank you Mimi! It was lite and flavorful too.
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.
Thank you so much, Michele! I think as foodies we’re always creating or thinking of what we would create too.
Wonderful summer food, add some shredded chicken and call it a meal.
Thank you, Liz! That would be an amazing meal.
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 🙂
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.
Absolutely in love with this salad
Thank you Sonal! We really loved it and ate on it all week long.
This sounds awesome! It’s the perfect summer side–crunchy and refreshing! Love it!
Thank you Kelsie! I love that it is cool on these hot days!
A delicious summer treat!
Thank you s much, Sumith! It truly is!
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.
Thank you Loretta! We really enjoyed this salad and I like the purple cabbage combo too.
Wow! Slaw with a kick!
Thank you Lynn! Definitely a nice kick to this one!
Sounds delicious! Definitely my kind of flavors.
Thank you Caroline! We loved it.
This slaw looks wonderful. Delicious!
Thank you Christine!
This is something I would really love to add to my salad repertoire! The dressing sounds absolutely wonderful, Julie
Thank you so much, Hadia! You’re so sweet.
Live this slag and Love your beautiful pics
Thank you, Misbah!
“slaw”
Great recipe.
I’m in love with all the freshness happening here 🙂
Thank you so much, Pamela!
I have many good memories of the lake of the Ozarks! I love Missouri! Your salad looks so delicious, Julie:)
Thank you! We have a great time every time we go there.
Fresh flavors & ideal for the scorching heat in Mumbai.
Thank you, Vidya. It is really a fresh tasting salad!