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Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno Recipe

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!
Two photo collage for Pinterest of different angles of A wooden bowl heaped with Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw dotted with cucumbers and jalapenos. The title \"Thai Basil Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeno\" runs between them.

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

Recipe Rating




Vidya Narayan

Tuesday 12th of September 2017

Fresh flavors & ideal for the scorching heat in Mumbai.

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 13th of September 2017

Thank you, Vidya. It is really a fresh tasting salad!

ZazaCook

Tuesday 8th of August 2017

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

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 9th of August 2017

Thank you! We have a great time every time we go there.

Pamela (BrooklynFarmGirl)

Friday 28th of July 2017

Great recipe. I'm in love with all the freshness happening here :)

Julie Menghini

Monday 31st of July 2017

Thank you so much, Pamela!

Misbah Mirza

Friday 28th of July 2017

"slaw"

Misbah Mirza

Friday 28th of July 2017

Live this slag and Love your beautiful pics

Julie Menghini

Saturday 29th of July 2017

Thank you, Misbah!

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