Easy Napa Cabbage Slaw Recipe

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This napa cabbage slaw recipe is the coleslaw you’ll make ALL summer long! My easy napa slaw is the perfect side for summer cookouts, grilled dinners, or a lighter side to a heavier meal. Napa cabbage coleslaw takes just 15 minutes to make and 8 easy ingredients and you probably have most of them already!

This napa slaw salad is a recipe that’s been a summer staple for SO LONG. I grew up eating this salad (it’s inspired by a super old one from a newspaper clipping!) and while it’s an old one, it still manages to taste fresh, light, and modern. Serve this napa cabbage slaw recipe with smoked or bbq meats for the ultimate summer meal.

If napa slaw is new to you, I’ll show you how to buy it, how to slice napa cabbage, and how to whip up the best coleslaw made with napa cabbage!

What Is Napa Slaw?

This napa slaw salad recipe is simply a vinaigrette-based coleslaw made with napa cabbage instead of traditional green cabbage.

Napa napa cabbage is kind of a cross between regular, green cabbage and lettuce, with a great crunchy texture! It’s less dense than cabbage, but still holds up to dressing well and adds great crunch to so many meals.

How To Make Napa Cabbage Slaw Recipe

This crunchy napa cabbage slaw is so easy to make and requires just 8 ingredients and about 10-15 minutes of prep.

• Prep napa cabbage. Wash and thinly slice napa cabbage. Layer in serving bowl with thinly sliced onions and blue cheese crumbles and chill.
• Make napa cabbage slaw dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until emulsified.

TIP: I like to make the napa salad dressing in a jar – no whisk required and perfect storage.

• Assemble napa cabbage coleslaw. Toss together the napa cabbage and dressing. Top with freshly cracked pepper if desired.

How To Cut Napa Cabbage for Slaw

Don’t worry, it’s easy too cut napa cabbage for slaw. Simply hold the middle or bottom of the napa cabbage with one hand, and use a knife to slice with the other.

How To Store Extra Napa Cabbage Coleslaw

Even though this is a coleslaw, in terms of storage, think more like salad! It’s best fresh as the napa cabbage will wilt.

However, if you want to prep the napa cabbage slaw recipe in advance, you can easily do so. Layer the napa cabbage, onions, and blue cheese in a serving bowl and store in the fridge. Make dressing and store at room temperature if using it within the day. Toss together 5-10 minutes before serving.

Napa Slaw Substitutes

This napa cabbage slaw recipe is pretty forgiving, so if you’re missing an ingredient or need to make a swap, here are few ideas:

• Napa Cabbage – This is obviously the star of napa cabbage coleslaw recipe, but if you can’t get it, try using savoy cabbage, it’s a little denser, but very similar.
• Celery Seeds – This ingredient gives the napa cabbage slaw dressing a distinct flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can use celery salt 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt and omit the salt in the dressing. Add more salt to taste if necessary.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Anything with a sweeter flavor, like a white balsamic or white wine vinegar will work here.

More Simple Salad Recipes:

• Summer Quinoa Salad – There’s a reason that this one has been pinned over 23,000+ times! This cold quinoa salad features the best summer produce and flavors.
• Simple Green Salad – A great go-to side salad for just about anything.
• Garbanzo Bean Salad – 10 minutes and perfect for a light lunch or dinner side.
• Quinoa Arugula Salad – Another great option that’s loaded with plant-based protein. Make ahead/meal prep option!

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